Jon Hurst

There were many challenges that presented themselves during the first week of school. The two that stood out the most were dealing with inappropriate behaviors/how to handle them and creating lesson plans that kept the children engaged the entire day. I have one student that spit in my face no less than 40 times during the first week, licked his hands and wiped them on me, drops his lunch on the floor intentionally and pinches very hard. I tried everything I could think of as a positive reinforcer to curve these behaviors and had no luck. If anyone has any suggestions please feel free to share them with me. If they work I will be indebted to you forever. Secondly, creating a lesson plan for the first time in my life was very challenging. Block scheduling, no schedule from the Speech and Occupational Therapist and a lack of collaboration with the other special ed teachers in the department created many challenges developing a plan for the first week. I think I finally figured most of it out by Wednesday and will have a good lesson plan in place by Tuesday. Other than that it was a great first week and I look forward to getting back to the spitting on Tuesday.

PS: I was told the spitting would stop if I received the spit with no reaction. Do you know how hard it is not to blink when someone spits in you face? One spitting positive is that it gives my wife and I something amusing to talk about at night.

Marie Mackrell

Hey Melinda,
I agree the first week is so overwhelming. This is my third year teaching and I don't know if I am any more organized at the start of the this year then I was when I first started teaching. It is so hard getting to know your caseload and making sure the school is in compliance. Also, since I am working with sixth graders, the files require a great deal of work. Since we are all rushing to complete many different kinds of tasks, I worry that I might miss something. It would be great to have some type of checks and balance system.

Marie Mackrell

The first week of school is very busy. This year I even tried to go into school a few days ahead of time to get a look at the sixth grade files. We usually are not assigned our caseload until the schedules for the students are determined. We have two sixth grade teams at our school. A special education teacher is assigned to each team. It seems as though once the caseloads are determined it is a mad rush to get the accommodation lists in order. Our school did something different this year. Instead of having the special education teachers walk all over the building trying to get the elective teachers to sign the SE-34/accommodation list, our department head set up a time and location for elective teachers of all grade levels to come to sign the form. It saved a great deal of time for the special education teachers. I would say within a 40 minute time period, I had all the signatures I needed and I didn't have to walk all over the building to find teachers for their signatures. It was a great way to streamline the process and an easy way to conference with the elective teachers about the students they would have in their classrooms.

Kay Portmess

The most challenging part of the first week of school for me has been to remain flexible. I have been placed in four different locations assisting with the Kindergarteners adjusting to school. There was one child in the regular classroom that refused to do ANYTHING and proclaimed “No” loudly to most choices!!! I was in his room for two days and day two was better than day one. Consequences and rewards were put in place. He was able to work knowing how long he had to do something. He has been given a timer and the reward for completing work is sitting at a special table away from the group. Today that worked.

Marie Mackrell

Just wanted to check out Blogger to see if I could access it successfully.

Beginning the school year...

Liz Uebelhoer

I am not currently teaching, but I would think the first week of school would be challenging. For those teaching do you find establishing a routine and getting to know the kids is the most important? Do you dive right into content the first week or review mostly what was taught the previous year? Any advice for when I am teaching would be great!

Melinda Griffith The last three days

Melinda Griffith

I think the first week is the most challenging. There are so many things that I need to get done along with having lesson plans ready. Getting used to a different routine is tough, and of course getting to know my students is also very important. I look at my list of things to do and wonder when I will have enough time to do it all. Any suggestions ahout time management for these first few weeks?

Teachers helping Teachers

The purpose of this site is to provide feedback for fellow students with concerns, questions, or in need of fresh ideas as part of our class. When you begin your posting, type your name first or I will not have any idea who wrote it. Always allow for reader's comments as indicated below this text box. Be creative. I am asking that you contribute five (5) times within the next six (6) weeks as part of the activity grade. Those of you who are not teaching will be able to provide comments based on life experiences. This might be a cool way to engage your students in an online discussion - just like I am. PLEASE - keep it professional.

Now to begin.

So, what has been your biggest challenge so far this school year - the past two days?

Now I know how to use this blog

Mary Lou again - I opened this again and it works. Next time I'll just ask a 4 year old. :)