I think everyone is probably aware of whatever discipline problems are present in their classes, and I know we all hope to be the magical teacher that can fix it all! I've been quite pleased to see that discipline isn't an overwhelming issue in my school, partly because of the demographic, but it certainly is there. What I've found most interesting is that I've been the one that's been used to deal with discipline problems! Let me explain: I just came back from a grade 9 music retreat with the kids this weekend, and because I wasn't leading all the workshops, I got to loom over the kids and make sure they paid attention. Also, when it came to sleeping arrangements, after a disastrous first night, I was put into a room with the most disbehaved students, again....to loom over them! Oh and the best one just happened 5 minutes ago! I was asked to accompany a student to the washroom, because last time he asked to go, he never came back! As we were walking down the hall, the student muttered "this is so embarrassing". I've been pleased that each time I've been used as a looming presence, it's been very effective, but then I'm left wondering how these issues would be dealt with if I weren't around as an extra body to chaperone?
On the music retreat, I was very happy to see that the students did respond to me when they were doing group work and I had to correct some near-violent behaviour. So far none of the students have given me lip or tried to stand up to me (thankfully), but I do hope to learn some techniques for those situations, because not all schools will be as easygoing as this one!
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It's funny that you've been used as the "loomer" for discipline. It reminds me of what I've been up to, although my situation is not in regards to discipline.
ReplyDeleteMy sponsor teacher has been absolutely fabulous and is trying to teach me about all the aspects of being a music teacher. Since day 2, she's had me be in charge of uniforms. This includes labelling and organizing the uniforms themselves, sizing kids, and signing out uniforms and collecting payments..... for several choirs (with different uniforms). This job alone is keeping me busy at the start of each class with students bringing in their payments. I'm wondering, how would this take place if I wasn't there? It's not like they could have a parent come in for EVERY music class to collect forms and do sizing in the first 10 minutes. My sponsor teacher has thanked me several times for doing this because she said it allows her to focus on teaching and the upcoming concert.
I think the lesson I'm learning for uniforms is that you have to be extremely organized, prepared, and you have to delegate jobs to volunteers. If these things don't happen, you're going to spend a significant chunk of your class time doing these administerial duties.
your not alone, looming is great, also kinda fun and effective. Organization is key I agree steph.
ReplyDeleteIn terms of uniforms Steph: The parents here set out 3 or 4 1-2hr blocks in which students could come by and get them. This seems like a great way to get it over and done with. The only problem is now that the kids are all 'supposed to have their uniforms' we have to track down a parent for those that of course didn't show when they had the chance.
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