Organized Chaos

The Reluctant Disciplinarian was a pretty funny read.  I could vividly imagine several of the scenes described throughout the book....poor guy, lol.

Personally, I didn't find the book as helpful as Delta Autumn.  Of course, there were several paragraphs and phrases worth highlighting, but I haven't had many problems with discipline...just yet.  I don't consider myself a softy and I have a pretty low tolerance for disrespect...especially from children.

Thinking back to teachers from my past, many of them had very good classroom management.  They made it look so easy!  Dangerously easy...  I plan to contact several of my teachers for advice on classroom management, effective rules, procedures, and consequences.  I'm sure many of them would be happy to hear I would like advice from them, considering I wasn't the most quiet person in the class... lol.

Even though I'm still trying to hone in on my "teacher persona," there is one thing I know for sure...I DO NOT like a quiet classroom.  It drives me insane!!  I am experimenting on an effective method of controlling an organized, chaotic classroom. Haha.

Another thing mentioned in the book: keeping track of consequences.  I am horrible at this right now.  Our second consequence is a writing assignment and I NEVER remember to collect them or to whom I gave them.  Not a good look for me... I'm still working on my list of consequences, but one things for sure, the consequences will have an immediate effect. I'm saying this now....but come August, I could very well be that teacher handing out writing assignments... :)

Other key points taken from the book:

• Clarity is what's important when phrasing rules.
• Students appreciate decisive, direct teachers. Keep things simple.
  
• It's ok to teach from the textbook!
• Start off strict, then "morph" into the kind of teacher you've always envisioned yourself to be.
• Suppress your reflex to react immediately to every little thing. Pick your battles.
  
• Find the truth in any advice.
  
• Actions are more powerful than threats.
• Be careful when trying to "relate" to the students.--> This will be a challenge for me. I truly understand some of the students' struggles because I have been in similar situations and/or have witnessed others very to close me in similar situations.  I have to be careful when trying to relate that my sympathy doesn't come off as patronizing.

Overall, once again, I enjoyed the book.  Loved the humor. :)

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Victim or Volunteer?

Last week we were required to try 1 of 3 questioning techniques.  I decided to try the cold-calling technique.  (Side note: Our class is VERY quiet, so we usually cold-call anyway.) Despite that, I figured it would be interesting to try a more structured method for cold-calling. I made index cards labeled with each student's name and randomly pulled from the stack for answers to questions.  Initially, the students were confused, but overall it worked well.  For the most part, each student got a chance to answer questions, and we (teachers) were surprised at how many students knew the information but never raised their hand.

I liked the more structured cold-calling technique and I look forward to implementing a similar method in my classroom this fall.

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Delta Autumn- Another great resource!

Each day I enter my classroom at Holly Springs High to see my awesome team teacher prepared and providing helpful feedback, or enter Guyton Annex for Dr. Monroe’s class, I realize how blessed I am to be in a program like MTC.  It is soooo evident that the directors and staff of this program care about our success as teachers.  They are working very hard, and pushing us to give nothing less than our best to ensure we have a great first day, and subsequent year!

 

One of the many tools being used to ensure our success is Delta Autumn.  Delta Autumn, a guide written by MTC alumni, aims to steer first-year teachers through the unpredictable roller coaster of teaching in the Delta.

 

The first chapter of the book addresses the history of education in Mississippi.  I am so thankful the authors saw the importance of covering the history, specifically in the Delta.  The overview was essential in understanding the mindset of many individuals in Mississippi as it relates to education and segregation.  Covering the history will allow me to view my students and teaching assignment through a more focused lens.  Also, it is such a privilege to have access to Dr. Mullins, someone who was instrumental in leveling the playing field for students of color in the Delta.

 

The following 3 chapters were similar to The First Days of School in that several suggestions and pointers were given to help with the transition from summer training to your personal classroom in the fall- several first-year’s “do’s and don’ts,” administrative expectations, student expectations, surviving the first week, classroom management, crisis management, and community and parental involvement.  The examples, lists, and transparency of the authors were very helpful and appreciated.  It was also comforting to know that we will make mistakes, all the great teachers have, and THAT’S OK.  Each day starts a new chance to get it right.

 

Chapter 4 discussed special needs students and offered strategies for ensuring special needs students are comfortable in your classroom.  Often times, special needs students are labeled as “slow” or expected to have severe, noticeable disabilities.  Contrary to popular belief, gifted, hearing impaired, and visually impaired students fall into this category.

 

Because of the lack of resources for special needs students in the state of Mississippi, teachers are expected to provide the necessary accommodations for these students, while maintaining a balance in their class so that all students will feel involved, challenged, and enlightened.  This chapter provided several great tips that can be used for all students, not just students with unique needs.  The book Skills for School Success was also recommended for teachers wanting to teach note-taking and studying skills to their students.  I plan to purchase this book before the first day of school in the Fall.

 

The last few chapters of the book provided different sources for teaching materials, and subject-specific teaching strategies and recommendations.  The importance of each subject was emphasized and, as I expected, many of the teaching methods and subjects overlapped.

 

After reading this book, I am more comfortable with my teaching assignment in the Delta.  Also, I am more knowledgeable about the guaranteed challenges, potential pitfalls, and continuous support I will have as a first-year teacher in the Delta.

Overall: Definitely worth reading.  Possible revision soon?  Copyright 2001.

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Objectives, lesson plans, classroom management. Repeat.

Well, well, well.  Here we are.  1 week later.  Boy did time fly!!

Week 1 was exhausting, overwhelming, and exciting…all at once!

c/0 2010- There are some amazing people in my class.  I am so anxious to get to know everyone on a deeper level and experience the amazing adventure of being an educator with them!  Initially a bit nervous, my fears have been calmed because I know I am not in this alone.  There are 49 other educators who have my back if I ever needed a lesson plan or a shoulder to cry on.  For that reason, and many more, I am so thankful and blessed to be a part of the Mississippi Teacher Corps.  I know that this experience with my fellow cohort and my prospective students will change my life forever.

The history lesson with Dr. Mullins was GREAT (and definitely made reading Delta Autumn, Chapter 1 a bit easier) and the lunch (Day 1) was the bomb!

Race and class-  I am so glad race and class was incorporated in the orientation.  It was definitely necessary and I am looking forward to more discussions and presentations around this topic!

Dr. Monroe- Where should I start?  I just love her!!  She’s so fun and funny!  And of course she received extra brownie points because she’s from Tennessee! Whoot whoot!  But really, Dr. Monroe is an awesome professor and such a joy.  She makes the time fly and she’s so patient and relevant.  The classes with her have been great and very useful.  Although, I do wish we could have role-played and/or observed a “veteran” teacher before actually teaching our first lesson.

Counseling- I am sooooo thankful that MTC cares enough for us to offer and actually carve out time to talk about the emotional toil teaching, or any life change, can take on you.  This gesture definitely reaffirmed that the MTC staff truly cares about our well being, and that I’m in the right program!  Kudos MTC!

Wong-  After reading only a fewww chapters of this book, I've realized I'VE HAD SOME CRAPPY TEACHERS IN MY DAY.  It is so unfortunate because it seems that are more ineffective teachers, than effective teachers.  Why doesn't every teacher know about the First Days of School?  I mean, the book is so practical!!  I plan to learn this book backwards and forwards!  I am so anxious and excited about teaching my first summer school lesson and the subsequent first day of fall classes!

Veteran MTCers-  I also hope to build relationships and learn from many of the 2+ year MTCers.  I've been thoroughlyyy impressed with the techniques and procedures of several of the other teachers.  I am hoping to squeeze some time in with our packed schedules to ask for pointers and learn from them.  The best teachers are great thieves! ;)  Well...it isn't stealing...we're all in this thing together!

With the amazing MTC staff, Delta Autumn, and First Days of School I am more confident that we'll be some of the best teachers to hit the Delta and surrounding areas.  I'm sure my TFA friends would and should be sooo jealous right now! ;)

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