Why do my second grade students constantly call my name?

Question

Please don't be rude, because I'm a new teacher trying to get information. I honestly don't understand why my students constantly have their hands up calling for me to come to their desk.

I looked in other classrooms and the kids seem to be working quietly at their desks. Whereas in my class, I literally have someone with their hand raised calling my name every 30 seconds.

25% of the time it's a question about the assignment. 75% it's random stuff like needing a pencil, they're finished their work, they want another book from the class library, they got a new dog and want to tell me what it did last night, etc.

I'm a new teacher, so is that just part of the job with this age group or am I doing something wrong?

Answer 1

I would imagine that it is normal for their age group but the way you react is reinforcing it. Maybe instead of running over to them every time they throw their hand up and humoring them, you could try a different approach. Like tell them that every mornng you can go around the class and share whatever you want...(like they got a new dog and what it did last night). Then tell them they need to concentrate on the task at hand and sit quietly. Maybe you could tell them to draw a pic when they complete their task or play seven up lol. Im sure you can come up with a plan that will work right for you but ou get the idea...

Answer 2

I believe the answer lies in YOUR arrangement of the class room - the rules and the expectations.

Lay down some ground rules:

1. One 2 minute session of pencil prep.
2. One 5 minute time (of asking for help after the first 6 minutes of an assignment is over)
3. Random stuff will be dealt with at the last 10 minutes of a session (so that everyone is able to enjoy the story about the doggie's haircut or what ever. . )
4. Books from the class library may be obtained without asking IF the kid can get there silently, and IF the paperwork of the assignemet is done.
5. Do not let the kids use a VOICE to call attention to you, let the HAND IN THE AIR do the 'calling'. This will keep other kids from getting involved in the transaction. Tell everyone that this is to avoid distractions and to help kids do the work uninterrupted.

It is understandable that as a first year teacher you are learning how to teach. I learned more from a Sunday School teacher that I observed for a month or so than I had in 4 years of college. She was a MASTER teacher. See if one of the teachers at your school qualifies and ask for time to observe her. then USE her ideas with her permission. Most teachers are glad to get their working methods into other peoples' classes.

Answer 3

It's not the age group.

For the questions about the assignment, keep your explanations short, and don't talk if you don't have everyone's attention. Ask several students to repeat what you said. And give students the vocabulary to ask meaningful questions about what they really don't understand.

For the other questions, read Harry Wong's book, The First Days of School. You need to teach procedures. Specifically, what do they do when they finish, what do they do if they need a pencil, what do they do if they want anther book from the library.

And telling you about their new dog and what they did last night...that means they like you. Hope it doesn't stop.

Quiet classes are not always better classes. Of course, sometimes silence is necessary, but classes usually reflect the personality of the teacher. I once had a teacher-friend who was a very calm person, and her classes were always calm and well behaved. One day she said to me, "I wish my class could be more like yours. I hear them laughing and shouting when you play a reivew game or something. I just can't manage kids when they are ramped up." Boy was I surprised.

Answer 4

Ok, here's something that eliminates the simple questions: "ask three, then ask me" the students need to learn how to use each other to get information for questions about things they don't understand.

In the classroom, it is a good idea to set up an area where the students can go to get things to do if they are done early, the "finish it up" folder, or a basket or special books, or different activities that are good for general skills.

It sounds like they want to share, so create maybe a ten minute period where you pick two students randomly out of a can with their names. These two students get 5 minutes each to share something with their classmates.

I hope these help!

Answer 5

Yes, sometimes it is just part of the age, and kids that age love to have your attention, but as a new teacher you may need to look a little at your own organization of the class, how you explain the activity, etc. Possibly talk to another teacher at your school and get some "close to home" advice. It sounds like you could use a little help with classroom management skills, but you need it from someone who can look at your situation and make some specific suggestions. Best of luck. I am sure you will do just fine.

Answer 6

Kids like lots of attention, so yes, it is just a part of the job. You can do something about it. Give them a time to tell you about the latest news in their lives. I try to always give instruction verbally and write them on the board. Do an example problem as a group, then let them do a few more and check them together, after that they are on their own. Maybe try the "three before me" way to check if it's a valid question. (They have to ask 3 kids before asking you. I don't like this method, but plenty of people use it.) Best wishes.

Answer 7

They only way you should be worried is if the students were asking questions about the assignment 100% of the time. Otherwise I wouldn't worry too much.

Answer 8

Do you have a funny last name?
Or maybe they know you are new and you need to set some class rules, like have your supplies ready before the bell rings etc.

Answer 9

well, you see, your a teacher so your supposed to help the kids, communicate with them too. when they need a pencil, give them a pencil, when they want to tell you about their dog, listen to them and laugh with stories they tell you if they are done with their work. when they are done with their work, look over it and then after most kids are done, then you can go over the answers and make sure every kid has it right, if you are still having troble, then contact a different teacher that seems that he/she knows what they are doing, or contact the princibal.