Session #3

Teaching kids to count is fine, but teaching them what counts is best.– Bob Talbert

Session #3 focuses on inside the classroom. You will spend most of your time in the classroom, therefore it is imperative that you have a set routine, a classroom management system in place, and great relationships with students and staff. 

4 Goals for the First Six Weeks: 

1. Create a climate of warmth, inclusion, and safety. - Relationships

2. Teach classroom routines and behavior expectations. - Consistency

3. Help students get to know and care for the classroom and school environment. -Respect

4. Establish expectations for academic work.- High expectations

Classroom Management

• Setting the classroom rules and expectations on the first few days of school.

• Set a routine & schedule

• Get to know each student- build rapport-Student preference survey- all about me activities/ send home parent surveys and questionnaires. 

• Use a timer

• Do NOT go on a power trip, You are there to lead not to boss!

• You want students on your side; get them to trust you!

Teaching strategies 

• Accept that no two students learn the same. 

• If students do not learn the way we teach, we should teach the way they learn.

• Starting the year with fun assessments will help you learn how students learn best. 

• Reading IEP if a student has one.  Speak to previous teachers if possible.

• Collect data and use it to steer lessons

• Visuals, Videos, Sounds, manipulatives, hands-on activities, worksheets, reading, charades, technology, differentiation

Examples of differentiation: (Special Ed/Elementary)

Level 1- all pictures

Level 2- pictures with word bank

Level 3- no or very few pictures with fill-in-the-blanks/ complete sentence options

Pictures, videos, music Templates Group work

Partner work Work stations Formative assessments

Word list Resources Anchor charts

Tasks Cards Graphic organizers Use all senses

Sentence starters Journaling

Culturally Responsive Teaching: 

Tips & Tricks:

1. Build relationships

2. Activate student's prior knowledge

3. Make Learning Contextual

4. Reconsider classroom setup

5. Positive perspective from family and parents

Examples:

• Roleplaying

• Assign assignments relevant to students' culture and community

• Diversify class library

• Teach and talk to students about discussing differences between individuals

• Show how differences among students make for better learning

• Need assessment survey for parents

• Visit local community events/discuss with students

• Do your homework about the students you are serving

“If a child can't learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach the way they learn” Ignacio Estrada.

THE MOST BASIC OF ALL HUMAN NEEDS IS THE NEED TO UNDERSTAND AND BE UNDERSTOOD. THE BEST WAY TO UNDERSTAND PEOPLE IS TO LISTEN TO THEM. ­-Ralph G. Nichols