Sunday, October 5, 2014

Think Sheets for Respectful Learners


Hello everyone! I'm Alexis from Laugh Eat Learn and beyond excited to be the first of many bloggers to post on The Primary Pack! Today I'm talking about classroom management! Let's start off with some honesty, I've been having some trouble with my pack of learners this year. I have a really wiggly group with little stamina. One day something works for them, another day it doesn't. With all that in mind, we have been having a lot of conversations about using our classroom time wisely, being efficient and not wasting our learning time. I sound like a broken record most of the time but I think it's finally getting through to my learners. This week I decided to give Think Sheets a try because it was the 4th week of school and they needed some tough love. I told them that we were going to give Think Sheets a try. 

Nevermind the homework list, that's another story! :[


20 comments:

  1. Great idea Alexis! A great way to ensure children are really thinking about their behaviour and who and what it affects. Just downloaded :)
    Thanks for sharing!

    Zoe
    Oh the Little Wonders

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    1. Yes, it's all about accountability in my classroom! Thanks for downloading! :)

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  2. Awesome first post, Alexis! Such a great way for the students to take ownership of their behavior. So happy to have you a part of this collaborative journey!

    Ashley
    One Sharp Bunch

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    1. I'm beyond happy to be on this journey and to be able to call you a friend! :) Thanks for your support!

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  3. Fantastic post Alexis! So happy to hear it is having success in your challenging class this year!
    Elyse :)
    Proud to be Primary

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    1. Yes, they are finally coming around! I had a small celebration that I didn't cry last week! :D

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  4. Alexis...I agree with you 100% I've been using Think Sheets for years and just love them. I've even had a student bring one to a judge before when he got in trouble with the law. Isn't that funny! I'm so glad it worked out for you and hopefully will bring a lot more stress free days to your life;)

    Your friend,
    Cara
    Creative Playground

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    1. I'm completely happy that I found SOMETHING that works with them! :)

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  5. LOVE THIS, Alexis!!! This is something I definitely need to try in my room! So excited that our first post was marvelous!

    Gina
    Miss Peluso's Kindergarten

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    1. Thanks so much, Gina! I'm so happy to be on this journey with you!

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  6. Great idea! I usually have my kiddos just write a letter home to their parent - but I love that this has the sentence starters there to help the kids really think about their behavior! I will be using these in my room this week!! Thank you!

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    1. It really helps them be independent in the process of reflection, which is exactly what you want! :)

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  7. Great post, Alexis! It can be so hard to bring on the tough love sometimes but I think these think sheets are the perfect way to make that time meaningful and productive! I'm so glad these are working for your kiddos!

    Tiffany
    KTeacherTiff

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    1. Thanks, Tiffany! I'm so glad too. I hope that your kiddos aren't giving you anymore trouble either! It's a day by day thing but we are teachers, we have super powers! :)

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  8. Alexis, I love your idea! Going over to download these thing sheets right now! I need some and haven't found any that I really like yet so I am glad that you offered one with PICTURES!! Exactly what I needed!
    Alisha
    Missing Tooth Grins

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    1. The pictures are perfect for those younger ones! I may need to print a few for my classroom too and give them a choice. I really hope they work in your classroom! :)

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  9. Alexis,
    I always just make my Kindergarten's verbally tell me what "sad" choice was made and how they can change it BUT writing it down or at this point drawing it??? Fabulous Idea! XoXo
    Kristen
    Loving Teaching Inspiring

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    1. Thanks Kristen! It really helps with them visualize what the problem was so maybe next time they remember not to do it again!

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  10. Alexis I have quite the 'wiggly' group this year too! My kinders are not quite able to complete these sheets but I do 'conference' with each 'offender' privately at the end of the day and have them report to me what their choices were and how it affected both their learning and the learning of others around them. You are so correct that accountability is key!

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  11. Nice post Alexis! I had a similar class last year. They sure kept me on my toes.
    Take care, Amy

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