Day in the Life of a Teacher

[@carolyncuesta774]

Your relationship with your students just blows my mind

[@thealethiaco]

You are saving my life. I’m a 2nd year teacher and my background is in science not education. I’ve been given almost no direction as to how to get my teaching together. These videos are saving my life. I cannot wait for the new school year now. I struggle with management and your method is essentially bell to bell which gives the kids no time to play around. I am so grateful for you putting these out there.

[@CJReynolds]

Alethia Rains Welcome Alethia! Glad you found the channel and it’s helpful. I mentor teachers if your interested you can find more info on realrapwithreynolds.com

[@Yesica1993]

Cho needs her own channel!

[@jennifernicole106]

The reason I’m in my masters program for history is because of teachers like you. My 9th and 10th grade history teacher used to sing the fail song to us before quizzes and tests. 🤣😂 He made history fun. I hope to be that for someone else. ❤️❤️

[@marysurowiecki7291]

I will be starting my 39th year of teaching middle school - I've been a principal of a middle school and a K-8 school - retired and came back to be with the kids. I LOVE your videos , I'm learning so many cool ideas for the upcoming year. Hope some of the young teachers are watching, too , and catch your joy. That's the key - joy!

[@coatesvillain]

I am so glad I found your page. The past five years I was a para, and I was hired to be the video and photography teacher in my school. Your videos explain things in such a down to earth way that is comforting and makes me feel like I’m on the right path.

[@BallerBootCamp]

I have so much respect for you bro. Just starting my second year and school starts tomorrow. I'm super excited, but nervous too.

[@CJReynolds]

Thanks my man. Have a great day tomorrow!! Teaching is a craft, keep going!!

[@aestheticbookworm9163]

Hope that was great for you!, I’m going to secondary school this September :)

[@michaelranieri.29]

Ha. I'm starting my second year, and school for me starts tomorrow (three years after you wrote this).

[@MrHernandezTeaches]

I'm one of the teachers that gives homework almost every day. I teach mathematics in high school, and believe that all things should be practiced. One way I've thought about improving this for next year is making the homework optional. Students who don't complete the assignment won't get points and are excused from the assignment. But students who do will earn points. Any thoughts?

[@CJReynolds]

I really think that’s a great idea. I’ve heard of teachers doing that before and having success. I’d love to know how it goes if you don’t mind.

[@xorahmichelle9201]

I'd love to know too! How did it go??

[@minagica]

How did it go?

[@MrHernandezTeaches]

@@minagica in the end I wasn't allowed to do it because my district mandates a certain amount of assignments and excused assignments didn't count to the total.

[@minagica]

@@MrHernandezTeaches 😲😞 thanks for the update! 🥰

[@roderickwoodard1415]

Hey there! 😀. I typically get to school around 7:00 on a good day, and 7:15-7:25 on a meh day. The quietness of my classroom, along with Jesus, keeps me calm and peaceful. I do a Morning Routine PowerPoint in my classroom for my 3rd graders. This is super helpful for establishing routines! 😀. I believe 100% in building relationships positively with your students! 😀. I also greet my kiddos each and every morning with a high five or fist bump. I almost at the end of my first year, and it has been very rewarding and a learning experience! 😀. I am taking some great tips from this video. Thanks for your inspiration! 😀

[@CJReynolds]

RODERICK! Hope you’ve been well brother! Thanks for the thoughtful comment!

[@Enigma_surf13]

I'm currently studying elementary education and hope to teach 3rd grade. This sounds like a great way to keep the students focused. What does your morning routine PowerPoint consist of?

[@roderickwoodard1415]

@@Enigma_surf13 Thanks for your kind words! 😀. My PowerPoint consists of what students are eating for lunch that day, the special are subject they’ll be going to for that day, any upcoming announcements/due dates (I will remind them of these daily), and an outline of tasks they should do daily (I.e. unpack their backpacks, eat breakfast, read silently & take an AR test, get their Chromebook, and so on.). This helps my students stay focused and have a solid routine! 😀. Hope this helps and best of luck on your journey to becoming an elementary school teacher! 😀.

[@87716700]

I like your relationship with the students.

[@yepisaidit100x]

I’m encouraged I was on the fence but now I really want to teach now.

[@saracollins9534]

I like to plan the next week on Friday. Meaning I know what I am doing every day for the next week. That might have to change once we start the week but it really helps me feel calm to have a plan when I come in on Monday.

[@alisonuuereb822]

Very right, being organized is helpful to all. I teach 4-12th grade Art and my room can become a huge mess. I’m lucky to have my last class with my elementary kids and they love to clean. Some days I play the mystery object game. Kids get 30secs to find anything out of place and I call out an object, “candy wrapper... pencil shorter than 2 inches... paper clip... “ and if they have it, they get out of class first and I collect all the odd objects with a kid or 2 that stay and put it all away. Class gets cleaned and organized fast. They love that game too.

[@CJReynolds]

😂😂😂I love it! That’s a great game!

[@kalamoss5039]

Your classroom looks phenomenal. Such a vibrant, inviting, and cozy place for learning. Love everything about it!

[@CJReynolds]

Thanks Kala! I appreciate it. I’m here more than my own house so it helps to have a chill spot.

[@fabiolaarauz4439]

I am happy that you spoke about the need that some kids have to "time" activities. My eldest has adhd and I thought that this was only characteristic of him since no other instructor has ever acknowledged it. Would you ever consider doing a vid on ideas to better reach students with different learning needs. You mention that you give them tasks and such but I am wondering, when the info actually has to get to them, how you make teaching more absorvable (maybe that is not even a word).

[@CJReynolds]

That’s a great idea for a video. I’m on it.

[@jenerrafinklea4742]

I’ve been teaching English for 26 years. Many of the things you do are in my teacher toolbox. Homework is something that I don’t assign as well. If students work hard in the classroom, they won’t have homework! Thanks for sharing your teacher life with all of us here on KZbin.

[@mikegodfrey2221]

I deferred my teacher training because of my struggles with organization-but this is such an inspiration!

[@CJReynolds]

Mike my ability To stay organized is little to none. That’s why I always to find people that are organized and have them help me get organized and then I treat my services for their help. My best you on your adventure. If I can ever help with anything please let me know peace

[@chickenmomma9239]

You validate the past 16 years of my career, when I thought I was a failure. Thank you. I'm back at it now, and incredibly excited.

[@CJReynolds]

Happy to do it. My best to you!❤️

[@yrn4truth]

Your video is so entertaining and right on! I teach elementary school and agree wholeheartedly that organization is the key! I use to go in as early as I could too! It just made my days run much smoother! Now I teach from home so I am forming new routines! 😊👍 However, I am sooo jealous that you had 2 planning periods, could leave for coffee breaks sometimes, and could finish your work at work! In my elementary school that would NEVER happen! We could never leave or have that much planning time during the day!

[@seattlejurystudy]

Middle school math teacher here. I give kids time to get the "homework" assignment done in class to motivate them to use class time well and get their practice in. But they work at different speeds, and some finish quickly. It's hard to time so that I don't have kids done early. Same thing if I give them time to practice something between two 10-minute direct instruction segments....some kids finish and some do not. How do you teach bell-to-bell and include time for classwork when kids move at different paces?

[@buzgershom]

I started watching this channel at the beginning of last year. I find it very refreshing and beyond helpful as I teach a similar demographic - I also like infusing humor into the classroom, except students complain sometimes that I “play too much” - probably true, but I just can’t always help it either. I usually just apologize, respect their feelings, and keep reflectively being me anyways - lol. I like your room layout VERY MUCH. I really want to do more with creative spaces in the future, especially in the area of my independent reading library section and BOOST my book collection. Every time I get a good book though, it often gets taken and not returned, yet I don’t care because books are such a gift and I’d rather they kept something special and meaningful rather than something useless to them like a stapler. When I get a hold of a million, I’d like to buy each student their book of choice.

[@milothaloser1443]

I'm an undergrad planning to major in Theatre Education and I have never been more excited to teach than I became after seeing your videos and seeing a very clear impact. Cheers!

[@kellyjokanovich3939]

I personally love having a coteacher. I’ve been teaching for coming on 5 years, and this is my first year having a class all to my own. I always thought I had my system down pack, but then just the extra amount of work I had to take on, was a real eye opener for me this year. I’ve started doing this thing where I finishing prepping before I leave, and then once I get into my room I take 10-15 minutes just to chill in my space. I take note of anything that needs to be done, but I won’t do it until that times up. I find it’s really helped me to center myself before my kiddies get in, and I’m able to go into the day feeling like I’m a part of my space.

[@thomasskupien2739]

I did hs music last year it failed. Turn around hs some students never had music in their lives and some played Bach on the piano. I wasn’t ready for that big of a difference and I was supposed to do differentiation. It was the equivalent of teaching 5th grade music and high school music at the same time and no one was happy. Just, woah. I like your channel because it’s helping me get ready to teach pre-K to 8 general music on the south side of Chicago. That’s my strength.

[@donnakearse2503]

You really do go the extra mile for your students. Good for you.

[@kara-leighhelmrick1847]

Hi Reynolds! I really appreciate your videos and the positive energy you output. Your humor is great. I've been a substitute now since December of 2018 and I'm still working on classroom management. Next year, I'll be teaching 7th grade math. Your advice has really helped me picture the various ways I want to handle my own class. You're a gem and I'm glad you share your experiences with the world. Thank you!

[@wyatthart4550]

As a graduated Film student going to be a long term substitute in Virginia at the end of the month, my head is both burning with ideas and the pressure of what to do with going in as an educator and not being that much older than the students. From what I've been told substitutes are basically the boots on the ground for schools here, so I'm studying up in case they do want to keep me around full time. It's been a huge weight off my shoulders to find a channel that makes complete sense of everything, and has a viewpoint of putting the students first. I've still got a notepad with empty pages left, time to hit next video!

[@CJReynolds]

Hey Wyatt! First, thanks for the kind words. It REALLY means a lot. Second, our Facebook group is an awesome place to connect with other teachers and get advice and ideas. My best to you this year! facebook.com/realrapwithreynolds

[@ChristopherBrown76]

Hello, Mr. Reynolds. I taught ESL in language centers for six years before teaching Language to elementary students for two years; I am now about to begin my second year teaching ELA in high school. BTW, all my teaching experience has been in Russia and China. I will implement your journal and cell phone management ideas (on another video) this year, as well as try to emulate how you focus on forming a relationship with students, not simply establishing rapport. Thanks for sharing!

[@christinebarrett9217]

I don't give homework unless the students are off task in class and won't do the work. I live in a country town that has a huge influx of tourists every weekend from Thursday afternoon and most of my students have at least one job, sometimes two in hospitality or retail. Sport is also big here so a lot of my students have a lot going on after school and I don't want to add to their stress.

[@jenniferbennett5081]

This year is my 1st year as a Special Education teacher for 4-6th grades in a different school district. I work for a very small school district, Panama, Oklahoma. I enjoy helping students with their work. Sometimes things get too noisy. I leave a riddle on the board, everyone takes a turn to solve the riddle. My district does send home homework. I’m not sure if middle and high school assign homework. When I was in high school 1979-1982, I always had homework, but that was when I attended high school in Washington D.C.

[@orsolyadeak4962]

Woah, thank you, super inspiring and helpful video! I was wondering through the whole thing, what would it be like if you didn't have your own room? Here in Hungary, this is the case and I find that it is limiting in some ways. It is the whole class here that has a room, but then during the day, they don't have all their lessons there and also, other groups are coming in at those times. So during periods the classrooms and kids are mostly unsupervised and teachers come in from the teachers' room (a big room where each teacher has a desk) when the bell rings. So classrooms are usually pretty empty and well, kind of boring. It is considered weird if a teacher, even the headteacher is in the classroom during periods because it's the 'class' room'. But for me, it seems that the system you have in the US is much more welcoming for the kids and helps in building a relationship with them. I am only a trainee, but I will be definitely thinking now about this, and what I could do, even if I might appear weird.

[@Jodegrl416]

I agree with the no homework especially, when so many other teachers give so much! Thanks for all this it is a pleasure watching the videos and the absolute love you have for your students. Teaching is hard, but so rewarding! ♥️♥️

[@barbaragreenway4945]

Thanks for creating such helpful videos. I have been teaching art on the elementary level thankfully for quite awhile, but I have gleaned much from the videos I listened to this morning. Your students are lucky to have such a caring, motivated teacher! Barbara G. in PA

[@andreaderkum7581]

Don't necessarily have any questions but still wanted to contribute to the conversation. New middle school student teacher here about to finish up my 1st half of student teaching, and I love your videos. I've learned so much from them! You inspire me greatly, and I hope to positively influence lives like you clearly do! Thanks for being awesome :)

[@EmilyofREL]

I know this an old video, but wow I needed this! I’m a new teacher with ADHD and organization is SO hard for me. The room I moved into last year had the previous teacher’s 40 years worth of junk, and I’m also taking over a room with a bunch of (useful) stuff that isn’t mine. I really want to get a strategy for organizing all the junk. I need to get into your habit of cleaning up at the end of the day!

[@lisarose1786]

I'm starting my 3rd year as a H.S. teacher and I love it! I'm so glad to stumble across your channel. Thank you for sharing! This is fantastic.

[@KafoopleLand]

HOW did you do that overlay thingy???! Getting soo clever with your editing, Reynolds 👍🏼👍🏼 I love how organised your room is. I’m missing having my own exclusive classroom. This year I teach in 5 different classrooms and other teachers teach in my old room as well as me so it’s hard to keep on top of all the things. :( | Your bell goes at 7:55??? What time do you finish? We start at 9:00am. I 100% agree with your stance on homework: especially for low-socioeconomic students. A very thorough and informative video. 👍🏼👍🏼👌🏼

[@chanceweller3233]

how come you teach in different classrooms '?

[@KafoopleLand]

chance weller The school restructured so that Year 7s have a home room. That meant that teachers travel to them and all other classes had to be re-roomed. It certainly is a very different way of teaching when you don’t have a home base. You have to be very flexible. 🌸

[@CJReynolds]

I get done at 2:55 pm every day. Have my own room is a real luxury. Others teach in there but no one else does anything to it. I feel really blessed. Thanks for the kind words my friend. ❤️

[@mjarndt]

Thanks Reynolds for your video. I'm currently in school now to become a teacher and I really like getting done 6 inside information about being a teacher. I'll be starting as a 40+ year old. I got started late on becoming what I feel I was meant to become. I'm glad I've made the decision to teach.

[@claudetteaustralia]

You are such a dedicated teacher. One day I might get there!!!!!!!

[@janicekusin1146]

Love the boys in the car scene. Reminds me of the time on a cold and windy day (yes, in Houston) when after a game I stuffed nearly the entire soccer team into my small car and drove everyone home. Kids lying across the back floor and seat stacked on each other like planks, laughing and making bad jokes in Spanish.

[@megannicholson2117]

Thanks Reynolds! Great video. Favourite moments - banter with Cho and the boys trying to fit in the car. Hilarious! This will be my first year teaching science for the full year. Your video really encouraged me to build systems so that the kids know what to do and I get to go home relaxed. My question is, what are the best routines to build if you are timetabled in a different room each period? (So jealous of your English classroom! Looks amazing!) We are 13 weeks into the school year here in Australia. It's Autumn. We're going to get a bit miserable going into winter. So my goal is to get those systems tighter throughout the year. ( Your previous video helped me aim to be the best new teacher I can be rather than a perfect teacher).

[@ReneeDavisWOW]

I'm the same with you regarding homework. Most of the time it is what wasn't finished in class then studying for a quiz/test and I assign a book for each quarter so we do have book discussions on a certain day of the week so they know ahead of time which chapters we will be discussing on what day.

[@piccodiribibi5391]

Hey Reynolds, I'm a recent subcriber to your channel. Sunday night teacher talk? Genius idea! No one else is doing something like that, are they? Or maybe I should say, doing it as well as you. It's such a therapeutic discussion inserted on a day that is usually fraught with anxiety and dread for a lot of teachers. Thank you for extending yourself this way. I also believe in creating safe spaces for my kids, so at my school I have gaming time after school. Students bring their own mouse and use the Chromebooks to play role playing video games. The value that I've seen from this time is that kids who don't normally feel comfortable being themselves in a school setting just go bananas and have a blast with other kids who they don't necessarily know that well outside of this space. I get grading and planning done during this time and the kids mostly don't even notice I'm there. I go home around 4:30 or 5 every night and (mostly) don't have to think about work again.

[@jennifermorse2803]

Thank you for your videos! I think that is so sweet that you eat with the kids and take some home! You are a great person:)

[@trentonmillar2991]

Such creative ideas. Very inspiring for me as I anticipate starting teaching school in September. I especially like the microphone 🎤

[@melodyrosemccants133]

I've battled with the idea of becoming a teacher for what seems to be my entire life because there were so few teachers that I felt taught and ran their classrooms how I would want to. I'm also a very artistically creative person and thought perhaps teaching would pull me away from being an artist. Your videos have shown me what I've thought for quite some time now, that teaching is an art form with a tremendous potential to change lives. I feel like I can truly see myself teaching and loving my future career. Thank you so much for sharing!! :)

[@CJReynolds]

That’s fantastic Melody. I really believe that all we’ve done in life so far has been cross training for what we’ve been given to do. Best to you in your journey. Please hit me up if I can ever help with anything ✌🏽

[@melodyrosemccants133]

@@CJReynolds Your response made my day! Thank you, so well said. I definitely will :)

[@minagica]

Not remembering locker combo, lol, can relate, I have so many combination locks I can't figure out anymore 😂

[@mohammadnijem3183]

you're amazing! I can see that your students have this close understanding and bond with you. Thanks for being an inspirational teacher

[@CJReynolds]

Thank you. It’s a real blessing to have such a connection with them. ☺️

[@dawncain2282]

Well made video. Thanks for sharing. I've subscribed and although a veteran teacher I'm always looking and sharing. Thanks again.

[@elizabethnelms2564]

I am so inspired & excited for the new year! I am going to implement your journal ideas, & start a collection of weird stuff- bubbles, instruments, etc.

[@gaellegoutain1286]

Fun video! I agree with you on the fact that it is vital to break down the period into different activities. I teach French in a Middle School and my kids love brain breaks, games, fun discussions, jokes, and eating! Thanks for sharing!

[@CJReynolds]

100%! Thanks for being great. Also, is that your real name? If so it is fantastic ☺️

[@gaellegoutain1286]

@@CJReynolds Yes it is! It's French :D

[@colinsimpson6557]

Hey Reynolds! Thanks for the time and effort you're putting into teaching us fellow teachers even while running awesome classes for your students. I've been in education for more than 5 years, but am just finishing up my first year as a solo classroom teacher....and I'm doing this while living abroad for the first time in Colombia. This year was rough, but your videos have helped inspire me to shake it off and revamp my plans for next year to be just that little bit better. I hope you realize how important your infectious attitude is to helping people like me find the drive to make each day a little better!

[@CJReynolds]

Hey Colin! I appreciate the kind words. Really. I’m glad i can help in any way that I can. Best of luck to you!!

[@brucellamarsh8409]

You have inspired me. I start teaching on Monday. I am super excited. This video has helped tremendously. Thank you sir.

[@GinnyBerch]

I would absolutely love having my own room, but we change rooms every 45 minutes and I have to take all of my stuff with me every time. I see so many advantages to having your own room in this video, in addition to just feeling at home in a space that you've created yourself.

[@CJReynolds]

Hi Gin! I’ve given this a lot of thought over the years. Instead of a room could you have a wall or a corner in the rooms you use? I once had a closet as an office and it was hilarious. My best to you!

[@vickinguyen6217]

Thank you for this video! I’m a first year teacher and I’m currently in my 2nd term with high school kids. I’ve found what has helped me keep organised is a ‘to do list’ for every single day! I also make sure I do a quick clean up at the end of the day - a messy room means a messy mind. Love your work, keep it up!

[@CJReynolds]

Great ideas Vicki! I love lists. Peace. ❤️

[@shayladurbois9276]

Hello! I'm not sure if you've already answered this question online, but when do you do your lesson planning? One of the things you said in a video was that it's a bit silly to assume you can have all your lessons planned for the whole year because you have to tailor it to the students, which is what I'm finding this year (so I very much appreciated that perspective). I'm an art teacher and I have big project concepts in mind, and I like to cycle out projects that have grown dull to me, so even though it is my third year teaching I'm discovering there's still a lot of new lesson planning every year. Do you do that when you get home from school? on the weekends? Your note about having a consistent morning routine was very helpful, how do you manage time for lesson planning (putting together power points, worksheets, and such)? Thank you so much for giving such specific advice on everything. I'm feeling re-encouraged and invigorated to go back into the classroom.

[@analuavl9]

Loved this video! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@asuna.yuuki.1084]

I'm currently a student TA in the UK, but my end goal is to become a teacher through that route, as that allows me to gain classroom experience while studying for my degree via distance learning. Not sure what degree to go for, it's probably going to be English as I love literature. But I stumbled across your channel a while back and I love what you do. The rapport you have with your students is wonderful, and the chalk artwork across the top of your wall...just wow! Did you draw those yourself? If you did, that's some talent there Sir. So as of now, I don't have my own classroom but I've stored your ideas and inspiration away for when I do.

[@CJReynolds]

Hi Kat! Thanks for the kind words. I did draw them but I cheated. 😏 I made a video about it. Best of luck on your journey. If I can ever help with anything please let me know. ☺️

[@velinabrown2708]

This was a big video. Thanks so much for taking the time to break down your day along with sharing your philosophy behind the different choices you make. Very helpful!!!

[@CJReynolds]

That was an epic day for all of us. I’m happy to be able to share it. ✌🏽

[@jeniferhuerta9267]

You are amazing!!! I graduated in 2016 i would have appreciated a teacher like you. Sadly i ended up dropping out of honors lit. But i feel like u are one of those teachers who inspire students.

[@CJReynolds]

Sorry you dropped honors lit 😕 I appreciate the love 🖤 ☺️

[@Pinl5349]

Thanks for the great video. You mention that after 14 years, you no longer have to take any work home but in what year of your teaching experience did that start? Also, did you have any favorite resources, books, videos that you feel helped you to learn how to streamline your process and be more organized so that you could go home without taking any work home?

[@CJReynolds]

I literally just got laughed at during school today because my “nose is always in my laptop” 😂 Probably around year five I stopped taking stuff home. Every once in a while i still do but it’s only happens 1 or 2 times a year. I’ve also been blessed enough to have my own room for the last 14 years and to have taught the same grade and subject (mostly).

[@patriciamarie08]

This is so amazingly thorough and helpful! Thank you!!!! I am in my second year of teaching high school math in California. I was so envious to hear that you don't take any woke home! I can't wait to get there.

[@CJReynolds]

It will come. Just build off of what you do each year. ❤️

[@mrhaider6343]

We are opposites 😆. I leave home at 7:45 to get there for 8:20. Tidying is hard for me. I take work home because I like to be the first to leave the school. Love my job though.

[@OleandyrTheGreatDragonGod]

The song that most represents me is "Gateways" by Dimmu Borgir, I highly recommend it for anyone who likes Symphonic Black Metal.

[@writeontrack8819]

I'm signing up to be a substitute teacher to help with the shortage...and terrified. Thank you for these videos. I don't want to let anyone down!

[@CJReynolds]

It is scary for sure. If we can ever help please stop by out Sunday Night Live feed on KZbin. 1pm EST ✌🏽

[@debbieleyva]

The only homework I give (high school history and government) is they need to watch the news 3x per week. They can choose amongst FOX, CBS, ABC, NBC. Must watch 2 different channels. If they watch on KZbin instead of “live,” it runs 18-22 minutes. They don’t have to take notes, just jot down the date and the channel. Other than that, I’m like Reynolds-work not completed during class becomes homework. Most of my juniors and seniors work, either on the family farm or at a job in town, out of financial necessity. I don’t wish to pile on.

[@BIGBLUE20062006]

I also don’t give any homework. In my class, there is a check on learning worksheet due in the last five mins to turn in. This keeps them engaged at the end of the lesson and limits that dreadful 4 mins before the bell rings.

[@TheBetteboo]

Hi from Australia - you’re my teaching soul mate! Many teachers here frown on the relationship building I do - open up my room at lunch for seniors; bubble blowing English lessons; clay gargoyles for medieval history - I’m seen as a bit flighty. Does that ever happen to you?

[@hannamay1177]

Beth Watt hey Beth! I am similar, altho I wonder if people think I am too busy. The results we get with the tricky kids say it all though hey. Don’t ever doubt or second guess yourself! Do you’re thang sister! Ps I am from the land of Oz myself. Reynolds is a kickass mentor who just helped me confirm quietly in myself that my approach is the way to go because it is relationship centered, authentic and real.

[@beatricefrask5230]

Merci Monsieur! I have a very similar approach to yours. I am curious: do you " mention " to your tardy students that they are late? Au revoir!

[@judilopez1811]

I just want to give you a big kudos for all the videos!

[@neoshenlong]

Damn, I really envy the nice and big classrooms that your school has.

[@andreablair81]

Not sure if you have done this yet but I’m always trying to see all the books on Your shelf! Can you do a video or take some closeups pics and post! Thank you!!

[@CJReynolds]

Hi Andrea. I get this question a lot and I’m actually currently working on a list of all the books I’ve had in my room over the last few years. It’s hard because some of them don’t ever come back. And because of last year I lost a lot of books because we left school in March because of Covid. Keep your eye out and I’ll put it up as soon as I have it together thanks so much for asking ✌🏽

[@lasun2007]

Perfect video Mr. Reynolds. Im a teacher in Spain and I appreciate it so much.I would really like to know the story behind driving students home. Maybe some day someone make a movie inspired on your daily work. Keep going. Now I go to class. ; )

[@morellaalmann8694]

Hey, this is a really great video. Just one question: How do you go about getting the students to do the readings? I assume you have readings in whatever book you're all discussing at the time, but I would have thought it would be assigned as homework.

[@eunjulivings]

Your videos are amazing! I will be teaching for the first time this fall as a middle school ELA teacher and your videos have taught me so much about classroom management. I got hired as a teacher without any student teaching experience and I was wondering, will there be a huge difference between a middle school and high school classroom? I will be teaching grades 6-8 and a 5th grade ELA booster class. Will the kids be accepting of all of these teaching methods and will their maturity level be enough? What about when you just don’t have answers to things they ask? So excited, but so anxious for what is to come.

[@bshadrix1]

Reynolds, I've really enjoyed watching your videos. I've been watching them for about a month. I am eating them up. I am in year fourteen as well. Woot! I can relate to your management style. I too play to my strengths which is connecting with students and providing them with a voice. Being goofy and weird and funny works for me as well so I can relate. I teach high school physics and chemistry so it looks a little different, but there are many transferable skills. I liked this video. I have a difficult time with physical organization which can be a nightmare for a science teacher with all of our stuff. Next year, I am going to try to put everything away before I leave. I also want to find a space for everything. This will be hard, but I think I can enlist my wife to help. Thank you so much. It really helps to see another colleague do it.

[@eL0haL0]

Thank you so much for this video! I love your style of teaching and editing, keep it up! I’m about to graduate from community college and transfer to a university to become a high school Biology teacher. The environment you make in your class is very inspirational and something I would love to create in the future.

[@CJReynolds]

Thanks! I did community as well. Best of luck to you. You should check out our Facebook group for teachers. Real Rap with Reynolds Teacher Talk. It might be a great resource for you.

[@RebeccaLynnMusic]

Thanks, Teach'! I'm getting good ideas. About to be a sub. Thanks for all of these! Your students are fortunate.

[@paulus5521]

Thanks for the video, good content for new teachers to see what it's like and for others that think we're always on holidays... But man I'm so jealous of your room. I'm teaching to groups of 30 in a room that's basically 50 square meters.. I'd love to be able to have a bit more space.

[@CJReynolds]

I’ve had my share of tiny classrooms so I hear you. My class sizes really fluctuated this year too. Some classes have 30 kids others only have 15. It was a real blessing.

[@tanachke]

What kind of music do you play when kids present? Spotify?

[@CJReynolds]

I look stuff up on KZbin ☺️

[@PetushCherrySwirl]

I'm a highschool teacher as well, but in Mexico... I wish classrooms here would look at least half as good as that one! But chairs are broken, floors damaged (they're just cement), broken windows (if any), and desks are... just a piece of metal, haha! No material whatsoever... Schools here are so depressing looking. One tries to be happy all the time and make students feel the same... they tend to complain about it, but at the same time graffiti the whole school, including inside the classrooms. xD Also: Thanks a bunch for yout tips and tricks! LOVE THEM!

[@craighunter1708]

How are you using the index cards ?

[@lisafunkyhairedteacher6574]

Hi, I’m new here and was wondering if you teach at an all boys school? That’s my dream job I think!😂 Love your room and your system!!

[@CJReynolds]

Hi Lisa , welcome! I do, it’s really wonderful. We have great young men!

[@bayronherrera1583]

Any tips for aspiring teachers? I am currently a junior in high school and really want to become an English teacher!!

[@KatieMarie1030]

I just started going to school to get my Bachelors in English with an Emphasis in Secondary Education, with a minor in Poverty Studies, and because of that I’ve decided to start watching teachers on KZbin. I’m worried I won’t measure up, but at the same time, I know this is what I love and want to do. How did you know teaching was what you wanted to do?

[@kat7792]

Hey, thank you for this awesome video! I have a question about the 'gold hand' what do you use it for?

[@CJReynolds]

Mostly collecting papers. It stops me from having to walk down the rows. It’s also good for high fives.

[@JennIfer-xp7lq]

How do you get all your grading done in one day??? I'm 12 years in and still find myself grading at home so frequently. Any tips on how you power through it all?

[@co614joe]

For me, I try to knock out as much as I can during my Lunch period. My conference is 1st period and I use it as a time to set up and wake up. My lunch is also student lunch, so I at times have students help me organize work that needs graded, or graded vs not. It helps the process. I also try to stay on top of my grades. The day something is due I spend the next day or so knocking out the grading. Some teachers have an excessive amount of papers to grade, when I believe in quality over quantity. Instead of multiple sheets they do over the course of the week that you would have to grade by hand, take down grades/points in class whether they are working on it or not. (0-not working at all, 5 - goofed of most the work time, 8 - on task but could be better, 10 - on task) Only grade by hand the most important items for the week. Hope that was some help?!

[@sweetpapayasourpeach]

Wow! This is such great advice especially about hiding the remotes and paper. It's so true that people steal stuff from your desk all the time. Lol. I love the emphasis on having a good relationship with the kids. A lot of schools are backward thinking and want the teachers not to be involved with the kids at all.

[@CJReynolds]

Thanks! My best to you this year Nurhidayah!

[@larissamformigoni2802]

Very cool. Kisses from Brazil

[@myxochi]

What duties do you have? Don’t you have specific before school or lunchtime duties?

[@CJReynolds]

I don’t have any specific duties. I take it upon myself to be in the hallway before school, in between each period, and at the end of each day.

[@9009matorres]

One thing, for new teachers who feel like they have to be like Reynolds and have kids in their class during lunch…you don’t. It’s a great idea and kind gesture, but only if you’re THAT kind of person. You can build relationships other ways. I love my students but my lunch is my time lol. And they know and respect that. We can chop it up before and after class and in the halls…but I’m hungry and I need my 30 min lol

[@CJReynolds]

Well said Matt. There is no one way. My best to you this year!

[@larmiisoren2568]

Great vids!

[@CJReynolds]

Thanks!

[@estherd.b.16]

In the school where I used to teach, neither students nor teachers had their own classrooms. It was messy, inefficient and annoying.

[@donnakearse2503]

For music in your class room check out Nightwish band Storytime.

[@timetoteach6226]

Great video!!!!

[@carolinembear]

Hi! New follower here. I love your videos, and you give great advice. I'm about to start my master's program at UPenn this summer and will be student teaching in an "urban" environment. I grew up in a fairly homogenous and affluent NJ suburb so I'm excited, but a little nervous to experience this different atmosphere, especially as a student teacher. I will be 23 when school starts, but I also look pretty young. How difficult is it to establish yourself as somewhat of an authority figure in the classroom in this context? Also, sorry if you've mentioned it before, but do you teach at a private or public school?

[@co614joe]

2nd year teacher here! Establishing yourself as an authority figure has been the hardest part so far. I'm teaching in a Public High School, and look damn near the same age as my students, and Im the same height if not shorter. Some tips would to not be the teacher that shows their frustration, or will give chances on chances. Students know the rules and whats up, they also know you are new and not quite up to speed as the rest of their teachers. They will use that to their advantage. If you stick to the book with your schools discipline policy, the students will begin to realize you have the same power as their other teachers, and that there will be consequences for their actions. The frustration part I mentioned is because we have had another teacher that started last year with me, that is not doing so well. One of the main problems is that she lets the students get to her. Just know, kids are assholes lol. I let them know that I am grown with adult responsibilities; no where on my priority list of things to worry about is that little john that said a mean thing to me.

[@carolinembear]

@@co614joe Thanks for the tips! And yes, I've been reading a lot that staying consistent with rules and disciplinary action is absolutely key.

[@colinvanblaricom6573]

Great video! Although I would think getting stickers on my notebook if no name would be an incentive to never put my name on it lol Out of curiousity, are you teaching at a wealthy school in the city? I've noticed in your videos the demographics are all guys (so I assume private) and all of them are dressed super nicely so I'm guessing they come from affluent families.

[@manila1909]

I’m a brand new teacher. Your videos are extremely helpful to me. Thank you!!!!

[@CJReynolds]

Thanks Anna! I’m happy to help!

[@CJReynolds]

You might find more help in our Facebook group Teacher Talk Real Rap with Reynolds ☺️❤️

[@manila1909]

Real Rap With Reynolds I joined your page on FB and I also joined Instagram. 😊

[@alookinsideablindlife5143]

Nice video man !

[@CJReynolds]

Thanks buddy! I appreciate it!

[@sarahmeador1120]

I've got a degree and certificate to teach English but am still working as a prep cook because I've never had experience dealing with things like parent phone calls or group meetings... Anyone have advice on speaking politely when you're used to speaking your mind? >.

[@CJReynolds]

Maybe this can help! kzbin.info/www/bejne/gH-blmWfhpmflcU