NEW YEAR…SAME STUDENTS

Happy New Year!  If you are a teacher, then you have been enjoying a well-deserved Christmas Break.  Hopefully you have taken some time to relax and rejuvenate. Depending on your circumstances, this vacation can definitely be a much-needed mental health break.

I, personally, have thoroughly enjoyed my time off.  I make it a practice to get my semester exams graded and notify my students of their scores by the time school ends.  Then I purposely do not do any school work until January 2^nd.   Now, don’t get me wrong.  I have definitely had thoughts about my students, ideas for some cool activities and some ways I would like to do things differently when school begins again.  However, I keep a word doc open on my computer (or memo on my phone) where I can jot those ideas down and then I intentionally forget about them until I am ready to plan lessons and finish grades. I find this allows me the luxury of knowing the idea will be there in “black and white” when I return and I do not have to fear forgetting it.  Of course, I am a huge believer in list-making, so this totally fits my personality.

When you are ready to think about the second half of the year, I have a few tips and ideas I would like to share with you.

1. Make a new seating chart.  If you have not been using a seating chart…start using one.  If you have one in place, make a new one.  I change my seating arrangement every quarter. (Unless I stumble upon a toxic combination and then I move some students around so that the fewest distractions occur).  I will admit to you, sometimes this is difficult.  I currently have a class with very challenging personalities. I have a long list of “who cannot sit next to who” and a short list of “good combinations”. Also, my room is small, so finding ways to separate some students can be a puzzle.  I have all their names on 3×5 cards and I will place them on the table in front of me and just keep arranging and re-arranging until I am happy (or less displeased) with the seating chart.

2. Make a concerted effort to get to know your students.  You have had them for half of the school year, but I am sure there are some students that you know better than others.  Please read my post “Making Every Student Your Favorite”.  It details how to accomplish this.

3. Re-evaluate your rules for your classroom.  The beginning of a new year is a great time to hit the re-set button.  If a rule is not working, re-design it.  If a consequence is not working, try to find one that will work. Let me give you some concrete examples.

a. Analyze what went wrong with a rule and think of how to correct it. I have a rule in my Biology class that everyone needs to have a 3 prong, 2 pocket folder.  They are to have loose leaf, lined paper in the prongs.  They are to take notes on that paper during class and then they are to keep worksheets, labs, tests and quizzes in the pocket.  I even keep a running list of the Pocket Contents. I expect them to keep those papers in order according to the list.  I know this may sound picky, but I am teaching them one method to stay organized in a class that has lectures as well as activities.  I even have folders pre-assembled that they can purchase from me for a dollar. At the end of each semester, they turn in that folder and it counts as a test grade.  I am trying to reward them for staying organized. I have never had an issue with this rule until this year.  I had at least half my class who did not turn in folders or turned ones in that were less than half completed. Usually I am more aware of the students who are not keeping up with their notebooks, and I try to give them extra encouragement to do so. However, I have had so many other behavioral issues that my diligence in viewing individual folders sort of fell through the cracks. I have decided that I will begin second semester differently.  I now realize just how much help these students need in the area of organization.  I will announce at the beginning of our first day back from break that we are starting with a clean slate for second semester.  Their folder requirements begin all over again.  I have made note of the students who did not even have folders and have already emailed parents so that they can acquire a folder either on their own or from me. I will then perform bi-weekly checks on their folders and give them time to get their papers organized at the end of several classes.  I will highlight the fact that I want to see them succeed. I want them to be prepared to get a good folder grade this next semester and be more prepared to study for their 2^nd semester exam. I will choose to emphasize the positive of starting over and not the negative of how poorly many of them did 1st semester.

b. Talk to your administration about consequences and rewards.  Is there something bigger than your classroom that can be done to reward students’ good behavior?  On the flip-side, is there a bigger consequence that could be used to deter unacceptable behavior? I know sometimes it can feel daunting to let your supervisors know of your struggles, but most of them are ready to help.  They want to see you and your students succeed; it’s why they became administrators…to deal with the big picture.

c. Another positive reward I use is a special privilege.   For example, I always try to have extra lab activities that I do not think we will have time to perform, but I will use them as an incentive for good behavior.  Also, I will show parts of a movie the last 10 minutes of class as a reward.  I try to use solid, inspirational movies, such as Ben Carson’s “Gifted Hands”.  And speaking of seating charts, I will allow friends to work together during the next lab IF they show me positive behavior leading up to the lab.

4. Stay diligent!  I realize I have said this before, but do not let them wear you down.  I know sometimes it is easier to give in to whining, but stand by your rules.  Eventually, they will understand that you say what you mean and you mean what you say. This can go a long way in having your students trust you.  They may not always like it, but they will know you are an adult that they can trust.  Unfortunately, many of our students do not have such an adult in their lives.

I hope my tips give you encouragement to keep up the good work.  May you and your students have a blessed and successful 2019!