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Trouble Getting Class Started
Strategies to Consider:
Be sure you have reviewed your Rules and Expectations. If the teacher did not leave any, have your own ready and on the board.
A common error made by teachers is to chit chat in the first few minutes of class and share things about yourself. Introduce yourself and get down to work. You may want to share an agenda of what you will be doing with your time together. Model for them that you have plans for their time and can't wait to work with them. Be positive and polite.
Grade School: Develop a sign for all to follow when you want them to become quiet and listen – “When I hold up two fingers it means eyes on me, quiet your words and open your ears.” Or better yet, take two minutes to huddle students in four groups, have each group propose their sign that means quiet and attention, and choose one of their signs. Students love this!
Middle School/High School: After you have reviewed your rules and expectations, begin immediately. Get and keep students on task. Do not stop if students are chatting; use Differentiated Instructional Strategies, DRO and be sure to avoid sarcasm and degrading comments. Keep your energy positive and keep moving.
Offer an agenda so that students know what their time holds for them.
Use visual organizers to engage students and ground them in the content.