Campbell HS new teachers met on August 29 with Denise Reynolds and Gloria King to discuss the all-important procedures and routines to put in place for a successful school year. Many teachers shared how they created their classroom rules with their students to increase “buy-in” from them and how these rules are posted in the classroom. Emphasis was placed on building relationships with students. Ms. Reynolds and Ms. King shared material obtained from Larry Bell’s visit to Cobb County School District, last school year.
- Power: Call students what you want him/her to be.
“You are gifted and talented in math.” - Remember that their name is important to them. Use it with respect.
- Brag: Let the student know something is right – in their work or behavior – no matter how small it is. “Your work meets the standard we are studying.”
- Never accept excuses for their work. They are at Campbellto learn.
- Know how to talk the talk: Instead of yelling stop arguing with me, express in a calm voice, I will be glad to discuss this with you as soon as the arguing stops.
Here are some routines that Campbell HS teachers and any Cobb teacher should practice with their students:
Sponge/warm-up activity with accountability- Heading of papers
- What to do when work is finished early
- Changing from one activity to another
- Asking a question
The teachers were very receptive to the resources that were given to them – handouts, books available at Campbell HS, and websites easily found online. They surprised themselves about how much they do know about classroom management and realize that routines and procedures are not just for the beginning of the year but must be reviewed on a regular basis.
Submitted by Gloria King
