I'm slowly getting the room ready for summer and I think i should try and write down some things I've learned about teaching. I really should try and make them funny--but I'm just so tired at the moment.
#1 Organization--do as you go--dedication time each day to this discipline.
A. Separate, separate, separate into major categories.
B. make a class set and a file for each student with a documentation log for each to begin with. Keep each class in it's own notebook with parent contact info. Also make a computerized version--make the time to do it at the very beginning.
C. Have an absentee box.
D. Have students volunteer for chores--calculator check, absentee file check, straighten up, floor check, ...
E. file a master copy immediately into a notebook for the six weeks
#2 Don't be nice. It only caters to the problem of irresponsibility and egotism wired into so many of their brains.
Take up all electronic devices--document when you take them up.
Don't let them eat candy.
Explain and make them feel that their choices determine the end results of being in my class.
Immediately assign after-school detention where they will be given work to fit the crime on the second problem. Let the sheet be the classroom rules sheet with space at the bottom for them to explain what rule they broke and how, than provide space for a signature.
#3 Don't procrastinate grading. Give preparedness and participation grades--dock them if they don't have something to write with or if they turn in work late.
Keep tests in a file. Give all other papers back--make this another chore for student to help you with.
#4 Keep them busy until the bell. If they get finished with work before others, they can have extra credit assignments of entertainment value--hunt the web for math related material, art, extra problems, classroom chore, reading a book, logic/math puzzles, even a game with another students
Somehow, somehow, I need to be there around 7:30 each morning and let the students see this.
#5--very very very important: Pray daily.