My most difficult time is in the beginning of the hour. I am afraid it is not structured enough, or not inviting. I need some ideas to get my 7th and 8th graders ready for math and settled down. I tried using a math problem, but that didn’t work, I want something that will get them ready to work right away, preferably something they would want to do!!!!!! Thanks for all ideas… Rebecca
Re: Getting class started, need ideas, please
The math teacher I work with has a great way to start his class:
As the students file in to the room, the lights are out and music is playing.
The overhead is on and five ‘Questions of the Day” are up. The students know that they have about 5 min to complete the questions, as best they can. They take out their papers and start on the questions, without being asked…most of the time.
After about 5 min, I go around and put a stamp on each students paper who has attempted at least 4 questions. Then, the teacher goes over the questions with the class, asking for participation here or there…
Then the lights go on and class begins……
The students only have to TRY to get a stamp. The dark, and the music get the kids involved in the class right away. The whole thing takes about 6-8 minutes.
When students have 5 stamps (five days worth of ‘question of the day stamps’) they get a point. (our school runs on a point system..75points=5 credits)
Re: Getting class started, need ideas, please
Hi Rebecca,
I taught a collaborative 7th grade math class for several years and we also used “bell ringers”. The students were required to keep them in a notebook. The students had about 5 minutes to complete 3-5 problems and we spent 5-10 minutes to go over the problems. It was always a great review. Every 2 weeks or so we had a notebook quiz. The questions would ask for various problems and answers from the bell ringers. Because we always went over the problems in class, there was no way to fail unless you totally paid no attention.
Renee
Re: Getting class started, need ideas, please
As the mother of a kid with NLD, who has processing speed issues, I can tell you that for some kids, including mine, this kind of pressure would be the kiss of death. Put pressure on him and he freezes like a rabbit in the head lights.
I’m sure this approach workes for some kids, but PLEASE be aware that it is just plain torture for others.
Karen
Hi Rebecca-
I teach 7th grade special ed. and I know how difficult it can be to get my students ready for class. At our school, we have what we call “bell ringers.” It helps the students get ready for class, but also helps them review what they have learned the previous day. I use journaling with the bell ringer. For math you could have them do 2 problems before class and let them know that you will be discussing them in class (accountability always works with my students). I would also have them make up story problems in their journal, or have them write about a time they had to use math in their life. If you tell them they are required to do a “bell ringer” at the beginning of class each day, it just might work. Also, if you have any rewards such as stickers to put in their journal it may get them motivated to work.
Good Luck,
MG