I love to read teaching blogs. I come away from them feeling inspired and enthused about what I am doing. However, occasionally I will read a post and feel a little depressed. You see, when everything in so-and-so’s classroom is all rainbows and sunshines and academic excellence and you feel your own teaching is still a work in progress it can kind of weigh you down. This post is not about rainbows and sunshines. Well, just a little bit. Most of it is about management problems…yikes!
Let’s start with some good news. James and I just returned from a fabulous vacation in England and Wales! It was our first trip with just the two of us, my first trip out of the country, AND my first ever flight. The whole experience was terrifying and exhilarating and challenging and amazing! We had a fabulous time experiencing new things together. Here is a little glimpse…
For having never traveled any kind of significant distance, this was an eye-opening, perspective-changing experience. And it was new and refreshing to be able to spend so much time with James. It was just the most fun I’ve ever had.
Okay, now to the bad news. I took 7 days off of work for this trip. SEVEN. The sub plans just about did me in. After those seven days it was Spring Break. When we all got back into our classroom I quickly realized that something was wrong. My students were misbehaving. I pride myself a bit on having a well-ordered classroom and I always take great pains at the beginning of the year to ensure that this is the case, but between having a substitute and having the freedom that spring break brings to a child, not to mention the fact that summer is right around the corner my kids are just a little bit sloppy in their behavior. I spent my first days back reeling them back in after they had obviously been given a little too much slack. I decided to put a new plan of action into, well…action. Here is what I came up with on Friday after school.
***UPDATE: My clip chart and stop and think sheet are available free at this post!***
Bethanny, your trip looks amazing! So glad you had a wonderful trip! Bad behavior is something that we all deal with at some point – great to hear it took you three classes! 🙂 DO NOT waste time comparing yourself to other teachers or bloggers – everyone has a different set of little kiddos. Also keep in mind, that no one would want to read our blogs if we bashed kids, parents and only talked about the bad stuff. So, keep in mind that everyone is dealing with crazy classroom antics, too! You're not alone – I promise 🙂
Slainte!
Molly
Lucky to Be in First
Thank you so much! You are so kind! It always helps to be reminded not to compare myself and to realize that I'm not alone in classroom craziness. 🙂
Spring Fever is upon us! I love your Stop and Think sheet. Do you plan on sharing it?
-Jacquie (from right down the road at Cedar Ridge, you may remember me from the Utah blogger meet up!)
Of course I remember you! I think of you whenever Cedar Ridge is mentioned at Deerfield! I'd be happy to share the Stop and Think sheet if you are interested in it. I will try to get it ready for sharing by my next post!
Love your vacation pics and the form looks great!
Jennifer
First Grade Blue Skies
Thank you so much! 🙂
I love your "Stop and Think." Can I download it somewhere?
Of course! It is available at this post: http://shipshapefirstgrade.blogspot.com/2014/04/classroom-management-freebie.html
Hello,
I teach 1st grade also and would love your stop and think sheet too! If you are able to share that would be great! hayleystuart893[at]yahoo.com
I emailed you the link! 🙂
Hi! I would like to download your "stop and think". I tried on the link you wrote before but it didn't work. Thanks
This looks great! I have been looking for something a little more visual for my class as Class Dojo doesn't seem to be doing it for me! This might just be what they need! Thanks!
Do you have the stop and think form on your Teachers pay Teachers?
What do you do after they fill out the "stop & think" sheet? Do they stay on red or do they clip back up to start again?
Hello! I love your "Stop and Think Sheet!" Could I get a copy of this??
Thanks!!
erin.mikels[at]gmail.com
Hello,
Can you please share your think sheet? My email is kelleyhudson8[at]gmail.com.
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I tried downloading the Stop and Think sheet- I love it! I wasn't able to do it. Could you please email it to me at whitwade[at]yahoo.com?
I am looking for your "stop and think" sheet. I have not been able to locate it. Can you please send it to me at [email protected]? Thank you!!!
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