Am a new teacher, want some ideas! ?

Question

I am a high school math teacher, just graduated from college. I want some of your great expertise, experienced teachers, to tell me some of your ideas about Classroom management, and anything to keep the kids happy =)

Answer 1

dont be too nice with them or they will be on top of ur head 1 day(ignore u, disobey n many more coz they will think of u as their friend n not afraid of u)

dont be too hard with them or they will hate u

balancing! always be the number 1 thing that every teacher needs to care! not as good as heaven n not as bad as h**l!

Answer 2

Remember to start the year as you plan to continue it.  Establish the rules on the first day and enforce them consistently.  Consistency is a key word in teaching.  You'll find that you'll have students that you don't like for some reason and those that you like quiet a lot.  Treat them equally - this is very hard especially for new teachers.  Let the students think you have more experience than you have.  New teachers a fair game to many students so be careful or they'll try to play you.  Find an older/more experienced teacher that you can go to for help/advice.  Plan ahead.  Try to have your plans and everything you'll need planned out at the very least 1 week ahead - 2 or 3 is better.  Keep 3 days worth of class work in a folder for a substitute - you never know when an emergency will arise.  Try to make it actual work and not "busy" work and grade it upon your return.  Never be alone in a classroom with a student (particularly male if you're female) without the door open and another teacher knowing about the meeting.  People these days................

I used a full sheet of paper for each of my classes where I wrote down my lesson plans.  I included the class, subject matter, books/supplies I needed, the objective(s) and how I was going to teach the lesson.  I also had room to put notes like what worked, needed improvement, etc...  I kept my plans in a 3 ring binder and always kept a copy of everything I gave the students - including the tests I gave.  I always made my own tests because I knew what I had taught and emphasised. (I taught science)

You probably aren't going to be much older that some of your students so becareful not to get involved in their personal lives.

Keep a log of parental contact - letters sent home (always copy what you send), phone calls (time and what was said, who you spoke with), meetings etc...  Unfortunately some parents will do anything to protect their little "darlings" including ruining you/your reputation so always remember to CYA (cover  your @ss).  Never meet an angry parent without another person from your school present (another teacher, a principal etc...)

This is all I can think of right off the top of my head.  I hope this helps and much luck and success to you.

Answer 3

Even though I may be a kid I felt I should answer. I have had a few new teachers in my years here is a few things I have noticed. One thing for sure some teachers try to abide by school rules and policies all the time. Follow the rules but dont make it like your are trying to do everything perfect add your style to it, put yourself in these kid's shoes. For math problems you could use real life situations such as girl friends, cars ect. Also Have Fun !

Answer 4

I approach teaching a class or private student this way:

   Imagine that instead of students sitting in those chairs, there is a big sheet of blank white paper in each seat. And you are going to put your information on each sheet.

   The problem with a great many teachers (from 1st grade through college is that they expect students to know things which are very, very, very, simple to them.

(Simple example: You have walked to a drug store hundreds of times. To get there you take about ten shortcuts. You could now almost do this in your sleep.) Someone new to your neighborhood ask you how to get to the store, You explain how to do it. The next day the person sees you and says that they got completely lost. You say, HUH!? Well I guess I'll have to explain it to you again. (Thinking to yourself-

What a dumb doe-doe!)

See what I mean by poor teaching. Hopes this helps to make you an above average teacher. Good luck, Marty.  

Answer 5

Try to keep learning fun and do a lot of activities that the students can really get ingaged in. Make your classroom pretty and colorful too. All of my colorful classes always set me in a good mood and I did my work better.

Answer 6

if you are a cute girl, showin off your legs will help get their attention.

The only classes i paid attention to in school where classes with hot teachers!

Answer 7

I wouldnt try for happy. (I know it was just a turn of a phrase.. but it brings to mind a mistake I see new teachers make)

happy is a byproduct and nice to have - but I'd use the word focused.

anything to keep the kids *focused*

The reason I make the distinction is that there are many ways to achieve happy, and at times I see new teachers mistakingly thinking that some things that are fun - equate to academic achievement. I have seen kids who rebel once the work gets serious, difficult or not fun anymore.

See Harry Wong for my favorite overview of a class. Most behavioral items are taken care of if you have regular procedures in place. It gives parameters so that kids can't misbehave as often.

Small example:

On day one, I plan to explain the procedure for passing out papers in my class - just prior to doing so. We should use the same procedure all year. This way I avoid the possible time lost and distractions of ten kids wanting to help, people not having the correct amount of papers, all the little things that would prevent us from moving on.

A byproduct of the Wong system? class is orderly and focused, schooling is serious business when it is work time. happy is a byproduct of an orderly class.