The link to "TO LEARN HOW TO DEVELOP A CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT SYSTEM" does not seem to be working. Can you provide a new link? Thanks so much for your excellent advice! I very much appreciate it.
Hi, I will definitely consider this topic. There are multiple things to consider such as admin support/input and parent support/input, but let's see. I enjoy a challenge ;)
I'm about to start teaching 8th grade ELA at a Title 1 school. Nearly all of the students are below the poverty line, many are ELL, they are reading at a fifth grade level on average, many have behavioral problems, and many already work outside of school/miss school to support their family. One of my students is being severely bullied by her classmates because she is pregnant. To make it all worse, they have not had a teacher for the two months they've been in school already. They've had a long-term sub who has not finished her degree and is not completing it in education or English! She's told me herself she's just going through the motions at this point because she did not expect to be subbing for so long. My only teaching experience is with young elementary schoolers. I taught online summer writing courses. I'm fresh out of college as of this year. I've been binging your videos, and they are very reassuring. I'm happy to see that you're still uploading regularly! That being said, do you have any advice for teaching at a school like the one I will soon be at, especially after the kids have not had structure all year? I've met the kids, and they seem relieved that they will have a teacher for the rest of the year soon. They even seem excited to get to know me. Unfortunately, now they're even further behind than they already were at the beginning of the year...
Hi there, I went through something similar when I started teaching a high school class (mainly 9th graders)in the middle of the school year. They also had behavior and academic problems. I can only give you a few strategies in this space. If you are interested I do provide teacher consultations that are reasonably priced and we can come up with a plan together. For more details: www.feedtheirneeds.com/consultations First, step up a CLASSROOM management system that allows students to earn something (points, time, etc) for positive behaviors. Target the top 3-5 you need to have a smooth running class. Introduce the system the students and invite them to suggest the rewards or reinforcers. ( I used activities and choice time mainly). If you can add whole class reinforcers/rewards as well. Second, have scheduled class meetings to review rules, expectations, situations and behaviors. Provide feedback on what they did well and what they need to work on. Allow students to lead meetings at times ( if ready and able). Also intro concepts like leadership, success, responsibility, etc Third, include variety in the academics, meaning not just written work. For example, let them do work from computer, group discussion activities, portfolio activities. Try to find high interest topics that allow them to work on their basics. Music, food, sports and fashion have worked well for me. You can do student surveys as well. Variety and high interest can be very motivational when it come to academic assignments, especially for those who are academically behind. Hope you find this helpful. Rooting for you :)
