Case
New Teacher Problems

As a new teacher I have struggled with management. I think many new teachers do as well.Some new strategies I am using now come from veteran teachers as well as reading and researching on websites such as this one.

Posted on: 10/15/15 | Views: 1213
Solution #1
Top Solution
One of the best things I've used is an app called Class Dojo. You can download the app on any smartphone and link it to your smartboard/Promethian Board if you have one. It's a great way to keep students aware of their own behavior by enabling the "bing" and "bonk" sounds. The great thing about Class Dojo is that you can use it in the hallway, classroom, or anywhere you go as long as you have your smartphone available. My classes (third grade and kindergarten) both responded to the system. Another great feature, is that you can customize the behaviors and even print off parent reports to send home. I highly suggest this app!!

I would suggest really paying attention and taking note of those behaviors that you notice your class is having issues with and devising rules and consequences around those. Come together as a class,(class meeting)and discuss those issues and possible solutions. Whatever your rules are, make sure it is something that is specific and can be demonstrated (keep your hands, feet, and objects to yourself) instead of something that is too broad (be respectful). Whatever your rules are, make sure that they are fair and that your are consistent with the reinforcement of the rule (rewards/ consequences). Constantly review the rules and reteach if needed with the students. NEVER assume that the student have the rules down. As soon as you become relaxed is the day you loose your class. Focus on more positive behaviors and rewards and follow through with what you say/ consequences and you will be fine. Good luck!

Great ideas for future use!

I would also use this app in the classroom, great idea!

These are great ideas to use.

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Solution #2
I teach high school, so this might be geared more towards secondary students, but I feel it is useful for all ages. To me, the most important thing for the students to realize is that I am in charge in the class. This does not mean that I can't be courteous and friendly, but they have to know that I am there to teach them. This has to start on day one. If you are a teacher that has a lot of rules, each and every one of those rules has to be followed. If you tell them you are going to do something, it has to be done. Follow through, or they won't buy in. Most students actually appreciate structure. A lot of them are not getting it at home. Sure, they will buck it at times, but that's what kids do. Let them know you care, but that you mean business. They will respect that much more, and your discipline problems will be less, enabling you to "teach" them even more.

Good point, set the boundaries on the first day, to avoid problems.

Setting boundaries is always great to set on the first day.

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Solution #3
I teach high school, so I have found that successful classroom management starts with lesson planning. It is very important to structure your lessons so that students do not have the opportunity to get off task or distracted. They do not need any more help with that! :) For example, get them on a routine. Begin every class with a bell-ringer. This can be anything from a 5 minute assignment to simple class instructions like "use the next 5 minutes to prepare for your quiz." Then, structure instruction and purposely plan transitions to reduce the amount of 'down time.' It also helps to have a 'ticket out the door' or quick task at the end of class so students are not hanging out or trying to line up at the door 5 minutes before class is dismissed. These tasks can be anything from checking student work to having them write down 2-3 things that they learned in class on a small slip of paper.
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Solution #4
Don't be afraid to ask for help.
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Solution #5
One thing that helped me the most was to find that one signal that got the students' attention. I would have trouble with getting them to quiet down when it was time to transition from small group back to whole group and it was all in the signals that I was using. I would use something different almost every time trying to figure out which they responded the best to. Finally, I found the one signal that was easy for me and that they responded to and I stuck with it!
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Solution #6
One strategy I use is something I call "Positive Pebbles." Students work as a whole class ( I use something different for individual behavior) to earn pebbles each class period. They make the rules at the beginning of the year and set the number they can earn for ONLY positive things each day. At the end of each month, the class with the most pebbles wins a prize. Extra recess, talk time, or homework pass are some options.
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Solution #7
One thing that I learned from another teacher in terms of classroom management, is to have the class move in directional movement in the classroom. The students who always move in one way to enter, exit, and retrieve materials in the classroom.
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Solution #8
I use class dojo with my students. It allows them to earn points for good behavior and lose points when they are not doing what is expected of them. It is a great tool that my fourth grade team started using this year. We also use other award systems at my school.
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Solution #9
Classroom management is an issue not only for first year teachers but teachers of all levels of experience. It is good to follow some of the tried and true methods but you should also create classroom rules and procedures with your current students in mind. Have the students help with planing the rules and consequences so that there is a level of accountability among the students. Make sure to be consistent with your consequences and rewards, never let anything slide not even once because students will see that as a weakness.
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Solution #10
Class DoJo is the best, I have been using it for almost a year and it has really helped student behavior.
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Solution #11
Class Dojos are clearly something that you could benefit from.
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Solution #12
Positive reinforcement is the best thing for all of your students and yourself. Give them incentives to work towards. Don't make yourself over stressed because your students will sense that and take full advantage. You got this!

I agree that positive reinforcements are great! Reinforce the behavior you want to see in the class.

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Solution #13
Classroom management is what many new teachers describe as being the hardest part about teaching. You are not going to come in on your first day knowing exactly what to do and having a perfectly planned classroom management plan right away. You will learn as you go and develop your own system of managing the class. Do your best to establish a solid set of rules and procedures and be consistent in what you do.
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Solution #14
You should look into getting a clip system.
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