Hey Fellow Bloggers!
Looking back on the last few weeks compared to the last two years has been interesting. I have learned a lot. Teaching is a learning process...very organic. Always changing and there is always a need to improve to keep up with a changing classroom.
The NTI program has been very beneficial. I have tried to implement many of the classroom management strategies and have found that my time has been better managed. One thing that has gone well for me is the use of a classroom management plan...specifically giving all of my students a job. It has been great and the kids respond well to having responsibility. It has also freed me up to help more students and spend more time instructing as opposed to handling simple tasks. At first, the plan did not really work because the job descriptions were too complicated, so I simplified it and it suddenly worked. It is amazing how the "trash taker outer" becomes a job that is fought over (not physically). :)
One thing that has not worked has been my lesson plan preparedness. I am only teaching two preps...but I am teaching extended day for the first time. Its tough! I have one class completely planned out thanks to NTI but the other class is more of a day to day type thing. Extended day makes it tough to try and stay on top of everything. It is tough to try to manage the day, teach, and complete all the admin stuff while trying to not take your entire classroom home with you each night! Anyway, I am doing better using my planner and getting to school earlier. Hope this works. Any tips from some experienced extended day folks?
Thanks! See you all soon.
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ReplyDeleteHi Penny,
ReplyDeleteI agree with you. NTI has been so beneficial to my first year as a new teacher. I have implemented so many things that we learned this summer. I couldn't have made it without them. I share your struggle with lesson plans. I was having a hard time with time management and preparing lessons. I either had too much or not enough. I feel as if I'm getting much better at it though. Have a good week!
I often am reminded in my own work that simple is better. Dr. J.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with you. I have found myself being much more organized. The tactics keep the classrooom management easier. I have heard from friends how hard extended day is. I sympathize with you. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteDavid - do you not still have a planning period with extended day? I was on extended day all the years I taught and came in early for my planning period as I was too worn out after school for much more than reflection or jotting down what worked or didn't for next time. I also agree with Dr. J that simple lesson plans are a good idea for new teachers, as sometimes it takes time and experience to see what works best. You will master if over time.
ReplyDeletePenny,
ReplyDeleteI agree, I feel more prepared after summer NTI with some of my classes, but I am on extended day as well. I teach five separate classes, one of which, is a two hour class. I find that I fall behind on either grading, or making lesson plans, or coming up with activity ideas. I am also noticing that a lot of my lesson plans I am not following them exactly. I see my students struggling in one area, but grasping it in another area, so I'm changing my plans during the class. I'm having to modify my objectives based on how well I think they are grasping the concepts or tasks. I also started keeping a day planner and bringing my laptop from home. I also copy everything to my flash drive and it stays with me everyday. I keep worksheets on my flash drive, incase the class finishes something early, I have my "back-up" assignment.