Classroom tips

Sometimes you have an easy class where everyone gets along and you don't have to do all this, but if you get a rowdy bunch make sure to:
1. Class structure- A begin class with the same exercise, then new exercises, and end class with a recap.
2.Plan- It is important to have a lesson plan, make sure that your plan is flexible. Always plan extra activities just in case one activity isn't going well you can move on. If an activity is going extra well you can also stretch it.
3. Small Groups-I learned that smaller groups of 4-5 students worked much better than doing the games all together. Some students got bored waiting for there turn to go in front of class. Small groups keep students engaged and then they would perform in front of each other.
4. Randomly select groups, I would line students up and place them in groups, tried to make sure there were mixed gender groups. If you have a particularly challenging group of students it is best to have the groups pre-selected.
**It really is beneficial for you to pick the groups because:
-some children get nervous when they have to form their own group, creates social tension
-one kid always gets picked last, and that does not help with confidence
-the children tend to pick the same group every time which does not help the class mix
-You can pick personalities that you know will mix well in group
-you won't have to worry about two trouble makers in the same group