One of the areas that most new teachers feel the most trepidation about is the topic of behavior management. While there are a number of “oldie but goodie” VCR tapes that share the basics of behavior management, I decided to find some more up to date video clips that you can view to get some highlights on the topic.
This is a more “traditional” clip on the topic of behavior management. I do like that this video spoke to a principal, teachers, as well as a parent. New teachers feel most supported by parents and their principals when they have clearly communicated classroom management.
PBS created a group of Essential Practices to deal with a variety of aspects of the field of education. Here is one that was produced in the state of Pennsylvania on the topic of classroom management.
This clip might be one of my favorites. While the students probably had a lot of fun making this, I bet they know the expectations of their classroom teacher!
Finally, here is a clip of a podcast that was created by an undergraduate student after she had completed her practicum.
What are your thoughts? Did you find anything particularly good on all (or any) of the video clips. Can you find a good video clip on classroom management? If you find one that you would like to share (or if you would like to make your own) for our next New Teacher meeting, please let me know.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Behavior Management 2 - A New Teacher Shares His Thoughts
Here is a post from a New Teacher from this time last year. (He didn't blog - we weren't using technology for the New Teacher program yet). See what you think of what he has to say.
My middle school motto said it best, "Choices have consequences; make wise choices."
As a student teacher, I came into the classroom midway through the year. I naturally assumed the same behavior management system as my cooperating teacher in order to provide continuity for my students. She had been big on "self-regulation" and helping students to understand that their choices all have consequences, good and bad.
This logic seems too simple. You make good decisions and good things will happen. You make bad choices and bad things will happen. Yet, it seems so difficult for first graders to remember. But should I be surprised? How often to I hear directions and not pay attention. How often do I blatantly disregard a rule or law?
Classroom and behavior management have been my biggest challenges thus far. Before teaching, I saw classroom management as a minor part of teaching. Now I realize that it is ever-present and one of the most challenging parts of teaching to grasp.
Coming up with a behavior management system is challenging. I want something that will motivate the kids, without rewarding them unnecessarily and too frequently. I want something that is achievable for all students, yet still rewards the students who make more frequent "good choices." And eventually, I want students to make good choices without the bribe of a reward.
So what's the best choice? So far, I've used a few things. I'm continuing my teacher's "marble system." Anytime the students are exceptionally good, do something exceptionally well, etc, they are rewarded a certain number of marbles. Once the marbles fill up the jar, the students get a party. The marble jar is used sporadically, but students are motivated to behave with the thought of getting marbles.
I also began a new system once I took over full time. I segmented the day into three parts, so that students have three chances to redeem themselves. The first time I call down a students during the day, their names goes on the board for that time period. So, if a student gets their name on the board in the morning, they still have the opportunity to keep their name off the board for two more period of the day. Each period that you keep your name off the board is worth a ticket. When students get five tickets, they receive a sticker. This has worked ok. It's time consuming to put stickers in all the students’ bags and then count to see who has five. I think there's probably a better system that I’ll try once I have my own classroom.
Just my thoughts and struggles on behavior management for the time being...any suggestions?
My middle school motto said it best, "Choices have consequences; make wise choices."
As a student teacher, I came into the classroom midway through the year. I naturally assumed the same behavior management system as my cooperating teacher in order to provide continuity for my students. She had been big on "self-regulation" and helping students to understand that their choices all have consequences, good and bad.
This logic seems too simple. You make good decisions and good things will happen. You make bad choices and bad things will happen. Yet, it seems so difficult for first graders to remember. But should I be surprised? How often to I hear directions and not pay attention. How often do I blatantly disregard a rule or law?
Classroom and behavior management have been my biggest challenges thus far. Before teaching, I saw classroom management as a minor part of teaching. Now I realize that it is ever-present and one of the most challenging parts of teaching to grasp.
Coming up with a behavior management system is challenging. I want something that will motivate the kids, without rewarding them unnecessarily and too frequently. I want something that is achievable for all students, yet still rewards the students who make more frequent "good choices." And eventually, I want students to make good choices without the bribe of a reward.
So what's the best choice? So far, I've used a few things. I'm continuing my teacher's "marble system." Anytime the students are exceptionally good, do something exceptionally well, etc, they are rewarded a certain number of marbles. Once the marbles fill up the jar, the students get a party. The marble jar is used sporadically, but students are motivated to behave with the thought of getting marbles.
I also began a new system once I took over full time. I segmented the day into three parts, so that students have three chances to redeem themselves. The first time I call down a students during the day, their names goes on the board for that time period. So, if a student gets their name on the board in the morning, they still have the opportunity to keep their name off the board for two more period of the day. Each period that you keep your name off the board is worth a ticket. When students get five tickets, they receive a sticker. This has worked ok. It's time consuming to put stickers in all the students’ bags and then count to see who has five. I think there's probably a better system that I’ll try once I have my own classroom.
Just my thoughts and struggles on behavior management for the time being...any suggestions?
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