Fast Llamas,
Week 2 is under our belts and what a week it was! I believe if I was to give the week a title that sums it up, it would "review, review and review". I definitely saw students starting to slip on procedures and not meeting expectations. But this is normal... I totally expected it. I will hold tight to my expectations this coming week and we will continue to practice until we cannot get it wrong.
Lots of times, we teach a procedure and then we think it's not working, we taught it or even just told it, and students are not complying. This is a critical time to continue reviewing and practicing.
Routines and the teaching of procedures are foundational pieces of a Well-Run classroom. Consistent routines tied with reinforcement are the building blocks of relationships because they build trust. Routines are made more for the teacher since a classroom running on routines creates a calm environment in which they can teach. It's about creating an environment in which students can learn more than getting kids just to do what you say. Students are human beings, not human doings.
Routines make life better, not necessarily easier. Now that we have taught our routines through procedures training it's important to over the next several weeks to patrol, monitor and reinforce our procedures. If a kid is doing it incorrectly, they must redo it. We don't let it slip! If a kid is doing it correctly, they must be reinforced positively. This takes effort and consistency is key.
What will I add to the mix this week? My goals are to add Tiger Rewards and an opening tradition. Looking ahead - I still want a closing tradition and a mantra. I was thinking something about "making simple better". But, baby steps, my students are only 7th graders.
I am also adding some small communication pieces today! Enjoy!
