Dear We are teachers,
I am in my first year of teaching and school starts on Monday. After thinking about last semester’s problems over the break, I feel like I need to reset a large class of my 5th graders by following directions. Are there any procedures, processes, procedures, etc., that you would recommend so that I don’t find myself repeating the same thing 8 million times this semester?
—Let’s get down to business
Dear LGDTB,
Ah, 5th graders. Big dogs at the elementary school. As adults in high school, only the prefrontal cortex has developed.
We have a great list of the best 5th grade classroom management ideas here and 38 classroom practices and procedures to teach here that I highly recommend checking out. But the two practices I would recommend you drill down on your first day back are 1) switching between tasks and 2) controlling the sound level. In my experience, these are the most bang for your buck in terms of classroom management.
For each process, outline how you want students to behave in three steps at most. (Example: “When the timer goes off, stop what you’re doing, look at me, and wait for instructions.”) Then, no matter how silly it seems, ask students to practice. Get them really involved in the task or conversation, and then practice the process until everyone gets it right. Then revisit it every day until it is cemented. (And in the future when they need a reminder!)
You will inevitably have a few rascals who pretend not to understand the process or insist you don’t follow it. He will say this in a friendly way: “Okay! I completely understand that some of you may need more practice with this new process. I’m happy to pick you up at lunchtime and coach you through the process. To be clear, this is not a punishment—a practice. You will still eat your lunch.” It’s really amazing how quickly they caught on after that. 😉
Dear We are teachers,
A pipe burst in my room during winter break and everything in my classroom had to be thrown away—and I mean everything. A few pieces of furniture and dry goods were in the moldy classroom, so I had to start over. Fortunately, our custodian discovered the problem just before New Years and my wonderful department helped me to get my classroom ready to have children in it. But spending half of my break in my classroom, setting up new technology, copying all my old documents, etc., was—and still is—exhausting and stressful. Is there a rebuild of this? Sounds like a terrible start to 2025!
– The explosion is very bad
Dear BITW,
When I am in trouble and need mercy, I have learned to ask my husband directly, “Do you have mercy on me?” I can confidently say that any teacher who learns about your situation sympathizes with you. May our collection of comfort and compassion heal your teacher’s heart, even just a little.
Here are some ideas for reorganizing this situation.
First, every time you’re tempted to end your new year in the middle of a blast pipe, switch to this mantra instead: “Start the new year with a reminder that love is all around me.” How lucky am I to have the outpouring of generosity from my team, the diligence from our caretaker, and the support of my superiors? I can face anything.”
Also, go ahead and plan a long weekend getaway right now so you can look forward to it when you catch your breath. I spoke to your principal. They approved it.
Dear We are teachers,
I’m in the middle of my first year teaching 7th grade, and I’m loving it! Here’s what I don’t like: It feels like I get a new student—either from our school or a transfer—every week. Each time, I have to set aside a significant amount of time for my class to familiarize myself with them, explain our rules and procedures, try to participate in what we are learning, create a login, etc. Is there any way I can move this process this semester to get a new student “on board” to speak?
– New Student, No problem
Dear NPNP,
Yes you can be easy! The next time you get a new student, say this: “Max, I’d like your help with something. I try to make it easy for new students to settle into my classroom. I’ll take notes while I set it up, but can you help me with an answer as to what would make things easier for you? Thank you.”
Once you have your master list of rules, procedures, practices, syllabus, etc., digitize it. Place it in a Google Folder (ideally in Google Classroom) that you can share with any new student. Create a document called “Start Here.” In that document, include a short welcome letter, your email, and three lists in it: “Things to do today,” “Things to do at the end of the week,” and “Things to do when I have time.” Then, prioritize your tasks for the student. To check understanding, you can enter a short quiz or a Google Form.
Get your class to help you with it. Choose a new student assistant for each class. Have current students help you put together a Google Slides or video of your practices and practices that you can add to the New Student Google Folder. Another tip: Each student contributes a “Know About Us” presentation slide with a picture, name, and a few fun facts. Then, a new student can add again.
Do you have a burning question? Email us at [email protected].
Dear We are teachers,
I really, really, really don’t want to go back to school. This is my 7th year teaching high school bio. I usually charge for the first half of the break (alone time, movies, sleep) and then have socializing and festivities for the second half. But this time I have no energy, and thinking about school starting next week makes me want to cry. I don’t think about quitting and I generally like my job. Is it possible to show motivation without what?
-Don’t do it
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