Each year is always a little different in respect to the personalities we are responsible for educating for the year. This year happens to be one in which our grade level is experiencing dynamics in our population that are not optimal for the educational environment.
In blunt terms, many are so busy messing with each other in negative terms, that the learning environment is in danger of being lost.
This year has been what I call "The Year of Notes". I have even started a file folder in which to keep them all and have scanned some to send to parents so they are aware that their child is not doing assignments, but involved in a completely different activity during class time.
The children have been very creative in their delivery of the notes, and other children are enlisted through out the class to pass them along.
Some delivery methods:
1. Student asks to throw trash away, and then another student asks to sharpen a pencil (or whatever) and takes the balled up paper (note) from the trash.
Solution: Monitoring of course, but also, I collect trash from a student and put it in the trash next to my desk.
2. Simply throwing a balled up paper or paper airplane through the air.
Solution: This one is difficult as they usually wait until your back is turned or you are helping another student.
3. Student asks to use the restroom. Leaves note. Another student asks to go after, gets note.
Solution: Class bath room breaks, but as we know there will be the child that insists they will have an accident if they do not go, even if you have just taken the class.
4. Other students used to pass the notes across the class, after the great care a teacher has taken to make sure certain personalities are apart.
Solution: Bring it all out. Let the entire class know that if they participate in the passing of notes during instructional time, they will be just as guilty as the note writers and their parents will also be told of their involvement.
If anyone else has experienced any other methods and can let me know, I would appreciate it. This Year the Notes have not only taken from our educational experiences in class, but the effects of their contents have led to fights, bullying, and drama that needs to decrease.
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What percentage of the parents contacted have been supportive of your campaign? Getting a supportive parent base may be a note-worthy endeavor.
ReplyDeleteI usually take the notes and give them to the administrator on our floor. I am constantly amazed at some of the things the students will write. Most of the notes are fairly innocent(and the spelling is horrible) but on several occassions the material has been of such a sexual nature that I had to bring administrative and parental involvement into the picture. These are definitely classroom distractors. I also keep copies of the notes for parents to see during conferences.
ReplyDeleteI would agree that we have a similar situation. We have had issues with our 6th greaders who want to do anything and everything but place their education as a priority. Unfortunately, it has not been isolated to note writing. Their behavior in the hallways is extremely dangerous at times. I love your ideas on how to "out wit" them. I will be trying some of these myself.
ReplyDeleteParents are actually shocked when they see the notes their children have written or received. It usually gets straightened out once evidence is in hand. Our administrators and guidance folks are FABULOUS when it comes to defusing the drama that is instigated as well.
ReplyDelete