Communication Is Key

A lot of my students struggle with turning assignments in and it is extremely frustrating. I have created a class website to involve parents more and allow them to see what we did in class, what is coming up in class and what assignments are due and when. The website was really easy to use because I used a site that is so user friendly. Check out our class's website @ room121.weebly.com

Our class has previously used Friday recess as a time for students to make up assignments and to act as a punishment for not turning in work. Friday is always a chaotic day and most students that haven't turned in work end up going to recess anyway because we never get around to telling them they are missing assignments. I decided to start recording those students with missing assignments on the white board in the back of class to let students know they are missing assignments. Once missing assignments are turned in, students can erase their name and attend Friday recess.

I have also started to meet with students during lunch to give them extra time to study or finish work. Most students these days don't spend their time after school doing homework, instead they are planted in front of a tv screen or sitting at their computers. I like to allow students time to finish their work in the classroom, but it is quite frustrating when students don't take advantage of that time I give them!

It also seems that a lot of what I do send home doesn't make it to the parents and therefore work doesn't get finished. Although it is not the responsibility of the parent for the student to get their work done, it is helpful to have parents involved in reminding and keeping their students on track. I want to establish a connection with the parents by emailing and calling on a weekly basis.

That is all for now...the first day of transitioning to lead teaching was a good one and I think it will continue to get better!