I'll admit that I didn't do the best job of it last year. I fell into the trap of teaching them once or twice and expecting them to be able to do it. Bad Teacher, I know. I am determined to not do that again this year.
Here is a little poster I made to introduce the concept of what a procedure/routine is
I was thinking of having a little practice session with a few important procedures and having the kids model the correct/incorrect way to do them. But that's about as far as I've gotten.
So I need the advice of you dear bloggy friends! What do you do on the first day/few weeks to teach procedures and routines?
Do you just teach them as they come up?
Which ones do you feel are the most important to teach right away, which ones can wait?
Do you do anything special to teach them?
If you have anything that has worked for you in the past, please share! I will chose (with a random number generator thingy) one person who comments to chose an item from my store for free!
Here's the link to my shop of you want to look around
Thanks in advance for your advice!
P.S I am dangerously close to 100 followers! I am so very excited, and would love to have another giveaway! I'll will be thinking about what I want to do this time around!
Are you familiar with Chris Biffle and whole brain teaching? It changed a lot about my rules and procedures for the better! I started out just watching his YouTube videos. :)
ReplyDeletePenny
yeah a little bit. I really want to try it, but I'm a little nervous about diving in. I'm afraid it will be too much all at once and I won't be constant with it. I think I'm going to just do the rules and class/yes to start out.
DeletePractice, practice, practice! I try to put words, movement, and visual signals together for the kids to get involved when learning the procedure. (Very WBT style... I love that) I think as soon as the kids get involved saying the rules, practicing the routines, etc. they are more likely to remember. I also make them start over whenever they don't do it correctly. They hate it...I kinda hate it... but it works. The class hates to turn around and walk all the way back to class because they couldn't keep their voices off or their hands to themselves. Good luck!!
ReplyDeleteAmanda
The Teaching Thief
I really model my rules & expectations vigorously on the first week of school. We do a lot of modeling & reminding so they can get adjusted to what I expect. :)
ReplyDeleteLisa
Learning Is Something to Treasure
One of the things I was reminded of in my Daily 5 book study was to model examples AND non examples. This was a powerful activity that should be repeated several times and then brought back as needed.
ReplyDeleteI am your newest follower. I would love for you to stop by and visit my blog:)
Thanks!
Tammy
The Resourceful Apple
Thanks for stopping by, I checked out your blog. Thanks for the advice too!
DeleteOn the first day of school, right when the kids walk in, I start my clip chart. If someone says something nice, I will quietly ask them to go move their clip up on the chart. If one student picks something up for another student, I will have them "clip up". Eventually, the kids start to notice that I'm asking a lot of them to go move their clips up on the crazy thing at the front of the room (they don't use the same chart in kindergarten) and they start asking me about it. We then gather together and discuss the ways they think they could move up or (oh no!) down on the chart. This is also when I go over the school/class rules that are posted all over the school (PBIS). Lastly, I let them come up with the "rules" they think we should follow. They pick the things that are important to them. Last year, a student told me, "____ used to hit a lot in kindergarten and I didn't like it. I think we need no hitting on there."
ReplyDeleteI think I finally have routines figured out in my room. Last year felt really good! I don't do a lot of here are the rules and procedures, but rather allow my students to help create them. One thing we do is create our rules together. You end up with a million so they help me word them into 2 main rules (which sadly I cannot remember exactly how they are worded off the top of my head, but I WILL find them if you are interested). Then we circle rules we had made and think about which main rule they would fall under. I hope that makes sense. For routines we do a lot of I charts. Practicing, modeling, practicing some more. I also do a classroom economy so we discuss what students should get taxed on and how they can get bonuses and earn money. I'll also be doing a clip chart this year. I read on the Daily 5 sisters website a comparison of 2 classrooms. A class where the sisters started their teaching and how the first day looked, compared to a first day that utilizes their thinking now. It was a huge eye opener for me. It's under the members section, so if you have a subscription let me know and I'll direct you there!
ReplyDeleteAmanda
redseventeen@gmail.com
Reaching for the TOP!
I'm not a member, but I think I need to be!
DeleteHi Cassandra
ReplyDeleteYour blog is great! Glad I found you...I'm your newest follower. I spend a lot of time on procedures at the beginning of the year. I don't even allow parent helpers for the first 3 weeks to a month so we can get them down without the disruption. I agree that it is so important. Last year's class was a doozy so I could've spent all year on procedures and it wouldn't have helped...I know that sounds awful. :o( I have been teaching 18 years and it was my 2nd hardest class. Hoping this upcoming year is way better. Good luck...I think I also want to become a member at the 2 sisters website. I have perused it and it looks great!
Vicky
Traditions, Laughter and Happily Ever After
Thanks for stopping by! I had one of those classes last year. We literally lined up three times most days before recess. You would think that after the third time of having to go sit back down and line up, they'd get the picture but nope :-(
DeleteAre you going to do daily five this year?
Hey Cassandra- I wish I had a secret for you, but I too am not as consistant at the beginning of the year as I should be. I'll be checking back to view your followers comments and see what good tips they have! :)
ReplyDeleteIf you need help with a giveaway, I'd be happy to assist! You can email me if you're interested :)
Kimberly
thelearningtreeblog@gmail.com
The Learning Tree
Here's my secret... take pictures! We go out rules and routines over and over again because "practice makes perfect." But I also bring my camera to school and take pictures of the "right way" to do things. For example, I take a picture of the students standing in a straight line, next to the wall, mouthes shut and hands behind their backs. I snap a picture of the crayons inside their box with the lid closed. I take a picture of the kids raising their hand with the other one over their mouth (this helps keep them from shouting out... their invention). I print large sizes of these and label them "yes." I also take pictures of students doing the wrong things, print them, and label them with the word "no." Then I post them in appropriate areas of the classroom. Now all I have to do it point to remind them of what I expect. After a few weeks, I take these down to make room for new goodies (I have a small room). I hope that helps!
ReplyDeleteRebecca
First Grade Fascination
I love the picture idea! I bet they'd have fun doing it and it would be a meaningful way to practice. Thanks!
DeleteWe found your blog through The Learning Tree's link-up! Love your ideas!
ReplyDeleteStop by our blog when you find the time :)
Jenna & Halle
Across the Hall in 2nd
I'm about to check it out :-) thanks for stopping by!
DeleteFound your blog through Learning Tree also. I'm your newest follower.
ReplyDeleteCynthia
2nd Grade Pad
Awesome! Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteI am not the best at it, but this year we're doing a "correct" and "incorrect" slide show. Each group will get a procedure (ie: hallway behavior, group work expectations, whole group discussion, restroom behavior & desk/independent work) and the list of expectations then they will demonstrate the correct/incorrect way to follow and take digital pics. We will create a digital slide show using power point or something similar.
ReplyDeleteWe do use a clipchart, but I'm using the one this year where students can move up as well.