5 Things to Stop Doing

(Pretty Please…)

A presentation by Amber Chandler, NBCT

Author of The Flexible ELA Classroom and

The Flexible SEL Classroom

Before we start...

What practices do you see in the classroom that you think should be stopped?

“Sit anywhere…” (because I’m cool and freewheelin’ like that)

Social Pressure is off the charts in school. Why add to it?

“I like it when you give us different seats all the time. Then I don’t have to think about it. I was surprised that I like some of the people I never talked to before.”

-Jamey

I want to take a few minutes to watch an important video.

I show this during the first month of school, and teens are very honest and emotional about how school is very overwhelming. As teachers, we have to do our best not to contribute to the problems!

Poll Question #1: How many youth have a reported anxiety disorder in the US?

• A) 3%

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• B) 4%

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• C) 6%

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• D) 8%

This is only diagnosed cases...

Flexible Classroom Solution: Organize for optimal seating choices (table, #, shape)

“You’ll need a yellow, plastic folder, with metal fasteners. Crayola markers. And, all of this signed by tomorrow. It’s a homework grade…”

We need to stop grading students on things that are NOT within their realm of control.

“Will you talk to Mrs. W? She gave me a zero because I didn’t bring in a box of tissues. My mom flat out said she wasn’t going to buy them. Now I have a zero for a homework grade.”

-Kennedy

Poll Question #2

How much money do you think my daugher's back to school list to the right cost? (Assuming I bought middle level products)

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A) $30.00

B) $60.00

C) $90.00

D)$110.00

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Flexible Classroom Solutions:

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• Allow students to use what they have (or have to buy for other classes)
• “Bring what you have, take what you need”
• Classroom supplies
• Shop after school starts

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• Go digital as much as possible
• End of year donations from students
• Donor’s Choose, etc.
• Talk to your principal, guidance, anyone who will listen.

“I don’t know if you are allowed to act like that at home, but I don’t tolerate that kind of behavior here.”

Your turn...

What is a behavior that you “Just Can’t” anymore?

Students who do not know the appropriate behaviors must be taught them, not shamed for who they are. Address the behavior, not the child.

“I didn’t know what Pardon Me meant. I don’t know why he got so mad when I didn’t do anything. I’ve never heard of Pardon Me.”

--Kevin

Flexible Classroom Solutions Teach behavior overtly

• “May I borrow a pencil” vs “I don’t have a pencil” [active vs. passive language]
• Role play scenarios before they are needed

--asking to go to the lav

--bodily functions

--needing the nurse

• Teach this as “How we treat each other” not rules or regulations

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“I wish we had time to talk about that, but we are moving on today, so we have to finish this. We are out of time. ”

What are you giving up?

What is something that you’ve stopped teaching or doing in the classroom that you love? Why did you stop?

Is it any surprise that students stop loving to learn? We make it a checklist.

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“I wish we could learn more about fewer things. We just take the test and forget anyway.”

--Liam

Poll Question #3: What percentage of teachers think they spend too much time on test prep?

• A) 32%

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• B) 42%

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• C)52%

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• D) 62%

The time adds up...

Flexible Classroom Solution: Project Based Learning

• Though there’s tons of work on the front side, the depth and breadth of knowledge students walk away with--actually remember--is exponentially higher.

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• Classes are engaged, and when students are doing challenging work using 21st century thinking and tools--Standards will be met!

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“Just because you aren’t interested, doesn’t mean those around you aren’t. Be quiet.”

Truth time...

We all have biases that we don’t even notice. Is there one that you’ve had (or have) that you need to get over?

Students who struggle will do just about anything to deflect attention from that fact.

“I’m the class clown in his class. That way, he’ll never call on me. He just tells me to be quiet.”

-Leyonna

Flexible Classroom Solution:

Realize that all behaviors have a social, emotional, or academic cause.

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These are non-negotiables for me. What are yours?

What last thoughts do you have about non-negotiables? Anything you want to add?

What can I do for you?

--email (AmberRainChandler@gmail.com)

--Google Hangout

--text (716-908-2201)

--help you start a project

--help you with your own writing

--be a “guest author” for your book club

--speak at your events

--design lessons with you, help with curriculum

Thanks so much!

Here’s what you can do for me:

--subscribe to Flexibleclass.com

--follow me on Twitter @MsAmberChandler

--encourage your administrators to check out my books

--encourage your administrators to have me come in for PD (or do a webinar, etc)

--share my writing on Social Media

--write reviews on Amazon and/or Barnes and Noble about my books (The Flexible ELA Classroom: Tools for Differentiation 4-8) The new one on SEL will be out in October.

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