Teaching 1st Graders?

Question

I teach Spainsh to 1st graders. We do play the occasional game but sometimes they never listen. My partner and I would ask them questions but they would be too busy watching the other group play games all the time then they whine when we have to teach and can't play. We even had a little girl go in the corner and cry because we couldn't play a game because they all misbehaved. What should my partner and I do to disipline them?

Answer 1

If I had all of the pieces, I could put this one together... What to do??
Having taught Spanish before, I had to teach my own when I was a 4th grade teacher, I noticed that the kids would get the most "distracted" if it was something way over their heads. (I'm a native Spanish speaker.)
Even in the realm of teaching regular subjects, you can't relay on q&a and the occassional game. There needs to be more constructive learning and practice. (Especially in 1st grade, they are only going to have about a 6 to 7 minute attention span.)
I would definitely invest in some Spanish mini-books (you copy and staple, they color and read) and music/dance activities. If you can find a good video series, that might even be worth the investment. (I guess if you're teaching in a school, you should have some money budgeted. If not, you need to stress its importance in providing a well-rounded Spanish curriculum.)
As far as basic vocabulary, I would even go as far as introducing cognates. This would enhance literacy in English and give them an easier start. (A concentration game would be fun.)

Take a peek at these resources:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0439051762/leanneeldridge
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0590498029/leanneeldridge
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0439051770/leanneeldridge
http://www.spanishk12.com/
This "Uno, Dos, Tres: Beginning Spanish for Young Children" looks great - Sample lesson:
http://www.oblockbooks.com/uno.htm

All this is based on some advice one of my advising professors gave: The best discipline plan is an engaging and well-prepared lesson.

Hope this gives you some ideas,
Mon :-)

Answer 2

Also- get them out of the sight of the other group! Minimizing distractions is a key element in education.

Now- is there some reason they SHOULD prefer your activity over the others? It sounds like the other stuff may be more fun. If other people get to play and I don't, in my mind I am being punished.

You can also try the program offered by Love and Logic. It takes a little work, but works nicely!

Answer 3

Instead of punishment you should try setting up a reward system. Children will work better and be more cooperative if they know a reward is coming. For example try something like..."If the whole class behaves on Friday we will play a game" ect. But if you feel you must punish them taking away privileges or not allowing them to sit near their friends is about the best you can do!

Buena Suerte!

Answer 4

I even have basically considered this used with specific ed. pupils. finally the little ones study to function and subtract without the dots, even if it takes a on an identical time as. If it fairly is not working on your son, be sure you communicate it along with his instructor.