This term has been a busy one so far and is only about to get more hectic!
My class had our class assembly in Week 4. We have started production rehearsals, we have performed our Kapa Haka and dances to parents, we have had cross country practices which has all led to the usual timetable been somewhat thrown out the window.
All week I found myself getting frustrated that I had limited time to squeeze the reading, writing and maths into the day and that when it came time to do these things the kids were often off task, loud, calling out on the mat and it felt as though they had forgotten all the things we had worked hard on building.
Getting a new student on Monday I had talked to the kids about being role models and demonstrating the correct behaviour for our new student and gone over the reflection book and room and what these meant.
But by Thursday night I knew I had to think of a different way to approach things as the kids were still rowdy and I could feel myself becoming quickly annoyed by their behaviour.
As a result we started Friday morning off by talking in pairs about what is expected in Room 11 behaviour wise. We then shared these ideas back to the class. We re-visited our Golden Rules and looked at examples of what these meant. Then we sat in a circle and made a promise to work on one way we would make today a good day. (That might have meant putting our hand up to talk, or being focused on our work etc).
I explained that I knew their normal routine had been interrupted lately but that we had to be resilient and flexible to change and remember to work really hard when it was time for learning.
This set a great tone for the day and the kids got off to work well and yes it did really cut into the morning but I think it was important to take that step back for everyone to have a reminder. Because if learning time had continued it wasn't the most productive anyway so half an hour-three quarters of an hour I am hoping will more than pay its dues with the kids work habits.
There were still times during group work that I had to remind students of what they promised today and I did still use the reflection book when students had been reminded several times. But I feel that on the whole the day was a lot more enjoyable for me and therefore must have also been more enjoyable and satisfying for the kids too.
Come Monday I plan to let the kids share their weekend news in small groups like normal to get it off their chest and then we will have another quick refresh of the Golden Rules and making another quick promise.
Perhaps I set up a promise jar?? Then when children are not living up to their promise I can tell them to go to the jar and read their promise rather than have me harp on reminding them. (Maybe this will be more effective? And a constant reminder that they can refer back to when they need re-focusing).
Having had the addition of a new student has highlighted how far the kids have come with the restorative process which is pleasing to see. And while their behaviour hasn't always been perfect this week they have still been quick to remind our new student of how we behave and what is and isn't acceptable in our classroom. Which I think shows their respect, ownership and pride for their classroom environment and that they do want to get on and learn.
My class had our class assembly in Week 4. We have started production rehearsals, we have performed our Kapa Haka and dances to parents, we have had cross country practices which has all led to the usual timetable been somewhat thrown out the window.
All week I found myself getting frustrated that I had limited time to squeeze the reading, writing and maths into the day and that when it came time to do these things the kids were often off task, loud, calling out on the mat and it felt as though they had forgotten all the things we had worked hard on building.
Getting a new student on Monday I had talked to the kids about being role models and demonstrating the correct behaviour for our new student and gone over the reflection book and room and what these meant.
But by Thursday night I knew I had to think of a different way to approach things as the kids were still rowdy and I could feel myself becoming quickly annoyed by their behaviour.
As a result we started Friday morning off by talking in pairs about what is expected in Room 11 behaviour wise. We then shared these ideas back to the class. We re-visited our Golden Rules and looked at examples of what these meant. Then we sat in a circle and made a promise to work on one way we would make today a good day. (That might have meant putting our hand up to talk, or being focused on our work etc).
I explained that I knew their normal routine had been interrupted lately but that we had to be resilient and flexible to change and remember to work really hard when it was time for learning.
This set a great tone for the day and the kids got off to work well and yes it did really cut into the morning but I think it was important to take that step back for everyone to have a reminder. Because if learning time had continued it wasn't the most productive anyway so half an hour-three quarters of an hour I am hoping will more than pay its dues with the kids work habits.
There were still times during group work that I had to remind students of what they promised today and I did still use the reflection book when students had been reminded several times. But I feel that on the whole the day was a lot more enjoyable for me and therefore must have also been more enjoyable and satisfying for the kids too.
Come Monday I plan to let the kids share their weekend news in small groups like normal to get it off their chest and then we will have another quick refresh of the Golden Rules and making another quick promise.
Perhaps I set up a promise jar?? Then when children are not living up to their promise I can tell them to go to the jar and read their promise rather than have me harp on reminding them. (Maybe this will be more effective? And a constant reminder that they can refer back to when they need re-focusing).
Having had the addition of a new student has highlighted how far the kids have come with the restorative process which is pleasing to see. And while their behaviour hasn't always been perfect this week they have still been quick to remind our new student of how we behave and what is and isn't acceptable in our classroom. Which I think shows their respect, ownership and pride for their classroom environment and that they do want to get on and learn.
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