The Teacher Toolkit Times
Tips, tricks, news, and events from The Teacher Toolkit
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It's that time of year again, when teachers, energized and full of anticipation, return to their classrooms for a new school year. The beginning of the year offers not only a fresh start but a chance for thoughtful reflection. No matter how many years they've been teaching, familiar questions echo in educators' minds:
What will my classes be like? How will my students respond? How can I grow from last year's experience?
The answers to these questions often rest on one foundational element: classroom management. It is the backbone of a successful learning environment. Without effective classroom management, even the best lessons can fall apart. When classrooms are efficiently run, time isn't wasted on disruptions, repeated instructions, or behavior issues. Teachers can focus more on teaching, and students can focus more on learning.
In this issue of the Teacher Toolkit Times, we're going back to basics, exploring essential classroom management tools and strategies to help you start the year strong.
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Click on image above to play video.
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Every teacher brings a unique style to the classroom, which makes it essential to thoughtfully determine the procedures that will support a smooth and effective learning environment. Once identified, these procedures must be clearly communicated and intentionally taught to students. No matter the age or grade level, simply posting expectations on the wall is not enough; procedures must be explicitly taught, consistently practiced, and continuously reinforced throughout the school year to truly take root.
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- Write out expectations. For each procedure, students must know what to do and how to o it correctly. The teacher must explicitly describe each step of the procedure.
- Prepare visuals. It is very helpful to create a visual to aid in the explanation of a procedure. One example of a visual is a "Looks Like, Sounds Like" chart.
- Teach procedures. Using the prepared visual, take time to specifically teach each procedure or activity. Explain what the students should do, how they should move, who they should be talking to, and any other details they are expected to know.
- Practice procedures. In addition to the teacher's explanation, students need a chance to actually practice the procedure. For example, after teaching students how to properly enter the classroom, have them line up outside the door and act as if they are just arriving. Students should be able to demonstrate the correct procedure.
- Monitor and assess. Within the first few days after teaching the procedure, be sure to monitor the students and assess how well they are meeting the procedural expectations.
- Re-teach. After assessing the students' performance of the procedure, it may be necessary to re-teach or provide reminders as to haow the procedure should be properly executed.
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I've Tried Everything Podcast
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I've Tried Everything is a podcast produced by ESC Region 13 dedicated to helping you navigate those tricky areas of managing classroom behavior.
In this episode, ESC Region 13 specialists Angela Isenberg and Melinda Marquez discuss classroom management and how teachers and administrators can work together to improve the classroom experience for all.
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Sub Folder - Teaching Essentials
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Click on image above to play video.
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Maintain classroom management and learning outcomes even when you aren't there!
This uniquely organized Sub Folder includes helpful guidance on how to navigate plans for the day, as well as normal classroom routines and procedures. Each folder includes:
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- Convenient interior pockets for lesson plans and classroom materials.
- Space to outline class schedules, morning/afternoon stations, and emergency protocols.
- A non-gloss finish that allows teachers to write directly onto the folder.
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Check out our great Back-to-School resources here!
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Stay up-to-date with current activities and future events by following us on your favorite social media channels.
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