Posting Expectations for Students

By -
Free Poster from TEAM TOM
One of the simplest and most powerful techniques for minimizing distractions and optimizing opportunity to learn is posting explicit expectations. For example, how do I get supplies? This question can seriously erode the momentum in a classroom, especially if asked over and over. It wears on the teacher and distracts other students' attention. 

 Here's one simple approach.
  • Discuss different instructional approaches (i.e. small group, whole group, 1-to-1 tech, etc.). Then discuss what it looks, sounds, and feels like in each approach.
  • Get student input on what will help the class run smoothly. Teacher takes notes on board.
  • The next day, post a summary of the discussion as an anchor chart or poster and review it. 
  • Do a quick role play and periodically review the expectations. 
This takes a little time up front. However, an ounce of pre-teaching is worth a pound cure. Hmm...something like that.

Here's a Team Tom resource that is free for all small groups. It's marketed as guided reading, but it applies to all subjects when a teacher is doing small group instruction. It addresses the following classroom management issues.

May I interrupt?
  • If there is someone hurting you or a classmate, YES!
  • If someone is hurting property, YES!
  • If someone threatened to hurt your or a classmate, YES!
What if...
  • I'm lost or need help ... then quietly ask your team.
  • Someone bother me ... ask them to stop or move away.
Always...
  • do your best
  • quietly stay on task
  • write down questions, so I can help you soon.

Comments

Post a Comment

What are your thoughts?

Popular posts from this blog

Accidental Diminishers, 6 Types for Self-Reflection

By -
Image
Multiplying results, multiplying your network, multiplying strength in others, multiplying your team's effective - these are all traits of multipliers (here's the amazing book by Liz Wiseman ). On the flipside, there are many actions that can diminish in spite of being spurred by good intentions. In this post, I'll share with you 6 types of accidental diminishers : The Optimist The Rapid Responder The Pace-Setter The Rescuer The Idea Guy Always On Marci Houseman shared the graphic below on Twitter, and I thought it would be perfect to share with you. The Wiseman Group " Being a multiplier means being aware of those times when we have a tendency to be an accidental diminisher. To build capacity we must provide others with the opportunity to learn and grow—even if something is done “differently” than we would have done it." - Marci Houseman The Optimist Being an optimist is a strength, and it's much needed. However, the strength...
Read more

How Long Should Direct Instruction Be?

By -
Image
How Long Should Direct Instruction Be? Direct instruction is great, but how long should it be - based on brain research? This is a great reminder from Eric Jensen about the length that most students can cognitively engage (in direct instruction, that is). Thanks  @DavidJHuber , for sharing this as we go back to school. But what can be done in only 8-12 minutes? Here are 5 high-yielding strategies that fit perfectly in this short direct instruction window. 1. Expand Prior Knowledge in Direct Instruction Part of the challenge in teaching classes of students (instead of individual students) is the range of background knowledge. Each student comes to class at a different starting point. Direct instruction can very efficiently build prior knowledge for all students. Present visuals, videos, quick reads, or graphic organizers. Fill in prerequisite background knowledge and push the limits on enriching background knowledge. This will allow all students to make richer conne...
Read more

Learning is an Adventure

By -
Image
I'm spending time in the mountains this week and am confronted with the awesome beauty and strength of nature. So much to fear, to wonder, and to explore.  A couple days ago we climbed Flattop Mountain ...ugh, I'm still sore. But I came across so many moments of inspiration that made me reflect on learning and education. Really, I came to believe that Learning is an Adventure. Here are a few of those moments that I felt were inspiring. Do. Learn. Live. These three words have been a theme lately ( shared on facebook ), but it really hit me on the hike. The path is not the destination. It is where the living is. It is the path where we find learning. We may or may not arrive at the destination - enjoy the path. What are you passionate about? Do. Don't delay. You don't need to know how, where, or why - just do. You will learn along the way. In that learning, we live.  Learning is not about inert facts and details. Learning is about life. Empowering each othe...
Read more