Question:

Dear Ask a Specialist Person,

I will be mentoring a brand new, non-credentialed teacher for the 2nd grade class next door. I don't know where to begin. Can you suggest some kind of behavior management overview? Thanks.

Perplexed in Pleasant Grove/Valley/View/Hill

Answer:

What an overwhelming assignment! My very own daughter taught 1st grade last year, with zero (0) education classes, and in a very poor district. Here's what I gave her:

CPR for Leila

C = Curriculum and Consistency

P = Predictability and Praise

R = Rules and Relationships

Curriculum

Must be interesting and meaningful.

Incorporate the values and experiences of the students' backgrounds

Use visual and kinesthetic learning, not just aural delivery.

Allow and encourage students to move, talk, lead, intereact.

Consistency

Teacher follows established procedures consistently! (e.g., if the rule is to raise your hand to answer a question, the teacher doesn't ever recognize called out responses).

Predictability

The students know what's going to happen and the schedule is reviewed daily. Students know the procedures for daily events, e.g., how and where and when to: hand in homework, sharpen pencils, get a drink of water.

Praise

Praise! Praise! Praise! Praise! Praise!

Praise the whole class, praise groups, praise individuals.

Praise the ones you like best and praise those less lovable.

Praise the less lovable the MOST, whenever they are trying, and sometimes when they are not!

Rules

TEACH rules! Model what they look like, point out when they are being followed.

PRACTICE one rule each day, even for 30 seconds (e.g., "Show me what we do in Class 209 when we want to answer a question?").

KISS (Keep it simple, e.g., "Walk in the class" "Work quietly at your desk.") When many students seem to be ignoring one rule, assume that it is not understood. Re-teach it, and reinforce its being followed (see above, Consistency and Praise.)

Relationship

Students (and even people!) who feel liked are motivated to continue to feel liked! Let your students know you are interested in their lives. Tell them about yours. Enjoy them; let them enjoy you.

Of course, I'm not boasting, but one of my daughter's students said, "You're my favorite teacher ever, even when I get to 6th grade."