In the Classroom!

This past Monday, was really no different than it has been. I have noticed that everyday that I am in the classroom, that the students are looking at me more like their teacher. This of course is so great, because I am able to make connections with my students, and it has been eye-opening on how it has changed since I started in the classroom in August until now.

Monday I had literacy groups again, and I have noticed that my above grade level students have more behavior management problems, than my below-grade level students. It's sad to say but I love to teach my ruby reds, so much more than my emeralds or goldens. I think there are behavior issues because the work is not challenging enough for them. Monday I had to verbally express that the emeralds were being very rude, and not putting first things first during the literacy group.

I expressed to them that it is important that we listen so that we learn. I used a trick that I use in my Sunday school classroom, to get children's attention, I said "ears open, mouths shut!" This seemed to work very well with the students in my classroom, when they begin to get out of hand, I would say "ears open, and they would reply with mouths shut" and they would quite down.

I know without a doubt that I will have to plan my instruction to be more rigorous in my upper literacy groups. I wanted to learn more about how to manage behavior effectively, while also making sure understanding was being taught. I don't want my students to suffer because of behavior mismanagement.

I found an article, Education World: Behavior Management Tips

This article gives great examples that can be used in the classroom, that may help alleviate the problems arise from misbehavior.