Trouble keeping a lid on the class

[cdace]

I am having trouble getting my first grade classroom under control. When teaching older grades (5th and 6th) I was very strict and used a "strong hand" to keep things in order. Not that I am in first grade I am not sure that that would be the best strategy. For all their bad behavior, yelling seems to shut them down completely. So I seem to be going back and forth between out of control and despondent. Any thoughts?

Thanks, Corey

[silvana]

Use power teaching to get their attention.....when you need their attention call "class" they respond with "yes", the hook is you say it in many different ways. Do not be afraid of noise speaking and listening are crucial learning tools just try to focus them with expectations eg quiet voice dials etc

[coco2]

1st graders also respond well to behavior chart, sticker for the day, earn tickets to trade in for something later. They are pretty easy to motivate.

[Brit]

I have the same issue with my grade 1's. I'm finding that my tone is making the difference. grade ones apparently get wound up VERY QUICKLY. I can't use the same tone with them I use with the twos -- with the twos, it's all excitment and carnival. I feel sometimes like I'm a huckster trying to "sell" to the grade 2's -- that's the energy level I use. but with the ones, even a little bit of that winds them right up. Try using a very quiet voice and just waiting for calm with some gentle reminders. My guys seem to respond better to that.