Buddies, Behavior and Teacher Training

Works4Me presents weekly practical classroom tips from real experts -- your colleagues!

1. Reading Buddies

From Terry Reeder, a special education paraeducator at Cedar Way Elementary in Mountlake Terrace, Washington:

"Our K-2 teachers have a reading buddy program with our sixth grade classes in which a younger student is paired up with an older one. Once a week, the younger students go to the older class or vice versa, depending on the teacher arrangement. This program gives the sixth graders a leadership opportunity that most accept and enjoy as well as an opportunity to shine."
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2. Chain of Courteous Hallway Behavior

From Deb K.:

"I use a reward system for encouraging good behavior whenever the class leaves our room together. I start a paperclip chain from the top of my chalkboard by hanging a single, large paperclip. We have an opportunity to add a paperclip to the chain if our class can get to our destination and stay courteous to others. It works for the return trip and for getting ready for lunch, too. We earn a reward when the chain reaches the bottom ledge."
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3. Student Teacher Training

From Susan Coons, a teacher in Indiana

"Having a student teacher is a great learning experience. Here are some hints to help make that experience great.

1. Make sure that you communicate your expectations for classroom management (rules, attendance, parent contacts, etc.) and for student learning expectations before classes begin.
2. Have a clear focus for student learning and a goal or an assessment you will use that will focus lesson plans.
3. Create, use and tweak lesson plans together; always debrief the day's lessons, reflecting on what worked and what didn't.
4. Welcome your student teacher to your shared class and communicate professionally with his university supervisor.
5. Model what a good teacher does, let him/her practice with guidance, and then turn the student teacher loose.

Your student teacher is probably more nervous than you are, but with communication, flexibility, and a clear focus on student learning, I predict that mentoring a student teacher will be one of the most meaningful experiences of both your professional lives."
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4. Question of the Week: Decorating Your High School Classroom

From the Works4Me Worker Bees:

"Learning is made up of more than classroom rules and codes of conduct, and your classroom should be comfortable and inviting, and should set the stage for learning. But the same flashy, colorful decorations and juvenile posters that appeal to younger students might not work in high schools. How do you transform gray walls, shabby floors, and plain bulletin boards into an exciting, creative learning environment that appeals to high school students?"
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5. Heard on the Message Board: Classroom Organization Tips

Heard Last Week in the Works4Me Lounge:

"I start off the school year ready to tackle what's ahead. After the first month, I find that I'm back to piles on my desk, tables, and at home, and am constantly searching for things all the time. I'd love to hear suggestions regarding classroom organization, filing ideas, etc."
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