Comments on: How to Start Class Without the Chaos

By: Gloria Searle

Gloria Searle — Sat, 17 Feb 2018 06:21:09 +0000

I have been subbing for the last 31/2 yrs and a prior vpk pre-k teacher for 14 yrs. Every now and then I get a class that seems to gang up on me. Usually it happens in 3rd through 5th grade. I haven’t ventured past 5th grade as yet. I will be dealing with a problem, when all the sudden 4 or more problems arise in the room, almost like the whole class starts tossing the ball around the room. I find myself having difficulty bringing the class back order.

Today I had a 4th grade class for a half a day from 1:10 to 3:45 pm. Who would think that would end in a turmoil. IRLA was first, and very successful. Then once the teaching portion started about Mt St. Helen, a graphic organizer and summary, a couple of the students started bickering and pointing fingers, and disrupting the lesson. Things essculated and before I new it several were being rude, misbehaving, needing to go to the clinic, and not following the guidelines I introduced upon entering the class. I am not very fond of the partner learning strategies for a sub. Students seem to take advantage during partner time.
I suppose I could have called the office on the students who were verbally bickering and had the class go back to independent work.

I am always open for receiving any help I can get.

By: Karen Caswell

Karen Caswell — Tue, 26 Jul 2016 15:34:33 +0000

In reply to Ashley (@anr131). AR reading is high on my schools priority list, so anytime students have a chance to read is a win-win! In my classroom, I always have AR time after PE to help the students calm down. I this idea! Thank you for sharing!

By: Becky

Becky — Sat, 02 Apr 2016 13:19:32 +0000

I’m excited to return from Spring Break and try this. The last quarter is the hardest. Also looking forward to your blog! God Bless b

By: Linda Kardamis

Linda Kardamis — Sun, 29 Nov 2015 02:39:56 +0000

In reply to NS. I take the warm up for a grade about once every week or two. That way students know it could always be graded so that helps them put forth more effort

By: NS

NS — Tue, 24 Nov 2015 03:12:33 +0000

I teach math so my question for math teachers is- When you put up review warm-ups or whatever activities, do you go over the answers afterwards? Often I want to go over answers and help the students, but I also have way too many students who will wait for me and will not do the work themselves. I am thinking of skipping the answers and if they are struggling then they need to take responsibility and get help for themselves at another time.

By: Betsy Acklin Ross

Betsy Acklin Ross — Wed, 01 Jul 2015 00:34:40 +0000

In reply to Ashley (@anr131).

Good idea! I like this because there is no prep. for you and it’s a great use of time. I have used writing assignments and review questions/problems. Sometimes on holidays, I use a holiday word search or crossword puzzle. The kids love them. I’ve done them for everything from Veteran’s Day to MLK Day to Thanksgiving, etc
.

By: Linda Kardamis

Linda Kardamis — Thu, 25 Jun 2015 12:57:11 +0000

In reply to Ashley (@anr131). Love this idea!!

By: Ashley (@anr131)

Ashley (@anr131) — Thu, 25 Jun 2015 03:46:42 +0000

My start of class assignment is very simple: read. I teach fifth grade reading, and I believe it’s important for students to have time for independent reading. It also allows time to complete other tasks. My students keep a reading journal at night, and they know the two things they have to do when they enter my room is open their journal to last night’s homework and start reading their book. While they do this, I let them take turns taking restroom breaks, if they finish a book this is the time they can check it in and choose a new one, if they need to take an AR test they can do so without having to ask, and I go around the room and check their homework. When all of that is complete, we start class and they’ve already had their independent reading time. Simple and no prep!

By: Rachel

Rachel — Sat, 30 May 2015 14:08:54 +0000

Great advice! I started teaching middle school art this year and needed a bell ringer for students to do as people entered. I made an artist of the month board and we studied the artist’s history through reading passages as well as critiquing their art by use of a choice of questions. It worked out great except for my two largest and most energetic classes. I need to train them better about getting started without my prompting.

By: Hanne Vandersteen

Hanne Vandersteen — Tue, 18 Nov 2014 03:09:16 +0000

Very interesting! I’m an art teacher and that’s why I have asked all children (primary school) to bring sketchbooks. If they arrive in class they start on a sketchbook project with their own supplies (pencils or markers) It truly makes a difference!
I installed this method after reading your book “creating your dream classroom” and I already notice a huge difference in the start of my class.
The classes where the kids have these routine down are so much calmer throughout the whole class. Great advice here!