Posts Tagged ‘behavior management’
The "I'm Done!" Conundrum
From the desk of Leigh Ann . . . Has this ever happened to you? Your class is in the zone. Everyone is settled, engaged, and working in their literacy stations. You are making headway with a guided reading group, and you hear those two dreaded words that are like fingernails on the chalkboard –…
Read MoreTeaching Independence
For sure one of the hardest parts of guided reading is the classroom management piece. After all you are giving a small group your undivided attention while the rest of the class is working at stations independently. That’s quite a bit going on in a small space with lots of people! However, you’ve marched on…
Read MoreQuick and Smooth Transitions Within the Classroom
Transitions in the classroom can be difficult for both students and teachers. Sometimes students don’t want to leave what they’re doing or don’t know they are supposed to stop and a mad dash results when they realize the time for the activity is over. For teachers transitions can be a time of chaos, shouting, and…
Read MoreThe Secret Strategy
The beginning of the year can be a hectic and stressful time for teachers. There are many, many things that must happen outside the classroom and instructional day. There are also lesson plans, students and resources to manage. This juggling act continues all year, but during the first few months of school, it can seem…
Read MoreIndependent Learners, Part II
From the desk of Carol C. . . Last week we looked at some of the characteristics of independent learners. This week let’s focus on how educators can help children become independent learners. If independent learners are risk takers, how do we help our students take more risks? Once we’re sure our students understand what…
Read MoreModeling Responsible Behavior
From the desk of Leigh Ann . . . “The greatest gifts you can give your children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence.” – Denis Waitley We can scold, plead, and beg for responsible behavior, but the truth is, if we don’t demonstrate it each day, our students won’t either. Children…
Read MoreGreat Expectations
From the desk of Leigh Ann . . . I watched a master teacher at work on the soccer field the other day. As a great debate ensued over the fairness of game rules, she quietly walked over to mediate. She asked the children to explain what was going on and quickly realized that not…
Read MoreContext Matters
From the desk of Alice… Somewhere along the way I read about research that showed people can dramatically change their actions based on context. I think the particular study I was reading about had to do with prisons and I came across another one that looked at the influence your highschool friends have on your…
Read MoreOwning Behavior
From the desk of Keela… I have a big job to continue to do to the next 150 some days of school. The best gift I can give my students is teaching them how to think critically. And not only in areas like math, science, and language arts, but also when it comes to discipline. …
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