Teaching procedures

[Blackheart]

Since my first "first day of school" is in a couple of weeks (I took over mid-year for another teacher in January), I've been trying to figure out how to teach my 5th grade reading class procedures (for say, entering/leaving class, using the pencil sharpener, etc.). Should I just go through the list, so to speak (like some old professors of mine seem to think), or just wait until something comes up? Seems like it would be pretty overwhelming and boring for 10-year-olds to sit there and listen to me ramble on and on about how to ask to go to the nurse, etc. For that reason, I'm leaning toward waiting for a situation to come up and using that opportunity to teach the class. However, I'm certainly in the market for ideas from those more experienced than I am.

Last year seemed to be a constant struggle to decipher what my predecessor had done with the kids before I got there, and I'd like this year to get off to a "right" start.

Any help would be appreciated.

[Brit]

I wouldn't wait; I'd get systems set up at the start of the year for 2 reasons:
#1: then they know how to do those things -- shy kids might avoid, say, going to the bathroom, because they don't know the routine, and "problem" kids might just take off, or do things their own way.

#2: murphy's law says that these things will come up when you LEAST want to take the time to interrupt yourself and explain. For example, a trip to the nurses office will inevitably come in the middle of a test or a fire drill, or some other time that you don't want to distract the rest of the class. Also, the kids asking may feel singled out, and if it's important, they may not be listening to the procedure, because dude, they've gotta go, like, NOW.

I agree, though, that listing everything all at once is BORING. What I do with the little kids is I chunk info, then have them practice, either as a group, or with role-play. Lining up and coming into the room is our first lesson, and we practice it together a bunch of times. Bathroom is the next routine lesson, and I get it done the morning of the first day, usually right before recess, because with little guys talking about it makes everyone have to go. So I explain the routine, have a boy and a girl show what to do, then have another boy and another girl show what to do. Obviously, with grade fives you won't have to spend as much time on stuff like that, but I'm sure there are other things you'll want to spend the time on.

I also always inject humour, and it seems to make the explanations more fun for me and the kids. some humour just kinda snuck in the first time I did routines (I said something like "let's talk about how to go the the bathroom", and the room of six year olds erupted in laughter). My favourite approach is to try to sound like a cheesy TV infomercial ("You may be wondering just HOW I got this pencil so sharp! And without ANYONE looking up EVEN ONCE while I did it! WELL...let me tell you the secret to perfect pencil sharpening!!!"). I'm sure it's not for everyone, but hey, you have to have fun where you can find it, eh?

[Boxcar]

I like the idea of humor.

With the little ones, it is fun to ask them to tell you how to do it. Then, you take them very literally. If they skip a step you act like you are going to really skip it. For example, I might ask them how we come in for lunch. What do I have to do? Some might say "go to the table". So, I mgiht pretend to eat with messy hands.

[Blackheart]

Thanks for the advice. I spent most of the day yesterday typing up my procedures so I can keep them in a notebook and refer to them as needed. I'll use that as sort of a rough outline when I'm going over things with the kids. One of my friends has each person/group in the class make a sort of presentation slide about one of the procedures (drawn on paper). The kids will list the procedure and then illustrate it. Then, she'll display the "slides" on the walls. What do you all think of that idea?

[teacher5]

It's also a good idea to have a sign in and sign out sheet put on a clip board nearby the door. Design it like a check list whereby they check where they are going, and put the date and time. Then if you need to check on someone, you can just walk by and look at the list. But you must do rules, procedures, rewards, and consequences on the first day of school. You don't want a fifth grader to tell you I never heard that or I didn't know that. Definitely involve them in the forming of these. Most of the kids have been in the school and generally know what is expected of them. Don't form any rule or procedure in a negative statement. Turn it into a positive. (Don't run in the halls becomes. Walk in the halls.) Try to limit the number or rules and procedures. Post the rules and consequences on chart paper for all to see. Refer to them frequently during the first couple of days. If you really want them to get creative, you may get a few kids together to do a Power Point Slide Presentation with graphics. The images may really reinforce the idea of following the rules and procedures. Also, assign kids classroom responsibilities. Make up as many as you can. They want to help, they are capable at 5th grade, and it will take some of the burden off of you. Just remember to be Smarter Than a Fifth Grader.

[dsmms]

You need to take the time at the beginning to teach those procedures. It will save you so much time later on. I learned my lesson last year. I had a rough year. It is harder to teach them what you want them to do after-the-fact. I have read that it is time well spent to teach and model class procedures, and that is exactly what I did this year. I created a PowerPoint presentation which covered everthing I wanted them to know and do with relation to my expectations and procedures. I am hoping (praying) that this year goes smoother than last year. School started for us on August, 11. I am pleased with what I am seeing in my sixth graders. I was explicit with my expectations, and I have been consistent with consequences. I think this is beneficial for the students and me!

I hope this helps! Learn from my mistake!!

Donna