Monday, October 29, 2012

Little White Lies

While I love my class, I have to be honest with you...they sure are one chatty bunch! These past few months with them has definitely kept me on my toes, and it's been a constant battle to get our procedures and behavior management strategies down.

However, the other week (when I just so happened to be out of school for CCSS training) I had a behavior management epiphany. Now, don't get me wrong, I am  absolutely positive that I am not the first teacher to come with and use this strategy. But I have to admit, I was pretty darn proud of myself when it came to mind. Naturally, I thought I should share one of my very favorites with you!


Meet "Mr. Mike". Clever, right? I was so excited to introduce this strategy to my firsties, that I even wrapped it up with a cute little bag and bow. My students may have been slightly less impressed with the gift than I was...but they were excited nonetheless! Mr. Mike is the star of our rug time meetings, and has really helped my cuties understand the concept of taking turns. The best part of it is...they love Mr. Mike so much that they don't even realize my ulterior motives! Of course, this could I also be due to the little white lie I may or may not have told them.

You see, when I returned to school from my training, I told my class that I had my ears checked while I was away and learned that my hearing is downright HORRIBLE. I then introduced them to Mr. Mike and explained that he would help me to hear them while I teach. Now my kiddos think they have to hold the microphone in order for me to hear them. If they try to speak without holding the mic I simply say "I'm sorry, what was that?! My ears can't hear you without the microphone!". The kids eat it right up, and I get to enjoy the benefits of my little fib. 

How do you handle behavior management in your classroom?




Sunday, October 28, 2012

Meet the teacher

Hi new friends!!

My name is Haley, and I am a first year/ first grade teacher in Louisiana. I know what you're thinking... I must be crazy taking on this new responsibility in my very first year! Well, my hope is that this blog will serve as a tool for me to share (and borrow) ideas with each of you!

I am the proud teacher of a terrific group of 14 students. Seriously...they are just great! Such smart kiddos. I feel so lucky to have started my teaching career with such a wonderful class. I can already tell the end of this year is gonna be a tough one!

I will be posting pictures and updates of what's been going on with my class since the beginning of the year soon. We have so much to catch up on, so stay tuned!

Thank you so much for stopping by my blog, new friend, and thank you for sharing this crazy fun journey with me!
 
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