The TOP 10 Things I Couldn't Teach Without |
| Posted by Administrator (benny) on Jun 25 2008 |
Over the years, I have learned to do without certain things as a teacher. For example, I used to pile my teacher desk high with notes, copies, etc. but now I have gotten rid of the desk. However, there are a few things I could not live without. Here I list the top 10 in order from least important up to the number 1 most important thing. (Yes, I know, some of these things aren't really "things.") These were VERY difficult to prioritize because I cannot imagine teaching without any of these.
Honorable Mention Student Pictures: This may sound a little odd at first. I take close up pictures of my students when they first arrive. I print two 2" X 3" copies of each student. One copy gets tacked on the level chart (see number 7) and the other goes on my white board. The pictures on the white board are attached using magnetic sticky strips. I use these pictures to quickly form cooperative groups. It's so simple to put kids with the partner(s) you desire. And it's quick for the students to see themselves and move to the desired location. Top 10 10 - Redo's: The typical elementary aged student is not motivated by grades. Their chief motivation is work avoidance. If the teacher accepts his work, the student is satisfied. My chief concern is learning. I want to know that all of my students learn everything that I teach. Therefore, I return all unsatisfactory assignments to students each day. No one is allowed to begin the new math assignment until the previous day's redo's are completed. This really raises the bar for excellence in my classroom. 9 - Class Leader: Each week a student is elected by the class to play the role of student leader the following week. Only those students who are on level 4 qualify (see number 7.) The class leader basically performs the tasks of a student teacher (college student.) You have got to see it to believe it! My student leaders run class discussions by calling on students and making decisions for grouping, etc. The class leader dismisses students, follows up on lost recesses, and more. ANYTHING a student can do and you do it for them robs them of an opportunity to learn. I am working on a video and article on student leaders so check back! 8 - Music: When my students work independently, we play instrumental music in the classroom. This adds a soothing effect and the students really enjoy the atmosphere. Also, we sing to help remember easily forgotten concepts. The kids love to sing, even the "cool" ones, though they wouldn't admit it at first. The classroom comes alive when we sing. You can use the same songs as I use with my kids by printing off the lyrics or ordering the CD. This "thing" really belongs higher on my list but I can't figure out which thing to bump down. 7 - Levels: In my class, students achieve a weekly level by doing homework and following class rules. The higher your level, the greater your privileges in class. Level 4 is for students who do every bit of every homework assignment and who do not get caught breaking a single rule all week. Level 3 is for students who mess up on homework completion one night and/or who get caught one time breaking a rule. Level 2 is for students who mess up on homework completion one night and/or who get caught 4 or less times breaking class rules. Level 1 is for students who mess up on homework completion more than one night and/or who get caught more than 4 times breaking class rules. Privileges include lunch line priority, recess dismissal priority, freedom to sit on the floor during independent practice, cheaper price to go to the bathroom during class, etc. 6 -Document Camera: I use it to show papers, manipulatives, or any other teaching tool you that is too small to be seen by the whole class at once. I have only been using Elmo this school year, but I'm already hooked. I didn't remember what it was like teaching without it until the bulb went out. Man I missed Elmo! It was such a relief when that new bulb arrived. See article #5 for more. 5 - Weekly Planner: This is a form I use to track student performance. Students record daily homework and keep it as the front page of their binder. Each time a student breaks a rule, a number by that day is colored in so parents receive the news. In the morning, after homework is checked, students who complete all assignments receive a stamp on their planners. The back of the planner is designed for parent/teacher communication. It provides a place to write notes. 4 - Math Groups: Every year for as long as I can remember I've split my students into ability groups for math instruction. Some of my math lessons are whole class, but most are aimed at the appropriate group level. I would hate to see my students not get challenged or feel overwhelmed by math that was way too hard. How do people teach their whole class one math lesson day after day? 3 - Reaching Consensus: This is a new pedagogical technique that I began using with kids in the spring of 2005. The difference I see in my students is phenomenal. They are more independent, better communicators, able to think critically, and obtain a depth of understanding of the material like I've never seen before. In addition, I receive valuable feedback that drives my instruction. AND the kids enjoy school 100% more than before. How did I ever teach without it? Read more about this teaching technique. 2 - Manners: A few years ago, I started requiring and enforcing a high level of standards for manners in my class. The difference in overall atmosphere, attitude, achievement and discipline was astronomical! In my class, students must respond with "Yes sir," or "No sir." They must say "Please may I..." or the answer is always "No." They must say "Thank you sir/ma'am" whenever ANYONE hands them anything (besides something bad) or whenever anyone does anything for them (like helping them on an assignment) or else that student must give back the item. If it is impossible (or desirable like in the case of an assignment) to give back the item, the student must pay a fine of at least one ticket. 1 - Tickets: I have no idea how anyone teaches without using tickets as incentives (or some other monetary system of rewarding and penalizing students.) You may want to check back every once in a while. I have a hard time settling on any one best approach to teaching, so I'm sure I will update this article often. What did I forget on the list? Let me know what you can't teach without. Tim Bedley teaches elementary school in Wildomar, California and trains teachers in classroom management and effective teaching practices. If you would like to have Tim train the teachers at your school, please contact him.
Last changed: Jun 26 2008 at 3:19 AM
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| By Unknown on Apr 26 2009 at 3:53 PM | |
| I can't believe there are no comments. I was reading, and kept nodding my head and saying yes, this is exactly what I do, then you took it to another level. |
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| Great ideas for beginning teachers | By Unknown on Sep 16 2009 at 5:00 PM |
| I'm a student teacher and looking forward to having my own class next year. I'll definately be using these ideas in my future classroom. My only question is how can you divide students into math groups if you must teach to the district's curriculum? Also, how do you divide them by ability without creating a social hierarchy of achievers and non-achievers? | |
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