Posts Tagged ‘middle school’
If you haven’t been to our forums in a while, you should stop by. Things are picking up over there.
I’ve always been so impressed by the combined experience of our forums collaborating to help teachers trouble shoot and problem solve the difficult situations we face in our classes. Even though I feel pretty secure with my classroom management, I love picking up a trick or two from the other pro’s out there.
And if you’re not a pro and just want a bit of help with something you know you’ll be facing in the class once our students come back, post it in the forums. I’m sure someone will help you see a way through.
Here’s the link to our forums: www.helpingteachersgrow.com/forums
Darren
Tags: classroom management, classroom management videos, classrooms, managing students, middle school, teacher education, teachers
Posted in Classroom Management Tips, Happenings at Helping Teachers Grow |
I’ve been taking a lot of time this summer to write my book. No, it’s not the great American novel, even though I’ve got one of those lurking in the depths of my brain. It’s my whole classroom management system and teaching philosophy rolled into one.
What’s interesting as I write this is that the simply process of putting down into words my management system and my teaching philosophy requires me to become even more clear on what I think makes a class run smoothly, what I think helps me as a teacher be successful.
And then trying to put that into a verbal expression that will help other teachers experience success like I have takes the challenge to an entirely new level!
I’m really enjoying this challenge, though. I’d thought I would spend much of this summer creating more classroom management videos- and I was able to make one more- but I’m spending almost all my free time on this class management book. When I get it finished I’ll let you know. Already, it looks to be a solid solution to so many problems our teachers are having with the management of their students.
I know these systems work because they work for me and they work for others I’ve taught over the years. I just can’t wait to spread this easy and powerful system to more and more teachers in the hopes that I can expand my influence beyond my classroom and school.
Be good out there. I hope you’re getting more outside time than I am.
Darren Barkett
Tags: classroom management, classroom management videos, classrooms, managing students, middle school, teacher education, teachers
Posted in Happenings at Helping Teachers Grow, Teaching Philosophy |
Hey everyone! I’m headed out of town for a week to relax at the beach with my family, but while I’m gone, if you haven’t seen my newest video on classroom management, head over to the website for a quick look. In this ten minute free class management video, I show you how to create a system that gets your students to listen every time someone speaks in your class. Doesn’t that sound good?
This system really works. I’ve used it for over ten years, and, if you reinforce it consistently, you’ll be amazed at the changes it creates for you and your classroom environment.
Here’s the direct link to the sign up page to see my videos: Classroom Management Videos
Let me know what you think or if you have any questions about how to implement the information into your classroom management system. Also, when I get back I’m creating a whole new set of videos addressing new issues in your classroom, so let me know what you want me to cover!
I’ll think of you when I’m lounging on the beach!
Darren
Tags: classroom management, classroom management videos, classrooms, managing students, middle school, teacher education, teachers
Posted in Class Management Videos, Classroom Management Tips |
My first week home from school is always an adjustment for me. My mind and body is so used to being constantly involved from the moment I get to school at 7:45 until the moment I leave work. Now that I’ve got time to relax or reflect or exercise, it’s taking a bit for my mind to adjust.
Anyone else feeling this lag time?
True, summers off is a great perk of being a teacher. But making that adjustment to having so much flexibility in my schedule is a lot easier said than done. I no longer have to wolf down my food at lunch. I don’t have to time out my bathroom breaks. I can actually watch a bit of tv during the day if I am so inclined.
Last summer my family and I went on vacation the week after school was out. This was a great way to transition into the summer. By the time I returned from vacation, I’d completely adjusted to my new time frame. This summer, though, our vacation is next week. And I’m here with all this energy that had been focused on running my classroom.
Luckily I’ve got my classroom management training I’m working on producing for release this August. It’s got me keeping focused more than in the past. And it’s exciting to connect with other teachers out there who are looking for ways to grow over the summer.
I hope you’re finding ways to adjust to our wonderful summer schedule. Let me know how you are coping. And I’ll make sure I keep you informed on the progress of my latest classroom management videos.
If you haven’t seen my latest offering on how to get your students to listen to you every time you speak, check out the video at http://www.helpingteachersgrow.com/classroommanagement_freedownload.html
You’ll find both of my free videos available to you there.
Enjoy these long days of summer!
Darren B.
Tags: classroom management, classroom management videos, classrooms, managing students, middle school, teacher education, teachers
Posted in Class Management Videos, Happenings at Helping Teachers Grow, Teaching Philosophy |
I had a couple extra minutes this morning since my children are already out of school, leaving me with several less tasks to do in my morning routine, so I thought I’d get one last blog post in before heading into seeing my 7th graders off for the summer.
The end of the year is always a bitter sweet moment for me. Especially when I’ve had such a great year. My students were top notch. I had so few discipline problems. The level of buy-in from my students was the highest it’s ever been. And we were able to accomplish so much! Their scores were high and their motivation was higher! I hate to see this crop of kids go.
But, as always happens in this job, they will go. And I’ll have a whole new batch in next year, ready to start the entire process over again. I love that about teaching, having a fresh start every year. That cyclical sense of time and process really helps me manage my personal growth, as no matter how rough a year gets, there’s always next year.
So, in a couple of hours, I’ll be on the bus lot, waving good bye to all those great kids I was blessed to work with this year. And, once they’re gone…it’s time to celebrate!
I hope you’ve had a great year and are looking forward to some very deserved time off!
Darren
Tags: classroom management, classrooms, managing students, middle school, teacher education, teachers
Posted in Teaching Philosophy |
Here’s a copy of an email I received from a member of our community I thought you might like to read. It really highlights the need for an effective classroom management system that provides a framework for addressing all of the situations that come up in the classroom.
OK “What if” you tell the student he has a mark for not following the rules, and you try to move on, but he/she yells (and I mean yells) “What? I didn’t do anything,tell me what I did, I’m not the only one….”
I try not get caught up in verbal confruntations (it’s hard) but how can you continue teaching with this going on? Usually his friends will join in yelling to defend their friend. Jr. High is obviously not my happy place…but can I do to to teach through this?
I think all of us who have worked within a classroom management system have had to deal with this. The thing to remember is that it is of primary importance that you remain calm and in control of your emotions. So many of our students are used to the verbal confrontations and power struggles that plague their lives. If we refuse to be drawn into these power struggles, our classroom management will be able to take effect and cover these difficult situations.
When I have a student who gets extremely upset at receiving a “mark” I explain very calmly to them, looking at that student directly in the eye, “If you don’t understand why you received a mark, I will gladly discuss it with you after class.” And then move on.
This sounds simplistic, I know, but over time, this approach reduces the number of times the students act out after being disciplined. When the students see that you will not be drawn into a power struggle, they will eventually stop trying to draw you in.
Now if the student continues to make a scene, I give them new directions. “Johnny, I need you to sit there quietly while I continue with this lesson. If you do not, it will be another mark. Do you understand?” Then, if the tantrum continues, calmly give the student another mark, and remind him that another mark means they are out of Fun Friday or whatever reward you’ve established.
And if the student becomes completely uncontrollable, give them the ultimate directions with clear consequences. “If you can’t control yourself in my classroom, I will have to call _______ to come remove you from my classroom. Do you understand?” Again, you’ve done all this with the utmost calmness and neutrality to your voice. Typically, the student will regain control. If not, you can either have an administrator come and take the kid from your class, or you can send that student to an already arranged other teacher’s classroom for some time out.
Remember, you must be the voice of calm and cool in the classroom. When the students see that you won’t get upset at their childlike behavior, that childlike behavior will begin happening less and less.
Now doesn’t that sound good?
Darren
Tags: classroom management, classroom management videos, classrooms, managing students, middle school, teacher education, teachers
Posted in Classroom Management Tips, Teacher Tricks |
I recently released my online training for teachers, helping them develop and implement their classroom management systems, and the response has been exciting. Many individuals are emailing me with stories of how my systems have revitalized their learning and refocused their efforts in the classroom towards more efficient and effective classroom management practices.
I received a nice email from a preschool teacher who was pondering a purchase of this $27 classroom management training, and I thought others might have similar questions. Here’s her email:
“I’m very excited to find a program like this one and would like to get started learning the techniques… yesterday!
My dilemma is that I have a difficult time viewing video on my computer. The videos do something called “buffering” for up to 5 minutes at a time and then I get about 30 seconds worth of actual viewing. I don’t know much about computers, so suggesting a download or upgrade is futile.
Is there an alternate way I could benefit from these trainings without having to view videos?
Also, I am new to teaching preschool children (I formerly worked with infants and toddlers). I currently head a class of 10 3-year-olds. No assistant.
Up until now, I considered myself an excellent “teacher” and found my work very rewarding. What I’m so good at, however, is relating to very young children on a psychological level. I have very little skill dealing with the behavior problems I am encountering with 3-year-old children.
Before I buy, do your training programs focus on preschool age children?
Any suggestions you can give me would be greatly appreciated.”
And here’s my response:
Glad to hear your excitement about the program. Yes, I definitely feel like my methods will help you with your preschoolers. It’s all a matter of finding out what motivates them to do well, and then clearly defining your expectations. I go into this in much greater detail in the training videos.
As for your video issues, the training is available for viewing from the site, which has been giving you difficulties, and it is also available for download. I think you’ll be able to download all the videos in their entirety and then play them from your computer. You won’t need to buffer the videos since they will already be loaded on your computer. You’ll just be watching them from your saved copy rather than streaming them from the internet.
Does this make sense?
Also, I offer a money-back guarantee if for whatever reason you’re not pleased with the classroom management training I offer. Just ask, and I’ll send you a refund.
Here’s the direct link for you to order the training if you’re interested: http://helpingteachersgrow.com/classmanagement01sltr.html
She did purchase this training, and later emailed me about how much she enjoyed the videos. I’m still waiting for her testimonial on how the classroom management training transformed her class of preschoolers!
Darren
Tags: classroom management, classroom management videos, classrooms, managing students, middle school, teacher education, teachers
Posted in Class Management Videos, Classroom Management Tips, Happenings at Helping Teachers Grow |
Many of you have asked me why I’m working to help teachers grow into the more empowered and effective professionals our schools need. Well, I’m not one to shirk the difficult questions so I made a short video that introduces me and goes into a bit of my background as to why I’m moving into the realm of teacher training.
I currently do still teach and have taught for over 12 years. At this point in my career, I’m feeling the need to expand my efforts beyond the classroom. I truly believe that my success in the classroom was due to the help I received when I was beginning my teaching. Without that help, I would have been one of those early teaching drop-out statistics!
Head over to the website to see my video. It’s on the same page as the free classroom management video you’ve probably already seen (if you haven’t, you definitely should! It outlines how to create your basic class management system.). Just scroll down the page to see my smiling face.
And make sure you let me know what you think of my videos. These are my first efforts in video production, and I’d like to think that each time I’m getting a bit better.
Here’s the link to my videos page: HelpingTeachersGrow.com/videos
I’m off for Spring Break, but when I get back I’ll be releasing the first of my online classroom management mini-courses designed to walk you through the entire process of developing your classroom management system.
Darren
Tags: classroom management, classroom management videos, classrooms, managing students, middle school, teacher education, teachers
Posted in Class Management Videos, Teacher Tricks |
I just had to share this email I received tonight. It was so positive and supportive. It really made my evening. Here it is:
Dear Darren,
Just want to let you know that I watched both of your videos. I wish I would have found your website during student teaching. I was lost when it came to the constant talking by the students. My weakness was not nipping it in the bud at the first signs of talking. Now I know!
In my opinion, you are providing a great service for all teachers, especially beginners like myself. The information you give has made me feel more confident about managing my own classroom. I look forward to your classes.
Thanks for your support,
Rachel
And thank you Rachel for you kind words of support. It is for exactly this reason that I’ve started working towards helping teachers be more effective in the classroom. If you are like Rachel and you’ve been helped by my videos, I want to hear from you. I’m putting the final touches on my first class management mini-course, and your input will help me make the course more effective and empowering.
After all, I’m doing this, not just as a job, but to help grow individuals and the teaching profession as a whole.
You can always leave a comment here on this blog or head over to our forums at HelpingTeachersGrow.com/forums.
Darren
Tags: classroom management, classroom management videos, classrooms, managing students, middle school, teacher education, teachers
Posted in Happenings at Helping Teachers Grow, Teaching Philosophy |
I recently had to take a day off from teaching and the substitute teacher I brought in provided one of those rare glimpses of how my students see me. This sub works at our school as our after school coordinator, but recently he’s begun subbing for different teachers.
As I came to my class this morning after being out yesterday, I did my typical scanning for any “trouble notes” from Chris, the sub. Thankfully, there were no trouble notes to be found. In fact, I typically receive only good notes from the teachers who cover my classes when I’m out. I’d like to think that I’ve groomed my students well enough for them to understand that my expectations hold even when I’m not in the class.
Hard to say for sure, but I have heard that the same students aren’t as well behaved in someone else’s class when a sub’s in there… Curious, these little creatures we call students.
I did find one note. It was a short list of five words written out below the brief plans I’d left for the sub.
doughnuts
veggie lover
the fro
laid back
one of us
I figured the sub had asked the students something about me because I often speak of loving donuts. I use the term donuts when I’m coming up with sentences for our spelling tests. I’ll come to school on Monday reliving a donut I enjoyed that weekend and encouraging other students to tell me about the donuts they ate. Veggie lover? I’m vegetarian and my students had quizzed me extensively about that early on in the year when they found this little tidbit of information. “The fro” comes from a picture I’ve got behind my desk of me holding my first born daughter just minutes after she was born. I didn’t actually have an afro, but I was having an exceptionally big hair day, and the shadow from the flash made it look just like I had a fro. Of course, I wasn’t going to dispell my students’ ideas…
I loved hearing the students call me laid back. For the first couple of years of my teaching I was anything but laid back. I would get openly frustrated, loose my temper, even yell at the students. All this until I learned the simple classroom management method I still use today. Laid back. They couldn’t compliment me any better unless they said something like…
“one of us”
That about brought tears to my eyes. I ask a lot of my students. I push them hard. I don’t waste time in class generally, and I don’t quit early. My students know I work from the moment class begins to the moment it ends. I don’t try to be my students’ friend, but I do manage my students with respect, dignity, and love.
For them to describe me as “one of us” was truly the highest compliment I could have ever hoped for.
I’ll sure miss this group of students when they go.
Darren
Tags: classroom management, classrooms, managing students, middle school, teacher education, teachers
Posted in Connecting with Students, Teaching Philosophy |
