Half way through the year and I have had a change of pace. I have changed jobs to start at a new school. The school does not have the eLearning tools that my last school did, but it offers a range of different experiences - it's all learning!!
My new class threatened to be a challenge to tame, but after a day of intense discussion about expectations, limitations and RESPECT, they have been behaving just like any other class.
One of my main successes has come about through the use of my Kia Kaha box, where children can leave notes about others, both good and bad. The good reinforcing positive, caring behaviours, the bad opening up discussion, which allows us to listen to both sides of the story and to determine a better way to deal with issues that might arise. This is rather time consuming, but worth it to assist those children who need help to deal with their interactions with others in a positive way.
The second thing that had gained the children's attention and encouraging them to behave magnificently is my behaviour chart (adapted from several charts that I saw on Pinterest). (Photo to come.) The chart encourages good behaviours with very little reward - just getting a tiny sticker on your photo if you get to the top of the chart by being a "Role Model". I have only put children down one section, to "Think About It" to gain more positive behaviour. I have found it more powerful to focus on the positves - by moving one child up on the chart, suddenly the rest of the class are behaving perfectly!!
The third thing that is working wonders for one particular child who has issues with anger, attention-seeking behaviour and a highly-self-centred attitude is to have a self-monitoring chart for each period of time during the day and if he has a positive day, then he gets a certificate from the Principal. It is great having the support of the rest of the staff when dealing with difficult children.
All of these things, along with a firm, but fair hand, have meant that my time in my new classroom has been fantastic, if a little eventful.
I have set up a new blog for my new classroom. We have no tools for recording, like iPads or iPods at this stage, so I have decided to go with a blog, as opposed to a wiki page. The main reason for this is that I believe a wiki is useful when children can post their own work - they can have their own pages and post work on them. I will be the only one posting the children's work, so I think a blog would be easier to maintain. I have made a page for English, Maths and Other Interesting sites, for the children to practise their skills and I will post their stories using Fotobabble on my iPhone, photos and any other news on our blog.
http://r10marl.blogspot.co.nz/ to check out our new blog.
Another positive outcome is the reduced focus on eLearning. I have four computers in my classroom, so the children have access to programmes and sites, but there is no pressure to post a reflection after EVERY lesson and then collaborate every day via blogs/wikis/websites. It is nice being a teacher of English and Maths again, with that being the main focus, rather than the eLearning follow-up.
That being said, I do miss my friends the iPads, but I'm sure it won't be long until my little school progresses into more eLearning technology. I just hope that enthusiasm does not over-shadow basic learning!
