Lessons from Harry Wong regarding the first days of school Effective Teaching Lessons from Harry Wong regarding the first days of school

Effective Teachers are Ready! ! ! Effective teachers have their room ready (classroom management) Effective teachers have their work ready (lesson designs) Effective teachers have themselves ready (positive expectations)

Ineffective Teachers Effective Teachers vs. Discipline their classrooms Manage their classrooms

Ineffective Teachers Effective Teachers vs. Pray that they will not have discipline problems each day Have a task oriented, predictable classroom

Ineffective Teachers Effective Teachers vs. Students are observed working The only person observed working is the teacher

Ineffective Teachers Effective Teachers vs. Teacher takes roll and dallies Teacher starts class immediately

Ineffective Teachers Effective Teachers vs. Students ask for assignments repeatedly Teacher has assignments posted

Ineffective Teachers Effective Teachers vs. Teacher yells and flicks light switch Teacher knows how to bring class to attention

Ineffective Teachers Effective Teachers vs. Teacher uses generalized praise or none at all Teacher praises individual deeds and encourages the students

Teacher tells but does not practice procedures Ineffective Teachers Effective Teachers vs. Teacher has invested time in practicing procedures until they become routines Teacher tells but does not practice procedures

Classroom Procedures How to enter the classroom Where to find the assignment What to do when you want their attention How to head or turn in a paper How to ask a question What to do if they want to sharpen a pencil, go to the restroom, or get water. How to transition from place to place What to do at dismissal of class.

Procedures must be explained, demonstrated, rehearsed, and reinforced until they become routines.

"You'll find Classroom Discipline in Three Easy Lessons in fiction."

Phone calls home: Remember, your objective is to acquire parental support Solicit help from the parent in correcting the behavior. Ask for suggestions Ask the parent to intervene Phone calls should not: Merely report bad behavior Degrade the child Remember, you catch people with honey, not vinegar!

The first day of school Stand at the door and greet your students as they enter the room. If you are going to use seating arrangements, have them already in place. Have all seats facing the teacher Have classroom rules posted. Begin an assignment as soon as class starts. Spend time practicing routines

Your first day will be unsuccessful if: You are not at the door when the students enter You reshuffle the class after everyone is seated You have not provided an assignment and students have nothing to do You only do administrative work You grumble

The most important thing a teacher can provide in the classroom during the first week of school is consistency.