The second year is light years better than the first, but still not without problems. I know I’m still learning about management. I am still facing problems, but this time I am able to recognize the problems before they get out of control and focus on fixing them.
These Are Problems I Can Handle
It helps that I’m only having one problem at a time. Last year I had dozens of problems piled up on each other. It was hard to focus on one thing because there was so much happening that needed to change. This year I’m actually able to address the behavior issues in a logical way.
They Were Noisy When I Wasn’t There
A few weeks ago, we had a problem with noisy behavior in the cafeteria and specials classes, and after a few discussions and lots of role playing, reminders, and some accountability, we are again under control. They have now had good behavior in the cafeteria for three straight weeks, and the specials rooms are no longer deafeningly loud when I pick them up from a specials class.
They Ignored Calls for Attention
In class, my students were falling into the habit of ignoring me when I called for attention. To call for attention I count down from four to zero. I started a marble jar- ten marbles whenever the class has all eyes on me by the time I get to zero. That’s the only thing we get marbles for. After a few days, the class became nearly perfect when I called for attention.
Long Bathroom Breaks
A little after that, the bathroom breaks began to take too long. I knew some students were playing around in the bathroom, taking too long and being too noisy. I dealt with it. For one day, we didn’t get a bathroom break at all. The next day, we had a discussion about behavior in the bathrooms. I timed the break and it only took 6 minutes for everybody in the class to use the bathroom and be back in line, quietly. I wrote the time on the board and complimented them on how well they did. The students understand my expectations and are working hard to meet them.
A Chatty Class
The current issue is that the students start conversations whenever I’m not talking. When I tell them to clean up, they talk while they clean. When I ask them to get out a book, they talk while they do it. It’s a familiar issue that dominated the classroom last year. This year, though, I know that I can trust them to stop when I call for attention. I know that the tone of the classroom is much better than it ever was last year. I know that I am the one in control this year, not my students.
On Monday, I’m going to deal with the issue of talking too much. I will make my expectations clear. I will enforce consequences for students who don’t follow my directions. The students will change their behaviors because they know I mean what I say.
To first year teachers- go ahead and look forward to the second year. It really is better. Not perfect by any means, but a hundred times better without a doubt.
{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
I have enjoyed reading many entries from your blog. I am a second time student getting my teaching certificate. My assignment for a class is to check out other teachers’ blogs. My first year of teaching was in 2000. My first year of teaching was very difficult also. Came home crying many times. My second year I switched grade levels so it was almost like having a first year all over again. But it went so much smoother. So then my third year in this same grade grade was the best year by far. I ended my teaching career there because I moved to another state. I am now having to go back to school to get my teaching certificate. After my schooling I will probably have ten years between my two “first years” of teaching. However I am hopeful of my second time of starting my first year. Your blog has given me some great ideas. Thank you for sharing.
I really enjoyed reading this blog. I am currently a sophomore in college. One of the things I worry about the most is my first year teaching. This blog gave me a lot of hope that no matter how challenging things get, I will always be learning new things and things will always get better. Thank you for sharing some of your classroom struggles so that we can all learn from you.
I learned a lot from reading your blog. I am currently a sophomore in college and trying to attain my teaching degree. When I think of my future first year of teaching I become overwhelmed but reading your blog has really helped me out. By sharing your classroom challenges and how you handled each helps a lot. Thanks for sharing!
Reading this post gave me alot of ideas to help me in the future with difficult classes. Right now I am a senior studying math education, and sometimes I become extremely stressed out with school work. Remembering to think about one thing at a time really helps me.
You give young teachers some glimpse of hope! Being a first year Teacher is so overwhelming at times, it can be hard to stick through. Teachers truly need to teach because it is their passion. If they keep that in mind, they will get through the rough times!
I really enjoyed reading your post. I am a sophomore in college and it is really nice to see what problems I might have in my future classroom. I really liked reading about how you solved your problems and I will keep those in mind if I ever have the same problem.
Hello Guys,
Thanks for sharing Interesting article..
I read somewhere teachers get paid six figures to teach. The article is at Pay Teachers More Do you think education will improve if teachers are paid more? I think so. This is much interesting and informative…
Well keep on Posting..
Visit you again.
Mukesh
Lauren -
Since you said “I know that I can trust them to stop when I call for attention,” why you are concerned about this kids chatting while they are cleaning up? Does it cause them to take too long?
Chris
Chris- Yes, its because they are talking instead of cleaning up, not just talking while cleaning up. The ones who talk get too distracted to do the assigned task. Still, the situation is light years better than last year, though! It’s pretty wonderful to be able to get attention when I need it.
Thanks for commenting.
I enjoyed reading this blog that you wrote about the second year of teaching. Right now I am in college working on my education as a elementary and special education. I have been told how the first year is always the hardest and that by having procedures will help with the management in the classroom. After reading this blog it helped me see some of the issues that are addressed in the classroom.
to all
the teachers
please
control
ur
student,…
I have enjoyed reading many entries from your blog. I am a second time student getting my teaching certificate. My assignment for a class is to check out other teachers’ blogs. My first year of teaching was in 2000. My first year of teaching was very difficult also. Came home crying many times. My second year I switched grade levels so it was almost like having a first year all over again. But it went so much smoother. So then my third year in this same grade grade was the best year by far. I ended my teaching career there because I moved to another state. I am now having to go back to school to get my teaching certificate. After my schooling I will probably have ten years between my two “first years” of teaching. However I am hopeful of my second time of starting my first year. Your blog has given me some great ideas. Thank you for sharing.
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