Dr. Peets’ Teaching Tip of the Week
I continue with this message for this week as we continue to see challenging behaviors despite PBIS blitzes and the promise of a sundae bar for any student who has not earned themselves a behavior referral. Please read through these helpful hints to manage challenging student behavior prior to the two-week Winter Break. Continue to reward students for their positive behavior in class and throughout the school. Rewards make a HUGE difference!
The weeks leading up to the Holiday Recess can be very challenging, as for many students, being home for an extended period of time is not a joyous occasion. Here are some tips to assist you in managing your classrooms to decrease behaviors and increase student achievement.
To manage student behavior effectively before Christmas break, teachers should: clearly reset expectations, continuously reinforce positive behaviors, review classroom routines, plan engaging activities, consider changing seating arrangements, offer choices, and prepare students for any changes in routine after they return from the holiday break.
Key strategies:
Set clear expectations:
Remind students of classroom rules and behavioral expectations before the holiday rush begins.Positive reinforcement:
Actively praise and acknowledge good behavior to encourage positive actions.Review routines:
Reiterate established classroom routines to maintain structure and predictability.Mix up activities:
Incorporate fun, engaging activities that keep students focused and excited about learning.Change seating arrangements:
Consider switching up student seating to promote better focus and minimize distractions.Offer choices:
Give students limited options within activities to foster a sense of control and engagement.Prepare for transition:
Discuss the upcoming break with students, addressing potential changes to classroom rituals and routines after they return to school from the holidays.Plan surprise elements:
Include some unexpected fun activities or treats to keep students motivated and engaged.Address individual needs:
Be mindful of students who might experience extra stress during the holiday season and provide additional support if needed.Communicate with parents:
Keep parents informed about classroom activities and expectations leading up to the break.
TCI Tip of the Week from Ange
Be mindful that facial expressions and body language account for 55% of a message's delivery and reception. Tone of voice (38%) and words (7%) are also factors.
SEL/MTSS Tip #16
Take the planning for Classroom Connections off of your plate! Check out this free, daily resource for educators, called The First Five. This tool gets emailed to you every morning at 7am and is full of practical activities that are perfect for the first five minutes of class time! There is an elementary and secondary version each day, and here are two examples from today’s First Five:
