Lessons Learned from 2nd Years.......

(1) Model / Model / Model

I was initially afraid of coming off as condescending to my 7th and 8th graders, but now I have realized that every little thing I require them to do I need to break it down into little baby bites and then demonstrate it for them. In the beginning of the class, Sam had the kids to get up and walk out into the hall and practice coming into the classroom. At first, I thought it was a bit of an extreme measure, but now I am not only going to do that but I will take longer to establish routine and order in the classroom. This technique was a great one for me to learn. I have now seen that when you relax your procedures or rules that an avalanche (not a snowball) of disorder can occur. If you give them an inch.......they will surely take a mile. An orderly classroom is also more conducive to a successful learning environment. I will demonstrate any assignment or procedure that I am asking my kids to do. Thanks Sam.

(2) Take quick action...

My second years (Sgt. Scotty in particular) have a quick action approach to problems. Nip it immediately and do not allow it to bloom into a debate or confrontation. Names go up on the board as soon as students are seated if they are not at task or breaking the rules. I have seen exchanges that were not squashed immediately that have ballooned into disrespect and classroom disruption. A problem needs to be dealt with immediately. You can have fun and entertain but structure and consequences are crucial to allow for lighter moments. Scotty is great at disciplining the kids and not allowing disruption, but doing it will a good manner and poise. A spark not addressed can be an explosion later.

(3) Be simple.....Be Clear.......

Our students are not used to thinking outside the box or being creative. My natural instincts are to stretch concepts and want them to reach for things. This is the opposite of how it needs to work in our classroom. Directions have to be  very basic and simple and then build on to the concepts brick by brick. Dan Fram did a great job of taking the concept down to the very basics and the kids latch on, and then he would carry them up the hill using baby steps towards a larger or more challenging concept. If they were tripping, than he would slow down and process the information in smaller and more easily digestible chunks. Keep it simple......and then build from the ground up.