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A quick run down of my students: One student has a new baby sister at home, and this child is past exhaustion. Another has a very short attention span. One will talk to anyone who will listen. The fourth one stands and jumps if the lesson doesn't move fast enough.
The first day back was crazy. I felt like I was herding cats. I counted to five more than once. We finally accomplished a few things, and I returned them to class.
Is it the kids' fault? Nope. It's all mine.
A quick run down of my students: They are all eager to learn. They all need structure. They are all special little people who think coming to my room is the equivalent of a field trip to their favorite place.
On Wednesday, I cleared my head and started with expectations. I put name tags on the table to mix up their seating. I pulled out my color cards (green, yellow, orange, red) to remind them to stay on task and stay on green. I put a big stack of positive behavior coupons right on the table.
When I raised my expectations and gave them a solid routine, these cherubs rose to the occasion.
We've had two great days.
So much of teaching is setting routines, and setting up students to be successful.
From first grade all the way through high school, your post rings true. I work with 15 and 16 year olds, and it is really not all that different. The better established my routines, the better my students know what is expected of them, and they rise to the occassion. So much of teaching is consistency. This is something that I learned when I first started teaching, and I learned it being in the classroom.
ReplyDeleteYes, yes, yes...big people, little people...we are all the same. We crave routine, but we do want it to be "all shook up" from time to time as well! Yay you for stepping back and looking at their strengths and adjusting your expectations. I swear these kids are chameleons...they will blend in where we put them...low expectations, low outcome...high expectations, high outcome!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing!
Trish
I had to laugh about Jen's comment - that's true - all kids need those clear expectations and routines. I love your positive outlook - those are lucky 1st graders to have you love them and teach them!
ReplyDelete