Take Back Your Class

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Are you having spikes in behavior? Is your noise level out of control? Does it feel like your students are actually regressing? Or maybe you never had a solid handle on any of it to begin with? 

Well, we've all been there! All of this can happen and it's normal, but it doesn't have to be the norm. Veteran teachers know that there may be times throughout the year is when they have to take off the cruise control and place hands firmly at 10 and 2 again. They call this a "hard reset".

Class dynamics can shift at any point in the year, so it's always good to think about how to pivot when times get tough. The following 1-2-3 can be used any time during the year that your class (or you) needs a reset. 

Step 1: Take the wheel and steer. 

Often, this feels awkward later in the year because you've already established all of your routines, systems, rewards, guidelines way back in August and September...but sometimes a complete, start over reteach is needed. Don't worry about how your students will react to the initial "reset" because the end result is really the only thing that you should be thinking about. Do the things that need to be done by being the adult in the room. Consider how much effort you put into the structure of your classroom at the beginning of the year and how tactfully you worked to nip behaviors in the bud and build relationships. Do that again to reinforce or refresh your classroom management. Stay firm to your boundaries and expectations. Your class will adjust, if you remain consistent. 


Step 2: Commit to a game plan. 

I can't reiterate enough the importance of creating a solid daily schedule and account for each minute (yes, down to the minute!) with engaging, well-planned lessons. Having a structure each day is key to keeping your class on track. I'm also a fan of over-planning to have a "just in case" option. Going into your day with only a topic or general idea in mind for filling a block just doesn't cut it. Even 10-20 minutes can feel like an eternity when you're phoning it in and your students can see right through your "I'm going to stretch this out because I don't have anything else" strategy. Prioritize planning and preparation every day. 

  • Strive for high interest & engaging
  • Make it meaningful (real world connections, problem solving, student centered, project based)
  • Allow for creativity and choice
  • Build in time for self-direction so specific students can receive extra support or extension
  • Create a structured routine for anything you feel needs more attention (beginning of class, ending of class, transitions, etc)


Step 3: Reach into your toolbox. 

You are capable and you have so many skills. You know what to do, but you must make the conscious decision to do it. As you plan, apply everything you know about Expectations, Intention, Big 8 Pacing | Signals | Cues | Proximity | etc, Instructional Value, and Beginning with the End in Mind, and Data Driven Instruction, etc. For things you need, catch up here or Book Me! 


💡 BONUS: Here are some ideas from the NEA::










       


(Use the same concept with music in the classroom)