Hi All,
Today I began teaching my math lessons and continued on with my lessons on bullying. Math went really well, but the kids were very rambunctious today and were difficult to keep on task/ quiet for discussions. I was able to keep them focused for math, but the last activity of the lesson was a game, which got them even more energetic. I knew I was up for a challenge when I needed them to get serious for the bullying conversation, but the kids just weren't cooperating.
I started out the activity by asking them to shake off their excess energy and to take a moment to calm their bodies. Ms Perez often uses reminders such as this one when changing topics and trying to set a class tone. I began the conversation about bullying, but the kids were still chattering to each other. From my last observation I have been working towards ignoring misbehavior and redirecting the kids by asking them questions when I notice them off task. This was not turning out to be an effective strategy.
I knew that the students weren't taking the conversation seriously by their responses to my question about what we should do when we see someone being bullied, but the kids weren't taking my requests for appropriate responses seriously. Out of the corner of my eye I could see Ms. Perez getting more and more upset by the classes behavior- she has already commented multiple times on how talkative the students are and how they don't respond well to consequences like sitting at their desk or losing recess. About 15 minutes into my lesson she cut me off, sent all the kids to their desks, and they spent the rest of the day (15 more minutes) with their heads down. They have lost recess tomorrow and I will reteach the kids the lesson during that time she told them.
I have spent the evening brainstorming new ways to teach the lesson and have decided that I will have the students remain at their desks this time and I will limit the number of responses that the original lesson plan the teacher gave me had suggested. I think that these two changes will keep the kids from getting bored from hearing the same questions being asked a second day.
Sounds like at least part of yesterday was a challenge, Julie. It's good to read that you're trying to adjust some of the strategies you've used in the past, keeping the focus on the learning rather than being preoccupied with behavior. You're seeing that you can't ignore misbehavior completely, so now you'll fine tune again to find that balance.
ReplyDeleteThe best news is that you're problem solving, asking yourself, 'How can I change things up to be more successful next time?' At some level, this is really what all teaching is--reteaching! Maybe it's re-teaching because a lesson didn't go well based on behavior, or because you weren't as clear as you needed to be in communicating, or because your lesson was cut off due to a fire drill. Whatever. My point is, don't be discouraged, or rather, if you're feeling discouraged, know that you can do something about it. Keep reflecting, adjusting, and trying.
We can talk more on Thursday when I visit, but if you want to check in before then, call or email. I'd welcome the conversation.