Classroom Management for the World Language Teacher’s Soul

Kim Rileykkriley@aacps.org

MFLA Fall ConferenceOctober 16, 2010

Discussion AppointmentIntroduce yourself to another participant in

today’s workshop

Share your subject & grade level

Discuss answers to the following question:What is your greatest challenge in managing a

classroom of adolescent learners?

OUTCOME

Workshop participants will receive concrete strategies for handling classroom management challenges in their world language classrooms.

What is Classroom Management?

Classroom management refers to all of the things a teacher does to organize students, space, time, and materials so that instruction in content and student learning can take place.

Harry Wong

Student Personalities1. Rip Van Winkle2. Lazy Bones3. The chatterbox4. Make-up Maggie5. Truant Ted6. Twinkle Toes7. Digital Dave8. Willy Whiner9. The Washing Machine

“Even disruptive students have tenure and are almost impossible to get rid of.” (Glasser 135)

Students are like family members – you can’t choose them!

No Magic Bullet

P.B.I.S. (Positive Behaviorial Interventions and Supports)

C.H.A.M.P.s (Conversation, Help, Activity, Movement, and Participation)

Cooperative DisciplineDiscipline with DignityCapturing Kids’ Hearts

14 TIPS FROM THE TRENCHES

1. Create engaging lesson plans; the better the lesson is, the less likely students are to disrupt them.

2. Have rules you can live with (The fewer the better) Teach and reteach them!!!

3. Allow students to pick their seats; it gives them ownership.

4. Assign tasks to the challenging kids to allow them to save face and maintain status:PaperpusherBook distributorHole PuncherPoint ManIT Wizard

5. Adopt brain-friendly teaching strategies

4 Ways to Get the Brain’s AttentionN²ME

6.Be a coach; have a whistle

7. Give students choice regarding the route, but make the destination non-negotiable

8. Keep a class notebook; learn to love carbon paper again.

9. Recognize the power of reframing a situation (A teacher’s perception of a student’s behavior can dramatically influence a response)

10. Keep consequences close to home - Avoid referrals unless the student has broken the law ie. Assault, drug sale/use, sexual misbehavior

If the only tool you have in your toolbox is a hammer, then you are going to treat every problem like a nail.

11. Cross content areas

(3Y) (2Y) = __________

12. Focus more time, attention, and energy on acknowledging responsible behavior than on responding to misbehavior.

13. Always remain C³ (calm, cool, collected)

14. Never forget that you can’t change anyone but yourself.

Strategies for Handing the Class from Hell

1. Play golf.2. Dangle the “P.A.T.” carrot

3. Give lollipops during seatwork

4. Set-up learning stations

5. Create a jar of marbles6. Have the surprise envelope ready

7. Change class location

Time to Share

What are some strategies for creating a positive classroom environment that have worked or are working for you?

For Further ReadingCurwin, Richard, Mendler, Allen, and Mendler,

Brian. (2008). Discipline with Dignity. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

Foley, Dave. (2007). Ultimate Classroom Control Handbook. Indianapolis, IN: JIST Publishing, Inc.

Glasser, William (1992). The Quality School. New York, NY: Harper Collins.

Marzano, Robert J. (2003) Classroom Management that Works. Alexandria,

VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.

Warren, Rick. (2009). It Simply Must be Said. Bloomington, IND: iUniverse.

Wong, Harry K. (2005). The First Days of School. Mountain View, CA: Harry K. Wong Publications, Inc.