Comments on: TtCtW Ch. 7–Classroom Management

By: sweethonesty

sweethonesty — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 19:07:14 +0000

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!)

By: dawntaylor05

dawntaylor05 — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 03:31:23 +0000

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???

By: Cindy

Cindy — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 01:23:12 +0000

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!