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Dear We Are Teachers,
I’m in my first year of teaching and school starts on Monday. After thinking about the problems of last semester extensively over the break, I feel like I need to do a huge classroom reset for my 5th graders on following directions. Are there any specific procedures, practices, routines, etc., you would recommend so I don’t find myself repeating the same thing 8 million times this semester?
—Let’s Get Down to Business
Dear L.G.D.T.B.,
Ah, 5th graders. The big dogs on an elementary campus. Like seniors in high school, only with even less developed prefrontal cortexes.
We have huge lists of the best 5th grade classroom management ideas here as well as 38 must-teach classroom routines and procedures here that I’d highly recommend checking out. But the two procedures I’d recommend drilling over and over your first day back are 1) transitioning between activities and 2) managing noise level. In my experience, these have the biggest bang for your buck in terms of classroom management.
For each procedure, lay out exactly how you want students to behave in three steps max. (Example: “When the timer goes off, stop what you’re doing, look at me, and wait for instructions.”) Then, no matter how silly it seems, have students practice. Get them really involved in a task or conversation, then practice the procedure until everyone does it perfectly. Then revisit it every day until it’s cemented. (And in the future when they need a reminder!)
You will definitely have a few rascals that pretend to not understand the procedure or insist on not following it. You’ll say this in a friendly way: “That’s OK! I totally understand that some of you might need some extra practice with this new procedure. I’m happy to come get you during lunch and have you practice the procedure with me. Just so we’re clear, this is not a punishment—it’s practice. You’ll still get to eat your lunch.” Truly amazing how quickly they master it after that. 😉
Dear We Are Teachers,
A pipe burst in my room over winter break and everything in my classroom had to be thrown away—and I do mean everything. The few pieces of furniture and supplies that stayed dry were in a moldy classroom, so I’ve literally had to start over. Luckily, our custodian discovered the problem right before New Year’s and my wonderful department helped me get my classroom ready to have kids in it. But having to spend half my break in my classroom, setting up new technology, copying all my old documents, etc., was—and continues to be—exhausting and stressful. Is there a reframe for this? It feels like the most ominous beginning to 2025!
—Burst Is the Worst
Dear B.I.T.W.,
When calamity befalls me and I need pity, I’ve learned to ask my husband outright, “Do you feel sorry for me?” I can say with confidence that any teacher reading about your situation feels sorry for you. May our collective condolences and pity heal your teacher heart, even just a little bit.
Here are some ideas to reframe this situation.
First, every time you’re tempted to orient your new year around the burst pipe, switch to this mantra instead: “I started the new year with the reminder that love surrounds me. How lucky am I to have an outpouring of generosity from my team, diligence from our custodian, and support from my administration? I can take on anything.”
Also, go ahead and schedule yourself a long weekend vacation right now for you to look forward to when you’ve caught your breath. I talked to your principal. They approved it.
Dear We Are Teachers,
I’m halfway through my first year teaching 7th grade, and I love it! Here’s what I don’t love: It feels like I get a new student—either from within our school or a transfer—every week. Each time, I have to set aside a significant amount of my class time to get them acclimated, explain our rules and procedures, try to get them caught up on what we’re learning, create logins, etc. Is there some way I can streamline this process for this semester to get a new student “onboarded” so to speak?
—New Pupil, No Problem
Dear N.P.N.P.,
Of course you can streamline it! The next time you have a new student, say this: “Max, I would love your help with something. I’m trying to make things easier for new students to get settled in my class. I’m going to take notes while I get you set up, but can you help me with feedback on what would make things easier for you? Thanks.”
Once you’ve got your master list of rules, routines, procedures, syllabus, etc., digitize it. Put it in a Google Folder (ideally on Google Classroom) that you can easily share with any new student. Create a document called “Start Here.” On that document, include a short welcome letter, your email, and three lists on it: “Things To Do Today,” “Things To Do by the End of the Week,” and “Things To Do When I Have Time.” Then, divide your tasks for the student by highest priority. To check for understanding, you can include a short quiz or Google Form.
Get your class to help too. Appoint a new student assistant in each class. Have current students help you put together Google Slides or video of your routines and procedures that you can add to the New Student Google Folder. Also helpful: Each student contributes a slide to a “Get To Know Us” presentation with a picture, name, and a few fun facts. Then, the new student can add one too.
Do you have a burning question? Email us at askweareteachers@weareteachers.com.
Dear We Are Teachers,
I really, really, really don’t want to go back to school. This is my 7th year teaching high school bio. Normally I recharge for the first half of break (alone time, movies, sleeping in) and then am social and festive the second half. But this time I’ve had little to no energy, and the thought of school starting next week makes me want to cry. I’m not thinking of quitting and I generally like my job. Is it possible to manifest motivation out of nowhere?
—Don’t Make Me
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