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The First Days of School by Harry Wong. Overview & Theoretical Perspective. A book to help teachers start their year successfully Addresses grades K-12 Discusses structure, organization, discipline, & professionalism Designed for all teachers First year Professors Experienced
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Overview & Theoretical Perspective • A book to help teachers start their year successfully • Addresses grades K-12 • Discusses structure, organization, discipline, & professionalism • Designed for all teachers • First year • Professors • Experienced • Administrators
What are the best ways to arrange a classroom? • Floor space • Students’ desks • Teacher’s desk • Bookcases & filing cabinets • Activity centers and work areas • Things to consider • Movement patterns of students • The need for students to obtain materials, texts, supplies, etc. • The need for students to see the instructor • 5 keys to good room arrangement • Use an arrangement consistent with your instructional goals and activities • Keep high traffic areas free of congestion • Be sure students are easily seen by the teacher • Keep frequently used teaching materials and student supplies accessible • Be certain students can see instructional presentations and displays
What are effective time management techniques? Outside research • Have instruction constantly going on • Transition from one activity to another quickly and easily • Remind students of time remaining for a particular activity • Take time to walk around and talk to students while they are working First Days of School says… • Do not waste time to take roll at the beginning of the day • Have something for students to do as they enter the classroom • Have 30 minutes of free time on Fridays • Have lesson plans ready to go and practice them before class
What are good ways to transition from summer to school? Teacher Preparation • First days determine success for the year • Organization and structure from the beginning is key • Teacher education rarely prepares new teachers • Effective schools have programs for new teachers Student Transitions • New classroom brings change in social and environmental factors • Lots of adjustment • Studies about school transitions related to stress • Grades 3-4 • Improvements during breaks
What are some community building exercises? Outside research • Unity establishes a safe environment • 6 strategies for building community among diversity • Parent visits • Weekly interactive newsletters • Open houses • Cultural letters • Valentine’s letters • Cultural celebrations • Teacher models practice of communication First Days of School says… • Creating community among school community, not diverse learners • Students • Faculty • Parents • Community members • Neighborhood • Celebrate the first day of school • Welcome students • Banner • Announcements • Guides at school
How do you establish rules and transition into discussing them with your students? Outside Research • Types of rules • Specific • General • Writing rules • New teachers encouraged to create their own • Student help is seen more often First Days of School says… • Teacher centered • School-wide plans • Faculty is on the same page • Students experience consistency • Keep list between 3 and 5 • Modeling is key • Multiple times a day • Non-examples • Transitioning • Give list of rules to each student • Direct attention to pre-made poster
What are effective discipline techniques? Outside research • Responses based on perceived intention • Knowing when to intercede • Knowing appropriate response First Days of School says… • “Rules must have consequences” • Need to be “reasonable and logical” • See handout • Don’t interrupt your lesson
Interviewing a Professional • Amanda Lorenz • Teacher’s Aide at Bloomington Junior High School • What is one classroom management technique used in your classroom? • Post-it notes • First time student acts out puts a post-it on desk • If misbehavior continues, puts tallies on post-it • At the end of the day, students with tallies see teacher • Likes this method because it is subtle and doesn’t embarrass students in front of their peers
What is a type of positive reinforcement you use for classroom management? • Smiley faces on the board next to student names for on task behavior • Thumbs-up basket • Since you work specifically with students with behavior disorders, what are some techniques you use for behavior management? • Express concern even when it’s hard • If she needs to scold, takes student into hallway • Silence can be golden • Miss Lorenz’s classroom contract
The Website • http://www.effectiveteaching.com/ • Digital & standard products • Online quiz • Awards • First Days of School won Education Bestseller Award
Professional Development • Implementation guide • Free • Includes: • Background information • Activities • Questions • Videos on effective teaching