It's the busiest time of year! We're back from Winter Break and it's time to hit the ground running. Believe it or not, testing will be here before we know it! It's more important than ever to be consistent with your classroom management, so students can get the most out of class each and every day. Here are the TWO techniques we will be focusing on for January:
To download a printable version of the No Opt Out Reference Sheet, click here.
To download a printable version of the Greeting Students Reference Sheet, click here.
I love using "No Opt Out", I like to give my students the option of asking a friend or telling them to think about it and I will come back to them.
ReplyDeleteEvery day in math we talk about what "Day of School" it is, like the 112 or something. I ask them how many hundreds, tens, and ones are in the number. After I have written it on the board for everyone to see, I ask them to repeat it back to me. "How many hundreds?" "One!" and so on. If I see some students aren't responding I keep asking the same question over and over until everyone responds. This shows the routine and that they know they should be answering. It works great!
ReplyDeleteSince learning about no opt out I have noticed I have used all 4 techniques. They really do work! I have a few students when called on were really shy or would raise their hand and “not know the answer” but now using these strategies the students are answering questions more. I like how they may not be able to answer the question in the beginning, but they can always answer the question in the end.
ReplyDeleteI expressed in our meeting that I often get caught at my desk in the morning and don’t greet my students at my door, but I have made it so my students mark their lunch on my desk and I love it! This is a way I can still greet every student by name each morning as they mark their lunch on my desk. I have gone out a couple of Friday mornings and stood and greeted my students with the Book-in-a-bag bag and I got more book-in-a-bags and reading logs turned in than usual!
Greeting students is one of my favorite parts of my day. I sit right by the door they use to come in, and acknowledge each by their name. I think that lets them know I notice them, and I know they are here. They feel important. The students who need more time to talk and tell me something about their day can stop and give me a high five, or a hug, or tell me what they need. Students who may be more shy know I see them, but they are free to go hang their backpacks and start their work. They don't feel put on the spot, but I feel they now they are still special and apart of the class.
ReplyDeleteI like the no opt out technique. I am amazed at how hard kids will work to try to opt out of things. I like to wait a longer time than maybe is even suggested, often the students will have already tried to opt out a second time. They know I am probably coming back to them, but sometimes they have to laugh at themselves for not being prepared the second time. I'm glad that it is not a power struggle usually on this one, I try to be fair to all that opt-out so that no matter what their reason is for feeling like they don't have to participate, they know that I will still continue to come back to them. I try to tell them it is because they are so important to our group, we need them!
ReplyDeleteAfter our meeting about this I used the no opt out technique. I still use it. I like that I can use other students to help each other. It's not a very obvious technique for the students to notice. I requires that students to not give up and shut down they have to continue to pay attention because I expect them to listen to the correct answer and them be able to say the correct answer. Sometimes it takes a few students to say the correct answer for the struggling student to catch on.
ReplyDeleteUsing the No Opt Out is great. I use it as a phone a friend option when a student doesn't know. I also have the students tell each other. I noticed that when a student would call on another student, that person they called would tell me. I would have them redirect their answer toward the student who didn't know, and then have that student repeat it back to me in their own words, just to make sure it sunk in. Providing cues or another student providing cues is great as well.
ReplyDeleteI like and use both of these, I always try to meet my class at the door. Because I am happy to see them. I have had a few challenging students this year, but in some ways they are also my favorite students. I miss them them when they are not and there, and I like to start the day off with a welcome and a smile. Today might just be the day that I get through to them. I also believe that know student should be able to opt out. One of my best memories from this year will be getting two students that I'm thinking of to participate in discussions and to answer questions in class. It was fun to see their confidence grow. that wouldn't have happened if I would have let them opt out like they wanted to do. I don't know maybe they always wanted to participate and they just needed someone to keep them the opportunity.
ReplyDelete