I'm new to this site so I thought I might put some of my experience forward, though you have probably already heard it before.  The best thing to do when teaching a large class (the most I've had is 4) is to be well organised.  Colouring in and art is a great reward, so are educational games either on the computer or things like memory/guess who.  I'm very musical and the kids love to be able to use my guitar and piano so this is another reward I use if they are being good.  Always use positive reinforcement even if the child isn't doing his/her best because it will be worthh it in the end. 

Hope this helps,
Regards Katrina

Time Fillers

Everybody has probably got a pile of old resources stacked in a box, not being used but to good to throw out. Mine come in the form of worksheets. I use them as time fillers. If any of my students are stuck on a topic and need some help but I’m busy with one of the others, instead of them sitting around waiting and not doing a lot, they choose from the 'While I’m Waiting Folder' (which is in their desk for easy access).

In the folder are basic activities that only take a couple of minutes to complete. Making sure that they know to choose an activity that matches the lesson at hand makes it more relevant.

 It may only be a couple of sums or answering questions that cover a recently learned Maths concept, punctuation practice, explanations of science/technology terms introduced lately. Old work sheets can be cut into sections if the sheet allows. Ideas are endless.

Adding activities that are specifically designed to cover a problem area for a certain child is also good. I hope you get my drift.

It takes an hour or so to set up but as long as you add to it regularly it’s OK. The concepts in the majority of subjects change often or are extended in some way so there are no worries about kids becoming bored because they are covering the same stuff over and over. (as long as it’s kept up to date.) Work completed is then filed and scored on the incentive chart that I use.

HINT:

 Don’t overload the folder thinking you wont have to update as often, kids can be daunted by the size and then wont go near it.

                                                           From Nardia Smith

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18 August 2003                                          By Nardia Smith

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Handy Hints in the schoolroom.

From Meredith Gooding, July 2003

To give the kids a break from working, read a chapter a book with them.  They can chill out and rest their brain and it gives you something you can all enjoy together. 

 Keep a small filing folder on your desk in the schoolroom.  In it, include all SOTA information e.g. contact numbers, class lists etc, computer info, e.g..  Centra booklets, ICT stuff, and activities for the kids if they finish early. 

 Make some word charts to put around the room that display word families.  E.g. a light bulb with 'igh' words, a sheep with 'ee' words etc.  Makes for more interesting walls. 

 If you have more than one student, wherever possible, get them to work together.  Or, ask the older student to explain a concept to the younger one.  It is a change from your own voice droning on, and both children benefit with communication skills being enhanced.  Gives the older student a feeling of pride in a particular.

 Use old tablecloths, old pieces of clothing etc to cover tables/desks in the schoolroom.  Stitch together scraps of fabric to create colourful covering to liven up the room.  Hang a piece of fabric from the wall as an interesting backdrop when displaying kids' work. 

 Let children choose where to place their work on the walls or around the room.  Gives them a sense of 'ownership' of their workspace. 

 Play some music that the kids like when doing activities like art or those that don't involve too much concentration.  Puts you all in a good mood! 

 Get your student (s) to write up the day and the date on the whiteboard or blackboard if you have one.  It gives them practice at spelling the days of the week, as well as a point of reference throughout the day when they need to write the date on their work. 

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October 2002                                          By South Australian Governesses 2000 to 2002

Have a shared reading session every afternoon, it helps with their confidence. 

Give them a special work area, which is uniquely theirs. 

Move the schoolroom furniture and wall posters around occasionally, as the saying goes, a change is as good as a holiday. 

Have a calendar with every event on it, both school, family and social occasions. 

To help younger ones learn to read calendars get them to make on the computer and put in the events that are on, a small note on what they did that day and/ or record the weather. 

Write a timetable each day helps you to be organized for the day. 

Write air lesson dates on the corresponding work pages as this helps to remember what work is being done when. 

Keep everything in its place and label them so the kids know where everything goes and how to spell it.  This helps schoolroom to stay tidy and less work for you at the end of the day. 

Have a certificate and photo board so your child can see what he has done and it also encourages him to see what he can do. 

Use your dictionary—I am forever referring to mine. 

Be organized— Create timetables or cross off work sheets if this helps.  

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