Establishing Environment

[mclxtn]

Just a question for anyone out there...how long does it usually take at the beginning of the school year to establish a routine? I understand that patience is needed to get things the way you want them to be, but that is one of the things that I feel is necessary to establish everyday routines to be efficient and make the most of short class periods. I am just worried that I will waste time trying to get students to do things the way I want them to be done.

[pingeyez2]

For all my classes from the previous year (2-6) , I had found the structure to be effective because the very first day I met them , they walked into the gym and went right into their assigned positions . This doesn't mean all will remember though. In this case , I arrange them off the floor area and speak to them for a few moments for remberance of the rules and positions.

Each week I pick a new leader . They get in their places , I say switch and that leader goes to the end of the line and everybody moves up . I placed small colored tape( 4 colors) at each position. For the first grade , which I meet for the first time , there is more time taken . But, try not to talk too much , get them moving and each class period more instructions are given.

Use instant activities and pathways along with self challenges to get them into structure . For example , use a Who Can activity : Who Can?

1. Line up on a (designated line in ten seconds or the alphabet
2. Make a circle with six partners , four, five ?
3. Walk on all the court lines , and when I say places( go back to their spots) before I count to ten .

There are so many variations to move them into structured positions through games or challenges . They must know what is expected . An d, it really helps with the activities that are chosen makes it fun and realistic .

They know the routine after a few class periods ( walk through the doors , wait until everybody is in the gym , run around the traffic cones , on a whistle or music ending , find places ; warmups/flexibilities ; rpe jumping ; stations or assugned areas , then skills and activity , walk to the door ,etc)but if there is a minor problem , repeat the error as practice . That is , if they run to the door at the end of class , that error is repeated until its done correctly.

Don't worry about time as you want them all aboard together . It may be a bit more in the beginning , but they will come to realize what they will be doing is so fantastic , they won't want to waste time . Also, during the class explain on a positive note how well they did . The self testing and challenges combined listening skills and a game type activity , which made for an easier transition .

Gerry Cernicky
http://igreen.tripod.com/gerpe

[budawg219]

What are some ways to reinforce a safe and healthy environment for everyone throughout class?