Classroom Management....Closing the Day

My Remembering Hand

This is a little technique that really works when you need to give information in sequential steps, reviewing a list of things to remember to take home or for the child to tell parents.

For many children, the development of their auditory sequential memory can be anywhere between two to seven instructions. This ability will be significantly challenged when the child is placed in a noisy classroom. Combining both instructions with a hand movement/sequence may assist in anchoring the instruction neurologically through movement and touch.

1. Try to give each instruction clearly and simply.
2. The class echoes your words and mirrors any hand movement. (Even if this as simple as touching the first finger with the first instruction, second finger second instruction. )
3. Continue through the sequence.
4. Review the instructions in reverse order using same words and actions.
5. Try the review out of order, still using same words and actions.
6. Suggest to the children that now they can use their remembering hand in the same method at home in order to remember the message. (It does work!)

This would be my favourite way of reviewing a day with a class. We all laugh when I tell them that when Mum & Dad ask what was the best thing you did doing the day, they are not allowed to say LUNCH! It is usually quite interesting to see how much you really did do in the school day and to review the activities in time sequence. This is a very valuable tool for the student to develop in later years....one of reflection and review. Once the students have refreshed their memory of the day I often ask them to give me "a high five" as they file out the door and tell me their personal best thing for the day. The responses make for excellent reflection and evaluation for me as the teacher. The children love it too, as everyone gets to have a say!

Blessings for the journey,

Live,laugh and learn,

Carmel

General Classroom Management

A STICKY SITUATION!

The teacher's lunch room is a great place to have a laugh about some of the everyday things that can drive you crazy. That is just what happened today. A number of early years teachers were bemoaning the way small children handle glue. The dramatization of the mess that can be made was hilarious. When it all quietened down I simply stated in my silliest voice,

"One, two three, four.....in the corner NO more!"

Everyone had another good laugh. When asked to explain, I felt a little foolish at the simplicity of the strategy. If glue pots are required I ask the whole class to chant after me,

"One, two three, four..... in the corner NO more!"

By this I mean that the student is instructed to only apply glue to the four corners of the sheet before sticking it into their book. I have found over the years this conserves glue, is time efficient, increases drying time and allows the child to continue working on the sheet as the centre of the sheet is not wet with glue. Classes that know my style will often say this without any prompting when they are gluing. Everyone listened and then we all talked about something far more interesting.

Here's the funny twist. This afternoon I had four of the teachers especially tell me how successful the strategy was and how much they loved it. My pleasure, treasure! If we are not here to share and support each other what are we doing?

Blessings for the journey....

Live,laugh and learn!

Carmel

Classroom Literacy Activities

SPICE IT UP!

Authors call them a "hook" and advertisers call them an "attention getter". Whatever the label, the introduction to a new session/lesson is where you win or loose the audience! I can assure you of a productive lesson if you have engaged all learners (and their learning styles) through a creative introduction. The variety of strategies do not need to be elaborate at all. Just a little investment of thought power can bring good dividends for both the learner and the facilitator.

Here is a strategy that I have enjoyed using in recent days.

VOTE WITH YOUR FEET:

This strategy allows total class involvement both in movement and engagement of thinking skills. It challenges everyone to have an opinion ,or at least, a reason why. The application is very broad.

Basic Concept: All children stand. What does it mean to vote? Importance? Discuss. Explain that today we are going to be voting with your feet, after I make a general statement. Should you strongly agree with the statement, move to this side of the room, not sure, to the centre of the room and strongly disagree to the opposite side of the room. The wonderful part comes when you listen to the reasoning behind the child's vote. Use the Koosh ball and watch the discussion heat up!

This concept also works well with lower grades in the application of true/false statements. This week I used this strategy to heighten interest in a rather dull history lesson and associated workbook. Instead of an opinion, the children had to vote with their feet on which of the two outcomes they thought was realistic. As we moved through the text, I recorded key words and visual symbols that recounted the chapter. I was very impressed with the way the class then completed the written work of the chapter. The class feedback was most positive. Even I had fun thinking on my feet! Anything that allows the children to be true active learners is a winner for me!

Blessings for the journey.

Live, laugh and learn!

Carmel