WEEK IN MY [teacher] LIFE | ep. 14

[@terrificintk]

I call it “Spring Fever” and it is a real thing in my classroom! You are not alone. ☺️ I redid my seating arrangement and I began to use new songs and poems for transitions/walking in line. I stay consistent with rules and expectations and look for the student exhibiting “Kindergarten” behavior; someone ready for next year. I have to be firm with a few of my littles and talk to parents as well. 😔 Sometimes it helps, and sometimes it doesn’t seem to matter. When a student called me a name on Thursday, it was difficult to stay calm. This particular student has been through a lot ( ACES for sure!) and needs extra grace. 🙏🏻😌 Hang in there! Spring Break is coming!! 🙌🏻

[@djthereplay]

#DeadOn Ms. Karen Howard . Keywords , extra grace . Consistence ? , Yes . But let the student have those mean student moments now and they'll come around on that last day of school when the pressure is off . Take it from me , a former autistic SPED school student . I've had those moments before too . I've stomped on My Teachers' toes occasionally too ( and I do not mean literally ) . School gets challenging for everyone regardless if you are student or staff . - Dwight

[@rm-vh8cr]

Thank you Lauren for holding a student accountable for their behavior! This behavior is happening every day in schools across the country...it's quite frankly exhausting!!! Be strong friend! This time of year it seems as if they revert to "beginning of the year" behavior...could be because they know the end of the year is coming--that fear of the "unstructured" summer brings stress??? This has happened before and I end up taking back some of their freedom/choice and making them earn it back. Crazy I know, but sometimes you just gotta do what you gotta do! On a much lighter note...my students have to use QR codes for their math login - Dreambox. I laminated their codes, wrote their numbers on the backside (I assign them a number at the beginning of the year), then I used those sticky pockets from the Target dollar spot and placed them on my lower cabinet doors. Each pocket has a number...so all they have to do is pull their card from their number pocket....My kids are kinder so I am sure your kiddos would do great!!!

[@eunicekim4054]

Hi! Loving your videos! Quick question! Do you follow some guidelines for morning message? Can you quickly go over what your morning message usually looks like? Thanks!

[@kristysimonsen7464]

Hello, I found your channel last week and I have been binge watching your videos. I am going into my student teaching semester this fall and your videos are getting me so excited to start on this amazing and rewarding journey. I have been taking tons of notes from your advice and started my Amazon wish list with all the things I might need next year! I also placed my first Jane purchase today. That site is definitely my style!! Thanks for taking us on your 1st year of teaching journey!!

[@PrimarilyYours]

Yes, yes, and yes! We were experiencing the same types of things last week. I ended up taking my first personal day this week because I needed a break from these crazy spring fever behaviors! Hang in there. It will get better because you are reflecting, changing your practice appropriately, and remaining consistent with consequences and rewards. Proud of you! It's not easy!!

[@djthereplay]

Lauren , Keep working with those students like a champ . School gets challenging regardless if you are student or teacher . Take it from me , a former autistic SPED school student . Being consistent but loving and understanding will keep causing the student having a bad moment with whatever it is to come around to you later . Nice outfits by the way and I like your handwriting too . - Dwight

[@lauraheitman4444]

Hi, Lauren! I love your Vlog! I am a 21st year teacher... first year in K. March is definitely the time of year when undesirable behaviors begin. My “go to” solution is “Behavior Bootcamp”. I send a notice home to parents explaining what “Bootcamp” is and why we are having to use learning time to focus on rules again. I start the week focusing on one rule a day. We talk about what it looks like to follow the rule, why it is important and what is going on in class that looks like they are not all following the rule. I read aloud books that reinforce the rule. In really challenging years, I even change our incentive plan. Hang in there! Be kind to yourself. Teaching is hard at times! 💕

[@juliegale3815]

I love your honesty! I do play center time at the end of the day so any students with unfinished work do their work then. It works well because they don’t miss out on recess they miss the play time. It motivates my kids to get their work done quickly so they don’t miss that play time. You could also do some sort of “extra play time” incentive during ketchup and pickles or a reward for the kids who get all their work done everyday. Also, March is definitely a time where the kids become “family” and all bicker! THANK GOODNESS for a spring break!

[@madelinelai4446]

Thank you for sharing your experience! You are not alone! I'm experiencing the same with my students. For the past few weeks, 30 minutes of class time was spent having a conversation with them about their behaviors and reminding them of the class/school rules. It was extremely frustrating to see them behaving in such ways that I added "character development" into my lesson plans, where topics such as honesty, respect, empathy, compassion, and emotional regulation are being taught through fun and interactive activities. I'm hoping by teaching these topics will help reduce the bickering and disrespect my students have been showing over the past few weeks. Hang in there! ❤️

[@lucianacaron1113]

such an amazing teacher!

[@RachaelLyn]

7 years teaching and yep, March can be a little difficult. It doesn't help that it's a long month, with pretty much no breaks, and everyone just wants to get to Spring Break. The good news is that after Spring Break, it's all downhill and the end of the year will be here in NO TIME. Now...this year is different. I don't know about you, but we are now off for the next 3 weeks with only one day notice. I had quite a week last week myself in 2nd grade...something happened that made me cry in front of my students because someone (still don't know who) did something awful to another student's belongings and I was so upset about it. This extra time apart just might be perfect for my group this year.

[@hunterrific99]

Wow! You had kids doing multiplication? 12 x 4?! Very awesome! And yes, spring fever is a real thing, girl! every year! I change seats frequently and also change up routines a bit, as well. Sometimes we even "start over" and practice/talk about expectations. I also do "mystery students" where I pick a student but don't tell who it is and if they are meeting expectations throughout the class (I'm a specials teacher) they get to choose if they get a positive email or phone call home or a lunch bunch. (Some students are not motivated by notes or phone calls home to parents because of difficult home situations.) Also I can't remember if it was this video or not, but you mentioned that some students were getting really upset if they broke something on accident. I had students like that, too. You are absolutely responding the right way! Some students are yelled at and/or are punished at home for accidents and genuinely worry you will react strongly, too.

[@tns6584]

Hi Lauren, I just wanted to say I can tell you an excellent teacher. I'm a fourth year teacher and, I know the first year is so tough. No you are not alone, and also know that March is really hard. It is a long month with no breaks. Last week was rough for me too..a full moon is on Monday. I think it is important to and movement and breaks throughout the day. I would not change the routine however, kids need routine and consistency.Also a suggestion for free time would to group kids together and have them rotate to different activities to play also rotate out toys, children get bored with the same toys. Also don't be afraid to take the whole class on a walk or go outside to do a read aloud or other lesson. Kids need outside time

[@liab563]

Hang in there! It's been a rough couple weeks with my class, too. I'm just doing my best to stay positive and patient with them while also keeping my standards high. I'm also trying a new room arrangement; we'll see how that goes. I'm a little nervous. Good luck!

[@HannahBlissfulBiologist]

I just wanted to say I LOVE your videos! I put them on every week while I work on my planning and they make that time so much more fun. It also sounds like your kicking butt with behavior management! 💚

[@ashleyhenwood24]

Definitely spring fever! This is my 13th year teaching 2nd grade. I had my first personal day Friday and boy was it needed! I truly feel like they are like brothers and sisters at this point in the year and they act like it😬

[@carlettagriffin8208]

I first want to shout you out for your behavior management! Very well done. I’m in year 4, teaching 6th grade & i do the exact same steps so it’s refreshing to know that somewhere that kid will learn how to cope when frustrated & have to restore the environment. I love your paper cutter? Please link where you got it ☺️ Lastly, this time of year is exhausting to say the least! Someone else said it in the comments to stay consistent with routines, and i agree for major things. Adding a few new, small incentives to things you’re already doing would be helpful. But it’s good to stay consistent because at this point they know the expectation, they are choosing not to follow it. Changing that routine completely, could (& maybe not) have them push the limit even further because it’s something new for them to learn and they want to test the waters to see how far can they go with an inappropriate behavior. Lastly, lastly, love your positive attitude. Teaching is hard. But it brings me joy to see other teachers still joyous through the rough times! Enjoy your weekend!

[@MrsCrissCross]

Say goodbye to cap erasers and hello to big pink block erasers - write their name or number on them and they last all year! You’re such a sweetie - love watching your sweetness and enthusiasm. This is my 24th year and I love learning from you! ❤️

[@viridianglow]

your donut buns inspire me..... everyone always tells me i look "so nice" when i wear them when really I put in minimal effort... thank you :D

[@misseducation6899]

How cool that students are remembering their text features!🤩

[@gromo5412]

I love your videos! 9th year of teaching and seeing you spend time time stickering glue sticks after school made me want to comment. I teach K and each student has an individual seat sack with their own supplies versus caddies and it is so much easier to manage supplies.

[@kristenmcclellan6460]

Girl, my Friday was bananas as well! I had kinders jumping on and breaking toys during their play time, screaming "Who Let the Dogs Out", just deciding to not do any of their Catch Up work in defiance, etc. I didn't know if I should laugh or cry haha! What the heck was in the water!?

[@camiwilliams28]

Yay thank u for posting the writing assignments

[@amyks5004]

Welcome to March Madness! This happens to some degree every year in my room. I find changing up the look or layout of the room helps. Hang in there.

[@catiemason1551]

Your always prepared girl and that is a good thing

[@thatteachernextdoor2422]

My co-worker read a book titled Be Kind by Pat Miller to her first grade class. Spring fever is definitely setting in!

[@ashleybrewer1404]

Girl, yes. I’ve decided that 3rd quarter is just rough for everyone. My students’ behavior was not as good, grades were not as good, motivation was not as good...it’s been rough. Fourth quarter starts today, so hopefully we will have a fresh outlook!

[@JoJosCorner1]

You are not alone, my Kinder class is experiencing the same thing. Try using "new" attention getters, behavior incentives etc. Reteach the routines and procedures again with your students and do not give them choices they once had until they can earn the privilege back. I hope this helps. You're doing an amazing job!

[@robinethridge3325]

I teach high school. This time of year is tough no matter what age group you teach. I am counting down the days until Spring Break.

[@dannimack1020]

Keep staying strong. Part of it is them coming back from feb break. My kids have been nuts!

[@Koolpets10]

I love how much you kept it real on Friday. I have the same thoughts as you sometimes, like what drives children to do some crazy things that they do?!

[@isapardo69]

Hi what kinds of things do you put in the hands on math Bin and I see that you change them almost everyday??? Where do you store all ?

[@erinsmith781]

Not the brown booties!!! 🥺 but on a serious note - my sixth graders are going through the March madness too! I feel your frustration on behavior issues. I’m rethinking my procedures as well.

[@ccc919]

You might want to check out glue sponges! One per table, they have been amazing in my class!

[@dorothyg7483]

Prayers for you and your class! You are an amazing teacher. 🥰

[@crissyflores9261]

Where is your grey sweater from? The one with your bee kind outfit.

[@jennifermorse2803]

I don’t know if you showed us, but I was wondering what your morning message looks like:) Thank you!

[@kimberlydevore5383]

Add home day care to the jobs you know that it's just easier to work sick and not take the day off! I own a home day care and if I close, I affect many families who have to work! Love you and your videos!

[@LadyOfSummer]

I suggest changing up the seating arrangement. Either put them in new groups, or put them in a one-by-one layout until they're better at being friends. Also, maybe start a teacher vs class sort of class management - like points - and whoever gets the most points wins so many minutes either free play or you get to teach a mini lesson on Friday.

[@LadyOfSummer]

Also I need to see this cute wave and fish wall set up when you're done.

[@gillianmckenzie2942]

Hi Lauren 👋🏻 I just found your channel 🙌🏻 I’m a student teacher and I just love your enthusiasm your videos are a true pick me up! Xxx

[@1260135]

Love your videos!! Can you show us how you organize your guided reading groups?

[@addygonzales3678]

Lauren, where did you get your paper cutter?

[@SpeakNoww17]

I love how honest and real you are! Can you elaborate on how you help that friend whose having a hard time because he didn't get to go to the center he wanted to. What types of things do you say to help him calm down/do you have a calm down corner, etc? I'm going to be a first year teacher in the fall and know these behaviors happen however I never experienced them in student teaching so I'm not sure what to say/how to handle it. It's obviously different with every kiddo but any tips would be appreciated!

[@autumnleigh95]

How does snack time work ?

[@mlmj1994]

My class is driving me notes with the cap erasers; hoarding, peeling, losing them. I need to get the glue. They are in 5th grade. My class last year treated them so well, I didn’t think I’d need a procedure for them. I’ll be ready for it next year tho lol

[@HappilyOrganizedChaos]

I am so happy to hear that I am not alone. I was just telling the other grade one teacher I feel that I have to go over classroom rules and expectations all over again! Also pencil erasers and glue sticks are a pain in my behind😱😂 they keep disappearing! Thanks for sharing your week, I look forward to your vlogs!

[@widalyslugo3015]

Hello, I love your colorful classroom 🌈!! Totally stole your decorating ideas for my classroom this year! 😉 Where did you get your lanyard?❤️

[@SweetDee101]

Idk where she got hers but on IG teachovertherainbow sells ones like that

[@alinakc5264]

Love your vlogs. Can I please request you share resources for the centers you teach? Thank you so much.

[@jcronian9806]

You mentioned that you have free choice centers at the end of the day. You could have them complete their work before they get to go to their center. That way they are motivated to getting their work done. This website www.wedolisten.org has social/emotional lessons based off the book character Howard B Wigglebottom. My class gets into slumps like that. I know you mentioned that you do compliments for behavior. You could also do a point system where it is you against the class. Whoever gets the most points get ______. It could be a dance party, treat, or even a ticket for free choice centers. If you win, you get the party, treat, or whatever the choice. It does get crazier at the end of the year. I do a countdown until summer. There is a special activity for each day but they have to earn it. Again it doesn't have to be much. It could be an extra recess, show and tell day, a treat, a coloring page, dance party, etc.

[@fabulousfirsties4895]

What paper cutter do you use?

[@joannamatthews5474]

I also label the glue stick itself, not just the lid.

[@princessstephxo]

Hii :) where did you get your chair from?

[@duanesanders9710]

My first graders are having a hard time with glue sticks as well. I may have to try this idea. I also cannot keep scissors in their table caddies because they play with them all the time and cut random things.

[@kristengreene4099]

Do your students have work in progress or unfinished work folders? I have my students put any unfinished work in their folders and they're supposed to do it after they finish morning work and they have to have it done before choice time on Fridays. Also, a great book to read is "It's Mine" by Leo Leonni! :)

[@laurieyoung2884]

Hi Lauren! I enjoy your videos....your positive energy is contagious! I have been teaching 21 years so your videos rejuvenate me for the week! Question.....what site do you have that shows the ocean animals on your TV/smart board?

[@ciarra5376]

new-ish subscriber! even though i’ve binged several vlogs just today. what do you write on your morning message?

[@serpilcan7693]

Hi! Love watching your vlogs. Have 2 questions. Is your paper cutter can be used for laminated paper well? Are you teaching multiplication??

[@farmthreads5679]

Love your videos all the way from south africa. Where can i get the colourful circle stickers pls. You guys have such lovely school stuff which we dont get in our stores in SA, very jealous.

[@bookishmama13]

I’m not a teacher but I’m a mama of a first grader and I like to watch these to get ideas for at home teaching and to see other teaching methods. Teachers are truly amazing! Question: where are poppy and branch from? Both my kids love trolls 🤍😁🌈

[@kayleegoff141]

Yesterday was interesting because one student that was an exception did some colourful behavior problems that were not good and a said bad choice.

[@Julieryantiffany]

Love your videos! I'm currently taking classes to be a teacher. Do you do any life as a teacher outside of school type of vlogs..?!

[@carolinedepot4993]

Spring fever! It happens every year, even in older grades! The kiddos collectively can’t stand each other and they get a serious itch to misbehave. Last year I introduced a raffle system at this time of year. Any behavior I liked, would earn a raffle ticket. The winner of the raffle earned a breakfast of their choice from McDonald’s!

[@catiemason1551]

Awe love hearing their voice in the background

[@amycain856]

What did you use to glue the cap eraser to the pencil??? My kids always break them and lose them even though we had a very long talk about them.

[@amycain856]

P.S. I am going through the same behaviors right now and it is exhausting. No idea what more I can do :(

[@mcruz727]

What school do you work at because I really want to see you because I live in Lynn to

[@audeliarodriguez191]

My son didn't want to ask his brother to hold the ipad while he climbed down from top of bunk bed and so he threw it from the top bunk down kids rationale is still very primal in so many ways love and hate it but all i can say is just start taking things away privileges time at recess their favorite rotation what ever you can do get create but your doing wonderful dont get discouraged

[@lisabowland1197]

What about the book...how to be a bucket filler?

[@ahoy_elementary7826]

They are so smart

[@kaciek1487]

Hey girlie! Awesome video

[@mzzzzzzday]

i'm learning that october and march are horrible months

[@tabbethalee2797]

Which Math curriculum do you have?

[@kristengreene4099]

I request the JUMBO glue sticks for my classroom. They last so much longer! And I find that around December/January, glue sticks just start falling apart. I think in New England the heat in the classroom makes them shrivel up! :) I teach first grade in Maine :)

[@soniavasquez9650]

Does anybody know where Lauren bought the stickers?

[@BrownSkinGoddess09]

Amazon

[@nikkiclark4684]

I would just stay consistent. Continue to review your expectations. It is March, everyone is ready for a break. Can students miss recess if they don’t finish work? I know it’s not ideal, but it may nip it quickly. Or can it go home for homework? Hang in there!

[@jessiemccas5040]

You are the best❤️🥰

[@kimberlycarter4344]

I love you

[@Brittney19971]

Rest in peace brown booties 😢😂😂

[@Nellierg]

Look up “peace circles” it’s been a game changer.

[@leahjohnston5572]

I teach Kindergarten. This March I have also had a rise in behavior. The last three years I've noticed this trend. My plan is to switch up the seating, and bring back my "kinder boot camp" of expectations, and some read alouds focused on behavior. I feel like they are ready for more rigor in our learning too, but want to balance that with super consistent expectations and routines. Thank you for being so real on your vlog!

[@rosefray5984]

Love the stickers on the glue sticks I would also put a sticker on the body of the glue stick as well for when they get separated

[@theacpodcast4176]

Your are so cute and smart

[@mrssax1628]

Please share your morning message.