I thought I would share one of my favourite strategies for classroom management, which I will be using as a substitute teacher. I call it 'BUILD A ROBOT'. It relies on the class to work as a team, kind of like Teamwork Bingo I guess! I find that if you engage the class as active decision makers, you are going to be rewarded yourself, with a much easier day ... gotta love that!!
It is as easy as 4 simple steps:
1. EXPECTATIONS: At the very start of the day, sit with the class and get them to tell you their classroom rules. Write these on a board or on a large piece of paper to display (You can say it is for your benefit, but it is amazing how much difference having visible rules can make!). Add your own rules and expectations, explaining these clearly to the class.
2. EXPLANATION: Teamwork - tell the class they will be working as a team throughout the day to 'Build A Robot' on the board. Get the class to come up with a list of parts for the robot e.g: head, body, arms, legs, springs etc... keep this list on the board as a checklist during the day. I suggest a minimum of 5 robot parts is needed (2 for the morning session, 2 for the midday session and 1 for the afternoon session).
If they are working quietly and cooperatively, someone will be chosen to add a piece to the class robot. Once the robot is complete, the class will get a reward. Also let them know that you will take a class photo with the robot for them to display, at the end of the day (only of course if you have access to a computer and printer, otherwise omit that step!).
3. BUILD THE ROBOT: Throughout the day continue to remind them, encourage them, and draw their attention to the emerging ROBOT on the board.
4. ENJOY: Once the robot is completed, either you decide what the class reward will be, or you can offer choices to the class and they can vote. I love to give them the opportunity to have 10 minutes play on the playground equipment or to listen to / sing songs whilst finishing off the afternoon's work...the reward is totally up to you!
I find that BUILD A ROBOT works fabulously for Grades K - 2. You of course could build just about anything...just tailor it to your class's needs and interests. Grades 3 - 6 may enjoy 'BUILD A TEACHER TRAP' or 'BUILD A SPY GADGET'. This activity really is as limitless as your imagination. HAVE FUN!
I hope that if you give this activity a try, you will be rewarded with fewer classroom management issues and enjoy the day with your class:)
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Brilliant Tina - I can imagine you could tailor this for small groups within the class also, with each group being given pieces for their robot as the day progresses.
ReplyDeleteWhen substitute teaching, I have three parameters for any class that I work with:
Team
Time
Think
At the start of each day I discuss this with the class and we decide what each of these elements would look and sound like from my perspective and theirs. I then explain that I'll be rewarding these elements through the day and I've found that it's effective for any age group [even Grade 10's!] if there is an appropriate incentive.
OOH, thank you for passing on your tips for classroom management, Felicity! Love your 3 parameters and will put them into practise!! You are awesome :) ~ xx
ReplyDeletePS: Grade 10....*shudder*!! You are both awesome and brave :D ~ xx
ReplyDeleteWhat a great strategy! I wish I could find a substitute like you! I had one last week who made 2 of my girls cry, upset another one so much her mother came in for a conference, and a 4th one told me she had a nightmare about her! I know my class isn't perfect but there's no need to be so mean to 6 year olds!
ReplyDeleteJennifer @ Herding Kats In Kindergarten
Oh Jennifer! That makes me so sad to hear that your class had such an awful experience with a sub:( I absolutely agree with you, there is no need to be mean to any student, let alone little 6 year olds! I hope you have some influence on the subs you have in the future. Your class are very lucky to have such a sweet and caring class teacher!! Thank you so much for your lovely and encouraging comment! As a NEW teacher, it is so great to get positive feedback as to how I am approaching being a sub. Wishing you a wonderful week with your class :)
ReplyDelete