I have a new respect for teachers!

I teach a group of 1st graders for one hour a week and after that hour I was ready for a shower, a drink and a nap. I always respected teachers (I may end up being one) but WOW. it is rough! I've observed in classrooms before and done some student teaching at the college level and tutoring for HS students, but that's nothing like 16 first graders!!!

If you have any classroom management tips, I'd appreciate them!

Re: I have a new respect for teachers!

Be specific in directions.
You control them, don't let them control you and never compete against them. Just stop what you are doing until you get their attention.
Establish rules and stick to them, or they will never respect them.
Be patient and treat each day new, you wll have tough days and gret days!!!!
Good luck!!!

Definitely post this on the teachers board to get more tips.

Re: I have a new respect for teachers!

Be specific about rules, consequences for breaking the rules and rewards for following them.

Also be consistant!

Try and reward good behavior and ignore negative behavior. It's so hard to do this and I struggle with this sometimes. It's better to call attention to good behavior because most times students exhibiting negative behavior just want attention and calling attention to their behavior makes it worse!

Good Luck!

Re: I have a new respect for teachers!

I respect all teachers...man I could NEVER do it. I could never deal with sass and bad kids. I'm the type of person who could only handle my own kids and therefore I should never be a teacher! I suggest wine and some patience!

Re: I have a new respect for teachers!

DH is a highschool teacher and it's not easy...

Re: I have a new respect for teachers!

Sometimes, I have days (like the one I just had today) where I think to myself...WHY am I busting my a** for this little money??

Teaching is a STRESSFUL job. You're expected (and required) to do so much...but it's not like they'll give you any time to get it done!