Korean Job Discussion Forums

[tanklor1]

I've always had trouble in dealing with the longer set. This time it seems to be back-to-back classes of 30 Third Graders that seem to be giving me grief. Anyone have any ideas about classroom tactics reguading these tiny lads. I've been trying to sort things out by giving them lots of group work and trying to keep them busy but sometimes it's just plain hard to get them to focus on anything. So, any ideas would be helpful.

[TheChingu]

Rewards/punishments work well.

3-6th graders get a "sticker" on our front board for a really good day of behavior and participation. When they get 10 stickers they get to have a party in class where the bring snacks and watch an english cartoon movie.

Any probelms with the class I just ask them if they want to lose a sticker or get a sticker today? Usually lines them up quite well.

When teaching and a few students are talking, I usually frown and stop talking, and the more studious ones will shush them for me.

Good luck im sure there are a ton of strategies that all work.

Worst case scenario make them all close their eyes and take 5 with their heads on the desk.

[tanklor1]

[Fishead soup]

Groupwork is overated. I works best when using the Communicative approach with highly motivated learners. You might want to try arranging the class in a half circle seating plan and have them study dialogues. Tell them that if they do the material for the class properly you'll give them time to play a game/ watch a music video/ or watch a Mr. Bean Video.

Have them first practice a substitution drill, using choral repetition. While doing this walk around the room and keep all students on task. If you have Powerpoint this is even better for doing substitution drills.

Then make them do pairwork. Insist no Mr. Bean video until they are all working in pairs.

[tanklor1]

[Steve_Rogers2008]

one technique I learned from the co-teacher I liked was the "3 fingers" approach to get the class as a whole to quiet down.

1. Start with having class chant "3 fingers, 3 fingers," and clapping 3 times.

2. Repeat with "two fingers, two fingers," and two claps with the class.

3. "1 finger, 1 finger," and have the index finger go up to the mouth for quiet.


Repeat as necessary if the class is really out of hand.

then of course, there's the "broken record technique" which works with all ages, as long as you stay firm. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Assertiveness#Broken_record

[Fishead soup]

[Countrygirl]

[pikachun1]

I think you have to threaten them a little, like telling their parents.