First Year Teacher Archives - The Present Teacher

5 Procedures to Use if Students Aren’t Listening to You

You’re eager to start the year off strong, but you’re struggling to get your students to follow directions and your students aren’t listening to you. In this blog post, we’ll delve into five essential procedures you should teach to help your students become active listeners and direction followers.

Listen to the Podcast:

Watch the YouTube Video:

https://youtu.be/vHMS897yIA4

#1 Class Call

The first procedure you should teach if your students aren’t listening to you is a class call. When you need to regain your students’ attention, it’s essential to have a procedure in place. Some teachers use doorbells, but I prefer a versatile method – the class call.

It’s not just about what they should say in response; it’s about what they should do afterward. For example, if you say, “Macaroni and cheese,” they should respond with “Everybody freeze” and then stop, look, and listen. Model the procedure, discuss its importance, clarify what it doesn’t look like, and practice it. This procedure is crucial for quickly refocusing your students and transitioning between activities.

#2 Whole Group

The second procedure you should teach if your students aren’t listening to you is what they should be doing during whole group instruction. Establish clear expectations for how your students should behave during whole-group instruction.

I learned this concept from Teaching With Joy. Use the acronym ALTVV: Active Listening, Track the Speaker, Still Hands, Listening Ears, and Voices Off. Provide a visual reminder, model the expected behavior, discuss what it should look and sound like, and refer to other related procedures, such as seating arrangements.

#3 Talk to a Partner

The next procedure you should teach if your students aren’t listening to you is how they should talk to a partner. Teaching your students how to effectively interact with a partner is essential.

Implement the “Peanut Butter and Jelly Partner” concept, specifying how they should behave when talking to their partner. Outline what active listening looks like, what partners should do when they’re speaking, and how to convey that they’re listening. Describe both the visual and auditory aspects of this procedure.

#4 Ready to Share

Another procedure you should teach if your students aren’t listening to you is to show you they are ready. Ensure your students know how to signal that they’re ready to share with you.

Establish a “ready signal” and explain what it looks and sounds like. I personally use a thumbs-up when students are done with their work or speaking to a partner. Emphasize that this signal is for communication with you, not their peers. Clarify what’s expected when they’re working with friends.

#5 Independent Work

The final procedure to teach your students if they are having a hard time listening to you is what they should be doing while working independently. Define the expected behavior for independent work.

Cover topics like how to work with materials, working at a “0” noise level, specific voice levels, and where they should work in the classroom. Ensure students understand what it means to be engaged independently and how to ask for assistance when needed.

Wrap Up

Overall, teaching these five essential procedures can significantly improve your student’s ability to pay attention and follow directions. Each procedure serves a unique purpose and contributes to a well-managed classroom. If you found this information helpful, make sure to check out part 4 of this series. For more classroom management strategies, consider joining our 3-day classroom management challenge.

As always remember:

Love,

Helena <3

AKA

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Categories: Uncategorized

How Different Areas in Your Classroom Can Help Getting Students to Follow Directions

Do you find yourself struggling to get your students to follow directions in the classroom? In part 2 of our series on effective classroom management, we’ll explore a powerful strategy to improve student behavior – using associative memory techniques and different classroom areas. Let’s dive in and discover how you can create an environment where following directions becomes second nature.

Listen to the podcast:

Watch the YouTube Video:

https://youtu.be/1NQv_QePSNM

What is the Associative Memory Technique?

Before we begin, one of the questions you might be asking yourself is “what is the associative memory technique?” The associative memory technique, according to google, is the ability to “connect new information you want to remember with existing information that you already know.”

In other words, it’s the ability to pair your surroundings or memories with new information. It’s almost like a mental cue for your brain to remember how to act when you’re in that environment. An example of this would be your brain reminding you to be quiet because you are in the library. Or your brain reminds you that you can cheer loudly for your favorite team while you’re watching them play live at the stadium.

Another example would be to remember a student’s name, “Lacy,” because you have a cousin Lacy. Therefore, you can better remember and learn that student’s name. It’s your ability to pair your surroundings, experiences, or memory to take in new information.

Now you might be wondering “How does the associative memory technique help get students to follow directions?” We’re going to cover that in the next section.

Associative Memory in Action:

One thing you may not have realized is that you can actually use the associative memory technique to be better at getting your students to follow directions.

For example, when I was growing up my 4th grade teacher, Mr. Lind, would play classical music and give us a piece of gum whenever we would study for a test in class. Later when we took the test, can you guess what he did?

That’s right! He mimicked our environment from when we were studying aka the associative memory strategy by giving us a piece of gum and playing the same playlist when we took the assessment. The crazy part is whenever he would use this technique, the class average performance on the assessment went up significantly.

Different Classroom Areas:

One way to be better at getting your students to follow directions using the associative memory technique is to use different areas in your classroom. Consider this to be similar to the library versus the stadium example provided earlier.

Essentially try setting up different areas in your classroom where expectations are different. For example having a different area for your students to listen to whole group instruction versus working independently is going to significantly help your students to be more engaged during whole group instruction.

When students are listening to a lecture or a lesson, they are sitting quietly, with their eyes on the teacher, and their hands are typically clear of all distractions. Whereas while working independently students are likely to be sitting at their seats, quietly using various materials and asking for feedback as they quietly work. Making different areas for both of these areas will increase focus and ensure your students are more likely to follow directions and expectations for whatever task they are doing.

Consider dividing your classroom into different areas, each with its own set of rules and procedures. For example:

Whole Group Area: Where students listen attentively during lectures or discussions.
Small Group Area: Where collaborative work takes place.
Independent Work Area: Where students work on assignments individually.

How to be better at getting your students to follow directions:

In each area, establish distinct rules and cues. For instance, in the whole group area, students might sit criss-cross with hands in their laps and eyes on the speaker, raising their hands for permission to speak. In the small group area, different rules apply.

Take the time to explicitly teach your students about each classroom area and its associated rules. Use cues and memory techniques to help them remember what’s expected in each space.

Conclusion

By using the associative memory technique and creating distinct classroom areas with specific rules, you can significantly improve your students’ ability to follow directions. This strategy not only enhances behavior but also fosters a more organized and productive learning environment. If you found this helpful, be sure to check out part 3 of our classroom management series. To dive deeper into effective teaching strategies, consider joining our Classroom Management Challenge.

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Categories: Uncategorized

Top Mistakes You Might Be Making When Students Aren’t Listening to You

The excitement of starting your teaching career can quickly fade when your students aren’t listening to you. If you’re facing this challenge, know that you’re not alone. Managing a classroom is one of the most demanding aspects of teaching. Today, we’re here to help you avoid the top five mistakes that might be causing your students not to listen and, more importantly, to provide solutions that can turn your class into one of the most well-behaved in the school.

Podcast Episode:

Video:

#1 Taking Away Recess

The first mistake teachers make when their students aren’t listening to them is taking away recess. This is a common practice and although it is tempting, taking away a student’s recess can bee seen as a form of punishment.

Surprisingly, 86% of teachers have used this method, but studies show it’s ineffective. Oftentimes when you take away a student’s recess you are not teaching them a lesson. Instead, the student will simply label themselves as a “bad kid” and will find it difficult to turn their day around in the future.

Instead, find out why this student isn’t listening to you and rely on teaching procedures on what the expectations are in class. Whenever possible, it is highly recommended that you find a “natural consequence” as opposed to taking away recess. An example of this could be if a student isn’t listening to you during whole group, make sure to review the expectations and procedures for whole group instruction.

#2 Stopping Class to Address Behavior

The second mistake you might be making if your students aren’t listening to you is that you are stopping the class to address the behavior. Interrupting your lesson to address a student’s behavior can lead to power struggles and loss of credibility.

Oftentimes instead of teaching the student and class a lesson, you are embarrassing the student in front of their peers and they may be tempted to snap a remark back. Other students might also start to be disruptive because they subconsciously take note that you are paying attention to the “negative” behavior in class.

Instead, it is recommended to learn alternative methods to maintain control while keeping the learning environment positive. Some strategies include proximity, pointing out the students who ARE following expectations and practicing the expectations in class as a whole WITHOUT singling a student out.

#3 Clip Charts

Another mistake you might be making if your students aren’t listening to you is relying on clip charts. If you are not familiar with them, clip charts are different levels of where a student stands in regard to their behavior for that day. Typically every student starts at a certain level and they can clip up or down based on the choices they make in class.

Clip charts can be detrimental if your students aren’t listening to you for several reasons. The first reason is students spend their day comparing each other and how they are doing. Another reason they aren’t effective is sudents see that they are labeled “bad” for a choice they made. The next reason why clip charts aren’t recommended is students are publicly humiliated if they make a mistake.

According to Teacher Goals.com clipcharts have even been shown to “Intensify anxious behavior and decrease engagement.” One Fab Teacher has a video has a video about clip charts you can watch that by clicking here.

Instead of relying on clip charts, it is highly recommended that you use a more positive strategy like a super improver wall. You can learn more about them in this book. Or download a free one by clicking here.

#4 Not Reviewing or Teaching Procedures

The fourth mistake you might be making if your students aren’t listening to you is you haven’t taught your procedures thoroughly or you haven’t reviewed them consistently. Procedures are the key to a smoothly running classroom.

Oftentimes we may FEEL like we explained the expectations thoroughly enough, but often times students need procedures modeled, practiced, and discussed multiple times for it to become a habit.

This is the first place you should be going if your students aren’t listening to you. I highly recommend you check out this post where I talk more about how you can teach procedures in an effective way.

#5 Not Building a Strong Relationship

The final mistake you may be making if your students aren’t listening to you is that you aren’t focusing enough on building a strong relationship with your students. Strong classroom management starts with building a solid relationship with your students.

As the saying goes if your students don’t trust you they won’t learn from you. That’s why it’s recommended that you intentionally building a strong relationships with your students over the next couple of weeks.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

Get to know your students interests outside of school
Share some of your interests outside of school
Get to know about your student’s home life
Check in and praise them throughout the day.

Wrap Up:

In summary, the five common mistakes you might be making when your students aren’t listening to you are:

Taking Away Recess
Stopping Class to Address Behavior
Using Clip Charts
Not Reviewing or Teaching Procedures
Not Building a Strong Relationship

If you found these insights valuable and want to learn more, check out our 3-day Classroom Management Challenge. Transform your classroom management in just five days.

Remember:

See you next time, teacher bestie!

Love,

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Categories: First Year Teacher

The Ultimate First Year Teacher Classroom Checklist

Congratulations on starting your first year as a teacher! As you prepare for the school year ahead, it’s important to have a checklist to ensure you have everything you need for a successful classroom. From classroom supplies to lesson planning, this ultimate first year teacher classroom checklist will help you stay organized and prepared.

Listen to the podcast:

Set up your classroom layout.

One of the first items of the first year teacher classroom checklist is to set up your classroom layout.

Before the school year begins, it’s important to plan out your classroom layout. In fact, I would argue that before you even start picking out a theme or purchase ANYTHING, figure out the flow of your classroom to minimize the chance of making unnecessary purchases.

Consider the flow of traffic, the placement of desks and tables, and the location of important items such as the whiteboard and storage areas. Some areas you may want to consider are:

Whole Group Area
Classroom Library
Line Up Area
Independent Work Area
Small Group Area
Student Resource Area

Make sure to leave enough space for students to move around and for you to move freely around the classroom. Once you have a plan in place, start setting up your classroom and arranging furniture accordingly. After you take inventory of what you already have and the flow of your classroom, it’s a good idea to stock up on essential items.

Which brings me to my next point…

Stock up on essential supplies.

Another important item on the First Year teacher classroom checklist is to stock up on essential supplies. As a first year teacher, it’s important to have all the necessary supplies to ensure a successful school year.

After you take inventory on what your classroom already has (some classrooms have supplies already in them) or what your district will provide, it’s important to stock up on all the essential day to day supplies you will be using. Make sure to stock up on essentials such as pencils, pens, markers, paper, notebooks, folders, and binders.

You may also want to consider purchasing classroom decorations, bulletin board materials, and organizational tools such as bins and trays. Don’t forget to also have a first aid kit and cleaning supplies on hand for any unexpected situations. By having all the necessary supplies, you’ll be able to focus on teaching and creating a positive learning environment for your students.

Create a classroom management plan.

Arguably the number one thing you want to do on the ultimate first year teacher classroom checklist is to figure out your classroom management plan.

One of the most important things you can do as a first year teacher is to create a classroom management plan. This plan should outline your expectations for behavior, consequences for misbehavior, and rewards for positive behavior. It’s important to communicate this plan to your students and their parents at the beginning of the school year.

By having a clear and consistent management plan, you’ll be able to create a positive and productive learning environment for your students. Which is why it’s number three on the Ultimate First Year Teacher Classroom Checklist.

Plan your curriculum and lesson plans.

One of the next steps on the First Year Teacher Classroom Checklist is to plan out your curriculum and lesson plans.

As a first year teacher, it’s important to have a clear plan for what you’ll be teaching throughout the year. And let’s be honest, lesson planning can be a tedious task if you let it. That’s why many teachers including Veteran teachers use the summer to get ahead of lesson planning.

Start by reviewing your school’s curriculum and standards, and then create a detailed plan for each unit or lesson. Consider incorporating a variety of teaching methods and activities to keep your students engaged and motivated. Don’t forget to also plan for assessments and evaluations to measure your students’ progress and adjust your teaching as needed. By having a well-planned curriculum and lesson plans, you’ll be able to provide your students with a structured and effective learning experience.

Establish communication with parents and guardians.

One of the most important aspects of being a successful teacher is establishing open communication with parents and guardians. Which is why it definitely needed to be included in the first year teacher classroom checklist.

This can help you build a strong relationship with them and ensure that they are involved in their child’s education. Consider sending out a welcome letter or email at the beginning of the school year, and schedule regular parent-teacher conferences to discuss their child’s progress. I personally like to call all of my families the week before school to introduce myself, especially if you don’t have a parent night.

You can also use online tools such as a class website or email newsletter to keep parents informed about upcoming events and assignments. By keeping parents involved, you can create a supportive learning environment that benefits both you and your students.

One of the best mindsets you can have with family communication is “we work as a team.”

Overall

All in all, there are several items you should be completing from the Ultimate First Year Teacher Classroom Checklist. These items include:

Classroom layout
Stock up on essential supplies
Create a classroom management plan
Get ahead of your curriculum and lesson plans
Decide and incorporate early and consistent family communication

Here’s the thing, I know you probably have a million questions about teaching. So if you want to learn more, check out the Ultimate First Year Checklist where I walk you through all of the things you should be doing to make your first year of teaching a success.

As always, we are stronger together!

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Categories: First Year Teacher

The Top 7 New Teacher Myths You Shouldn’t Believe

Let’s be honest, there are so many new teacher myths going around these days. And the worst part is, many of us don’t even realize they are myths until later…. Much much later!

In this article, we’ll debunk some of the most common myths and provide you with the truth about what to expect as a new teacher.

Did you know all 7 of these were myths?

P.S. If you are a new teacher and want help setting up your classroom, download this Ultimate First Year Teacher Checklist!

Listen to the podcast:

Myth: You have to be perfect from day one.

Let’s be honest, this is a new teacher myth not only society places on us, but we tend to place on ourselves. This is a common myth that can cause a lot of unnecessary stress for first year teachers.

The truth is, no one is perfect and everyone makes mistakes, especially when starting a new job. It’s important to give yourself grace and remember that teaching is a learning process. Seek guidance from experienced teachers, reflect on your lessons, and make adjustments as needed. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, because that’s the best way you will learn!

Your students will appreciate your effort and dedication, even if everything doesn’t go perfectly from day one. So don’t believe this new teacher myth for one second!

Myth: You have to be strict to earn respect.

A common new teacher myth you might hear is “Don’t smile until January.” This is a common misconception among new teachers, but it’s simply not true.

While it’s important to establish boundaries and expectations in the classroom, being overly strict can actually hinder your ability to build positive relationships with your students. Respect is earned through mutual trust and understanding, not fear.

Instead, focus on creating a safe and supportive learning environment, and your students will naturally respect you as their teacher.

Myth: You have to be an expert in every subject.

Another common new teacher is that you have to be an expert to be a good teacher. The truth is, no one is an expert in every subject and it’s okay to ask for help or do some extra research to prepare for a lesson.

Additionally, many schools have resources available such as curriculum guides and lesson plans to help teachers plan and teach their lessons effectively. Don’t let the fear of not knowing everything hold you back from being a great teacher.

Myth: You have to do everything on your own.

As a first year teacher, it’s easy to feel like you have to do everything on your own. However, this is simply not true. There are many resources available to new teachers, including mentorship programs, professional development opportunities, and support from colleagues.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help or guidance when you need it. Remember, teaching is a collaborative profession and everyone benefits when we work together. So don’t let this new teacher myth get in your way of being the teacher you were meant to be.

Myth: You have to sacrifice your personal life.

I’m not sure how many times I have heard this new teacher myth but it’s simply not true. In fact, if I were to be completely transparent with you, I believed this myth myself until year 2.

This is a common myth that can discourage many potential teachers from pursuing a career in education. While teaching can be a demanding job, it’s important to remember that you still have a life outside of the classroom. It’s important to prioritize self-care and make time for hobbies and activities that bring you joy.

Additionally, many schools offer a work-life balance and encourage their teachers to take time off when needed. Don’t let the new teacher myth of sacrificing your personal life hold you back from pursuing your passion for teaching.

Myth: You have to work 24/7.

Again, a new teacher myth I believed myself, this is a common myth that can be discouraging for new teachers. While it’s true that the first few years can be challenging as you adjust to the demands of the job, it doesn’t mean that they have to be horrible.

With the right support, resources, and mindset, you can have a successful and fulfilling experience as a new teacher. Don’t let this myth have you grinding your entire first year. You might just miss making those important memories… like I did!

Myth: Your first couple of years are going to be horrible.

I’m going to say it louder for the people in the back… YOUR FIRST COUPLE YEARS OF TEACHING DOES NOT HAVE TO BE DIFFICULT! Just because other teachers had a hard first couple of years, doesn’t mean you have to. In fact, that’s one of the reason The Present Teacher began. I help new teachers learn from my mistakes so their first couple of years can be the best years of their life!

While it’s true that the first few years can be challenging as you adjust to the demands of the job, it doesn’t mean that they have to be horrible. With the right support, resources, and strategies, you can have a successful and fulfilling experience as a new teacher. You can have an amazing first year of teaching.

In Summary

Overall, there are several new teacher myths that definitely put a damper on being a new teacher. These new teacher myths include:

You have to be perfect from day one
You have to be strict to earn respect
You have to be an expert in every subject
You have to do everything on your own
You have to work 24/7
Your first couple of years are going to be horrible

All in all, there are so many new teacher myths out there that can really get in the way of you making an impact in the education world. Don’t let these myths stop you from being the teacher you were meant to become!

P.S. Don’t forget to download the Free Ultimate First Year Teacher Checklist!

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Categories: Uncategorized

From Surviving to Thriving: Tips for Teachers in End of the Year Survival Mode

As the end of the school year approaches, many teachers find themselves in “survival mode” – just trying to make it through the last few weeks.

And exactly 4 years ago today, was the day I wanted to give up on teaching. You see I had been wrapping up my first year of teaching as a Kindergarten Teacher in a small town in New Mexico. It was my students graduation, and as I watched their little hands hold their diplomas, I started to lose it. I started tearing up because at that moment I realized…

I. Had. Failed. Them.

The entire year I was so wrapped up in the doing that I forgot in the being.

I wasn’t the teacher I knew I could be at 5 years old when I decided to be a teacher. Not only had I failed my students that year, but I also failed myself.

It was at that moment that I decided enough was enough. I am going to figure out a way to get out of survival mode and start being the teacher I know I could be.

And I did!

Not only did I finally start becoming the teacher I knew I could be, but I have helped teachers around the world do the same.

You see, with a few tips and strategies, it’s possible to finish the year strong and avoid burnout. You don’t have to be in “survival mode.” If anything you can continue thriving and being the teacher you were always meant to be.

With that in mind, here are some ideas to help you get out of survival mode and end the year on a high note.

Listen to the podcast episode:

Prioritize self-care.

One of the best ways to get out of teacher “survival mode” at the end of the year is to focus on taking care of yourself.

It’s easy for teachers to put their own needs on the back burner during the busy school year, but self-care is crucial for avoiding burnout. Now when I say self-care, I don’t mean the buzz word admin throws around.

What I mean is to start incorporating these simple steps:

Ask yourself what you need right now.
Take action.

That’s it! It’s that simple. Do I mean start a crazy workout routine in the morning before school at the gym? Of course not!

What I mean is it’s important to start showing up for yourself and giving yourself the time and space you need throughout the day. Remember, taking care of yourself is not selfish – it’s necessary for being able to take care of your students.

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Simplify lesson planning and grading.

As the end of the school year approaches, it can be tempting to try to cram in as much content as possible. However, this can lead to burnout for both teachers and students. If you are feeling exhausted, your students are most likely feeling it too.

Instead, simplify your lesson planning by focusing on the most important concepts and skills. Consider using project-based learning or other hands-on activities to engage students and make learning more enjoyable.

When it comes to grading, consider using rubrics or other streamlined methods to save time and reduce stress. Remember, the goal is not to do everything perfectly, but to finish the year strong and set yourself up for success in the future.

Celebrate accomplishments and milestones.

As the school year comes to a close, it’s important to take time to celebrate the accomplishments and milestones of both yourself and your students. Instead of getting caught up in all of the “to-do’s,” Make sure to set some time aside to enjoy these last few weeks with your kids. I guarantee over summer you are going to look back at the memories you made this year, NOT how much work you got done.

Set some time aside to celebrate the progress your students have made, and most importantly that YOU made. This can be as simple as having a class party or creating a bulletin board showcasing student work. Looking at where your students were at the beginning of the year to now is also another way to celebrate. And taking some time to reflect on how much you have learned this school year.

Recognizing the hard work and progress made throughout the year can boost morale and provide a sense of closure. It also sets a positive tone for the next school year and helps students feel motivated to continue learning and growing.

Stay organized and focused.

With the end of the school year comes a flurry of activities and tasks that can easily overwhelm even the most organized of teachers (trust me). To stay on top of things, create a to-do list and prioritize tasks based on their importance and deadline.

This is where those systems at the beginning of the year are really important. Use a planner or calendar to keep track of important dates and events. It’s also important to stay focused on the present moment and avoid getting too caught up in planning for the future. Take breaks when needed and remember to take care of yourself both physically and mentally.

Collaborate with colleagues for support and inspiration.

When you’re feeling overwhelmed and burnt out, it can be helpful to lean on your colleagues for support and inspiration. Collaborate with other teachers to share ideas, resources, and strategies for managing end-of-year tasks and activities. You don’t have to do this alone. Whether it’s a mentor online, or the teacher next door, it’s important to lean on your support group during this time.

You can also use this time to reflect on the school year and celebrate your successes together. Don’t be afraid to ask for help or advice when you need it – remember, you’re all in this together!

Overall

All in all, there are several ways to get out of teacher survival mode at the end of the school year. Some strategies include:

Prioritize your self-care
Simplify lesson planning and grading
Celebrate accomplishments and milestones
Stay organize and focused
Collaborate with colleagues and your support network

As always remember we are stronger together!

Love,

Helena

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Learn how to take photos like a pro

Hey New Teachers!

Learn how to take photos like a pro

Hey New Teachers!

Learn how to take photos like a pro

Hey New Teachers!