The past two weeks have been a challenge in my classroom. Inappropriate behaviors have caused learning standstills. Rereading Chapter 6 in Teach Like a Champion has given me back some tools and strategies I had forgotten or for some reason quit using. "Do it Again" I have been using but for some reason we took too many practices, I thought; however, today one redo was all that was needed to get out the door for P.E.. Yea!! I don't know what made today different--maybe the class got tired of redo or I think my delivery of the redo was the key for us. George and I went to the coast this weekend and I think I came to Monday with a fresh, less stress attitude. I would like to figure out how I can have a weekend away from school so I feel fresh when Monday comes around more often.
"No Warnings" I use this; however, I know that I need to review the expectations before I use it. I have high energy, lack of focus students that need review every morning. When I flip a card without going over my expectations I have tears or uncontrollable anger from a select few. When I review the behavior expectations and there is an infraction a card flip is accepted with less anger and the class has a better chance to stay in learning mode.
The dynamics in our classroom varies from one student thinking he can do whatever he wants to a trio of girls not getting along. I am still trying to find the best seating arrangement so the learning enviornment is calm and productive. Things go smooth for a day or two and then we have an eruption. Our classroom is a work in progress for a calm engaging environment for the majority of the time.
I am glad that you took a break to the coast. I know that you spend many hours at school on the weekends, and you just need a break. There comes a time when a nice break can actually make you a better teacher (because we are less stressed, refreshed, and more patient). You need to keep up the weekends for yourself, or at least every other weekend. :)
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