Brandi’s Blog
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TtCtW Ch. 7–Classroom Management
When we discussed this topic on Thursday, I had to really take some time to think about it before I blogged my thoughts. I tend to agree with Teresa, Caren, and several others who mentioned positive discipline and Love and Logic. I always seemed to use positive reinforcement tactics in my classroom since the beginning of my career with great success. However, I feel that no amount of positive reinforcement can work if a child is bored–as Jacqueline mentioned. One of the things I told my student teacher when she arrived and we began planning is “if the you’re bored, the students are more than likely bored”. This is a philosophy I developed in my first year of teaching. The things the grade level did my first year of teaching were boring without any change or refreshing ideas. I was new to the profession and it was hard for me to “go against the grain” so to speak but every day seemed the same. I felt like Bill Murray in the movie Groundhog Day. I was bored out of my mind and I vowed never to teach that way again. The next year and every year since I try and do something new. I also create a tentative schedule at the beginning of the year and alter it as needed based on my class and their needs. For example, last year’s class learned better in a whole group situation where they could interact with all of their peers more frequently. This year’s class is completely different. With so many ELL students in my classroom, small group learning fits them best. I honestly can say that I haven’t had many major behavior problems as long as I keep the students actively engaged at all times. This is EXTREMELY hard for me with kindergarten children, but I spend all day constantly moving and engaging the students. I think that yes, as Cindy said the students should behavior appropriately because those are the expectations you set up from day one. But I still feel that if you reward the positive behavior, not all the time but some of the time, it creates a goal for the students worth working towards. I mean who doesn’t like working for a reward even if the expectation is there. For example, the expectation for me (made by my husband) is that I am supposed to complete this Ed.S program with good grades and a lot of knowledge that I can take back and apply in my classroom…but I sure am looking forward to the reward awaiting me in June if and when I’m finished (7-Day Cruise)!
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As I read your blog I was trying to think of times I’ve been bored in my classroom. The days go by so fast and their is so much to do. Yes, their have been times I wasn’t necessarily bored but I could look out over the class and said to myself, a couple of them looked bored. I agree, if I am they certainly are, but I’m not sure I can keep all of them interested every minute. Something to aspire to I’m sure. And I agree that it is good to have rewards. The part I hate to see is the students who are getting rewards because they decided to have a good day, when the students who are good all the time get nothing. That drives me crazy. I don’t do that, but I’ve seen it done. I like to reward the class as a whole, as the Positive Discipline system of behavior says, giving popcorn and a movie on a Friday for example. And hey, what’s with the “if and when I’m finished”. Of course you’ll finish with all of us come June! Enjoy the cruise!
I think you’re both right! If I’m not excited about teaching something, how can I expect my students to be engaged? Yet, I can’t say ALL of my students are engaged 100% of the time. There are some things that I have to teach because they are standards, and there is nothing exciting about them! I’ve found that a balance of hands-on activities that accompany predictable routines and expectations make for happy second graders! (and their teacher) I also try to reward my class for working together or using kind words and not always single out individual efforts. Brandi, you were so right when you said what works for one class doesn’t necessarily work for another…we need to get to know our students and find out what motivates them…if we can tap into that resource, there might not be a need for tangible reinforcers???
Good for you Brandi! I like how you trusted your own instincts and adjusted your schedule according to what you felt was best for your students. I can completely understand not wanting to “make waves” as a newbie! Classroom management is one of those things that will change according to the dynamics of each individual teacher’s classroom. Love and Logic fit my personality and it worked with my group of students. Along with it, I maintained a behavior chart where students could chart their daily behavior. I also had Lunch Bunch monthly where students could earn lunch with me. Some students need external motivation while others (like me growing up) want to “do the right thing” and not disappoint the teacher. Keeping your students engaged all day is probably difficult to manage but if they are engaged in activities that are of interest to them, it will be far more successful. Some things they may like more than others. It would be nice if we could teach only the fun stuff, but we must teach the standards. Like you, I am also looking forward to my reward when we finish our program….a $7000 raise!!!!(whoo-hoo!)
