Moving a group of students quietly and efficiently can sometimes be more challenging than it looks. The real truth can come down to management style of the permanent class teacher. Some classes have a well established routine that is best not to interfere with. Classes like this are proud to show you how they can self manage these situations. Leadership roles are usually displayed and the children know exactly what is expected of them. It is easy to find only positives things to express to the class teacher at the conclusion of the working day.
On the other hand, there are classes are so full of boundless energy and enthusiasm for life that it hard to get them to move as a group, let alone in two lines! Moving the class as a group is the one time you can really feel venerable to observations of any onlookers. Hence, I would offer these starting suggestions and strongly advise you to continually learn from your experiences in this area of management.
· ESTABLISH THE GROUND RULES: Quickly review what management structure is already in place. Affirm or outline the expectations of what will take place. Always highlight the positive behaviours that will be noticed or rewarded.
· FRONT AND BACK LEADERS: Whether upper, middle, or lower school, well managed or not, used to lining up in one, two or no lines, children always love being in charge! This strategy means you can allow four children to have “their time to shine.” I am always careful to ask the two front leaders move off when the class is ready but to stop and wait at a certain spot, like “Stop at the bottom of the library stairs.” This allows the group to stay together. When I am happy the class is settled and calm I would suggest the next waiting spot for the leaders. This way you also maintain some control of the movement. The Back Leaders are asked to walk so they have no-one behind them. In this way, you as the teacher can confidently move between the front and back, knowing all other children will be between these two sets of leaders.
· SECRET SIGN: Before leaving the classroom, establish a secret sign that communicates the need for attention of the whole group while you are out and about. A hand in the air is the golden oldie. The attentive children follow your lead and somehow those who are paying as much attention suddenly realize they are the only ones still chatting. Everyone else has their hand in the air!
Trust these thoughts may have a positive influence on your day.
To conclude here's a thought from an old African proverb....
"Don't look where you fell, but where you slipped!"
"Don't look where you fell, but where you slipped!"
Live,laugh and learn,
Blessings for the journey...
Carmel
