All Things CLASS

During a recent observation in one of our very small classrooms, two children were demonstrating very disruptive behavior.  When I arrived, I observed them throwing sand out of the box by the cupful.  A third child joined that fun.  As a CLASS observer we are not to interfere unless it's an emergency situation.  So, it escalated and the experienced teacher as well as the newer assistant were not successful in regaining control.  One boy managed to destroy an entire wall of toys, puzzles, blocks.  At wit's end, the experienced teacher screamed, "Now look, you've made me use my ugly teacher voice!"  This had no affect on the perpetrators, but it managed to scare some of the quiet children and even moved some to tears.  You can imagine how difficult it was for me to remain seated and quiet. ..but when a girl took her shoes off and was about to climb on a pile of broken plastic from bins,  I jumped up and caught her before her feet were harmed.  I had to hold a boy who was totally out of control. By this time, the room was in shambles, some were crying, teacher was crying, assistant was shocked and unable to help.  It was past lunch time for this half day class with parent pick-up, so I excused the distraught teacher and offered lunches to go to the parents arriving. I stayed to help the assistant clean up and sent her on her way to a much needed break. I coached her in how to better handle this in the future.  Since that day, the teacher will not speak to me and has made herself very vocal that it was my fault the children acted out-  "that's what happens when a stranger is in the classroom and you had no business being here."  I realize children can act out for a sub or a newbie, however, I had been in this classroom on several occasions to cover for a teacher. And, the behavior was going on before the children saw me- remember, I saw them through the door window as I arrived.  Has this ever happened to you?

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Lee
------------------------------

Goodness.  this sounds like a rough morning for sure.  As far as the teacher stating it was your fault....at some point that should be discussed.  It sounds as though the observation was being conducted in the same place that you work, so this discussion is especially critical.  The teacher will not be able to build on strengths if she doesn't recognize times she can build on interactions.She needs to be reminded that observers are simply observing for how effective the teacher and child interactions are in the classroom setting. I remind teachers that I realize there may be behavioral challenges, but that I am interested in how the teacher and children respond to those challenges. I don't expect a perfect classroom full of little soldiers.  It's the average experience I am looking for.

------------------------------
JANE FRANCO
Provider Specialist-QRIS
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-10-2018 12:06
From: Sandra Marcum
Subject: Challenges while observing, has this happened to you?

During a recent observation in one of our very small classrooms, two children were demonstrating very disruptive behavior.  When I arrived, I observed them throwing sand out of the box by the cupful.  A third child joined that fun.  As a CLASS observer we are not to interfere unless it's an emergency situation.  So, it escalated and the experienced teacher as well as the newer assistant were not successful in regaining control.  One boy managed to destroy an entire wall of toys, puzzles, blocks.  At wit's end, the experienced teacher screamed, "Now look, you've made me use my ugly teacher voice!"  This had no affect on the perpetrators, but it managed to scare some of the quiet children and even moved some to tears.  You can imagine how difficult it was for me to remain seated and quiet. ..but when a girl took her shoes off and was about to climb on a pile of broken plastic from bins,  I jumped up and caught her before her feet were harmed.  I had to hold a boy who was totally out of control. By this time, the room was in shambles, some were crying, teacher was crying, assistant was shocked and unable to help.  It was past lunch time for this half day class with parent pick-up, so I excused the distraught teacher and offered lunches to go to the parents arriving. I stayed to help the assistant clean up and sent her on her way to a much needed break. I coached her in how to better handle this in the future.  Since that day, the teacher will not speak to me and has made herself very vocal that it was my fault the children acted out-  "that's what happens when a stranger is in the classroom and you had no business being here."  I realize children can act out for a sub or a newbie, however, I had been in this classroom on several occasions to cover for a teacher. And, the behavior was going on before the children saw me- remember, I saw them through the door window as I arrived.  Has this ever happened to you?

------------------------------
Lee
------------------------------

Powerful statement: The teacher will not be able to build on strengths if she doesn't recognize times she can build on interactions.
Thank you for this.

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Crystal Keeney-Burkett
Preschool Specialist
Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania
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Original Message:
Sent: 04-11-2018 09:39
From: JANE FRANCO
Subject: Challenges while observing, has this happened to you?

Goodness.  this sounds like a rough morning for sure.  As far as the teacher stating it was your fault....at some point that should be discussed.  It sounds as though the observation was being conducted in the same place that you work, so this discussion is especially critical.  The teacher will not be able to build on strengths if she doesn't recognize times she can build on interactions.She needs to be reminded that observers are simply observing for how effective the teacher and child interactions are in the classroom setting. I remind teachers that I realize there may be behavioral challenges, but that I am interested in how the teacher and children respond to those challenges. I don't expect a perfect classroom full of little soldiers.  It's the average experience I am looking for.

------------------------------
JANE FRANCO
Provider Specialist-QRIS

Original Message:
Sent: 04-10-2018 12:06
From: Sandra Marcum
Subject: Challenges while observing, has this happened to you?

During a recent observation in one of our very small classrooms, two children were demonstrating very disruptive behavior.  When I arrived, I observed them throwing sand out of the box by the cupful.  A third child joined that fun.  As a CLASS observer we are not to interfere unless it's an emergency situation.  So, it escalated and the experienced teacher as well as the newer assistant were not successful in regaining control.  One boy managed to destroy an entire wall of toys, puzzles, blocks.  At wit's end, the experienced teacher screamed, "Now look, you've made me use my ugly teacher voice!"  This had no affect on the perpetrators, but it managed to scare some of the quiet children and even moved some to tears.  You can imagine how difficult it was for me to remain seated and quiet. ..but when a girl took her shoes off and was about to climb on a pile of broken plastic from bins,  I jumped up and caught her before her feet were harmed.  I had to hold a boy who was totally out of control. By this time, the room was in shambles, some were crying, teacher was crying, assistant was shocked and unable to help.  It was past lunch time for this half day class with parent pick-up, so I excused the distraught teacher and offered lunches to go to the parents arriving. I stayed to help the assistant clean up and sent her on her way to a much needed break. I coached her in how to better handle this in the future.  Since that day, the teacher will not speak to me and has made herself very vocal that it was my fault the children acted out-  "that's what happens when a stranger is in the classroom and you had no business being here."  I realize children can act out for a sub or a newbie, however, I had been in this classroom on several occasions to cover for a teacher. And, the behavior was going on before the children saw me- remember, I saw them through the door window as I arrived.  Has this ever happened to you?

------------------------------
Lee
------------------------------

Original Message------

During a recent observation in one of our very small classrooms, two children were demonstrating very disruptive behavior.  When I arrived, I observed them throwing sand out of the box by the cupful.  A third child joined that fun.  As a CLASS observer we are not to interfere unless it's an emergency situation.  So, it escalated and the experienced teacher as well as the newer assistant were not successful in regaining control.  One boy managed to destroy an entire wall of toys, puzzles, blocks.  At wit's end, the experienced teacher screamed, "Now look, you've made me use my ugly teacher voice!"  This had no affect on the perpetrators, but it managed to scare some of the quiet children and even moved some to tears.  You can imagine how difficult it was for me to remain seated and quiet. ..but when a girl took her shoes off and was about to climb on a pile of broken plastic from bins,  I jumped up and caught her before her feet were harmed.  I had to hold a boy who was totally out of control. By this time, the room was in shambles, some were crying, teacher was crying, assistant was shocked and unable to help.  It was past lunch time for this half day class with parent pick-up, so I excused the distraught teacher and offered lunches to go to the parents arriving. I stayed to help the assistant clean up and sent her on her way to a much needed break. I coached her in how to better handle this in the future.  Since that day, the teacher will not speak to me and has made herself very vocal that it was my fault the children acted out-  "that's what happens when a stranger is in the classroom and you had no business being here."  I realize children can act out for a sub or a newbie, however, I had been in this classroom on several occasions to cover for a teacher. And, the behavior was going on before the children saw me- remember, I saw them through the door window as I arrived.  Has this ever happened to you?

------------------------------
Lee
------------------------------

Original Message------

During a recent observation in one of our very small classrooms, two children were demonstrating very disruptive behavior.  When I arrived, I observed them throwing sand out of the box by the cupful.  A third child joined that fun.  As a CLASS observer we are not to interfere unless it's an emergency situation.  So, it escalated and the experienced teacher as well as the newer assistant were not successful in regaining control.  One boy managed to destroy an entire wall of toys, puzzles, blocks.  At wit's end, the experienced teacher screamed, "Now look, you've made me use my ugly teacher voice!"  This had no affect on the perpetrators, but it managed to scare some of the quiet children and even moved some to tears.  You can imagine how difficult it was for me to remain seated and quiet. ..but when a girl took her shoes off and was about to climb on a pile of broken plastic from bins,  I jumped up and caught her before her feet were harmed.  I had to hold a boy who was totally out of control. By this time, the room was in shambles, some were crying, teacher was crying, assistant was shocked and unable to help.  It was past lunch time for this half day class with parent pick-up, so I excused the distraught teacher and offered lunches to go to the parents arriving. I stayed to help the assistant clean up and sent her on her way to a much needed break. I coached her in how to better handle this in the future.  Since that day, the teacher will not speak to me and has made herself very vocal that it was my fault the children acted out-  "that's what happens when a stranger is in the classroom and you had no business being here."  I realize children can act out for a sub or a newbie, however, I had been in this classroom on several occasions to cover for a teacher. And, the behavior was going on before the children saw me- remember, I saw them through the door window as I arrived.  Has this ever happened to you?

------------------------------
Lee
------------------------------

Your reply is so helpful to me.  Thank you!
My education background is in public and moreover, private faith-based.  Obviously, Head Start is very different.  We see extreme behaviors in such little people.  It can stress out the best of us.  I want my teachers to know they have my support.  Unfortunately, the Coach position at our organization has not been filled for years.  So, this responsibility falls on myself as Education Specialist and the education coordinator.  Sadly, it is short changed in the process.  We are called out to cover for teachers and transportation far too much.

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Sandra Marcum
Richmond IN
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Original Message:
Sent: 04-11-2018 13:59
From: Chrissy Lindsley
Subject: Challenges while observing, has this happened to you?

That was a really challenging situation ! I have a similar classroom where I feel the teachers have lost their enthusiasm for teaching – there is no joy in the job any more – We have gone to 5 day week classrooms and both teachers and children are burnt out.

Here is how I started the conversation- " you two are both potentially good teachers – that is proven by your CLASS scores in previous years. You were full of enthusiasm and enjoyed your work – it feels like you have lost that joy – how can I help you get it back?"

Because they had lost their enthusiasm behaviors had gotten much worse – something they recognized themselves –"just getting through the day" was the goal.

We have gone right back to basics with lesson plans concentrating on rules and following directions for 4-6 weeks to see if we can diminish behaviors and increase the use of following directions.

 

Dr, Chrissy Lindsley PhD
Program Coach
Clay County Child Care Inc.
Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today. Malcolm X

 

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Original Message------

During a recent observation in one of our very small classrooms, two children were demonstrating very disruptive behavior.  When I arrived, I observed them throwing sand out of the box by the cupful.  A third child joined that fun.  As a CLASS observer we are not to interfere unless it's an emergency situation.  So, it escalated and the experienced teacher as well as the newer assistant were not successful in regaining control.  One boy managed to destroy an entire wall of toys, puzzles, blocks.  At wit's end, the experienced teacher screamed, "Now look, you've made me use my ugly teacher voice!"  This had no affect on the perpetrators, but it managed to scare some of the quiet children and even moved some to tears.  You can imagine how difficult it was for me to remain seated and quiet. ..but when a girl took her shoes off and was about to climb on a pile of broken plastic from bins,  I jumped up and caught her before her feet were harmed.  I had to hold a boy who was totally out of control. By this time, the room was in shambles, some were crying, teacher was crying, assistant was shocked and unable to help.  It was past lunch time for this half day class with parent pick-up, so I excused the distraught teacher and offered lunches to go to the parents arriving. I stayed to help the assistant clean up and sent her on her way to a much needed break. I coached her in how to better handle this in the future.  Since that day, the teacher will not speak to me and has made herself very vocal that it was my fault the children acted out-  "that's what happens when a stranger is in the classroom and you had no business being here."  I realize children can act out for a sub or a newbie, however, I had been in this classroom on several occasions to cover for a teacher. And, the behavior was going on before the children saw me- remember, I saw them through the door window as I arrived.  Has this ever happened to you?

------------------------------
Lee
------------------------------

Hello Sandra,
You are not alone! 
I find that teachers/site staff who blame observers for "changes" in children's behavior or emotional states - might need help learning self care skills. Understanding that when adults are " activated" it can impact children. The adults might escalate their complaints - with the goal of not having visitors.  That just results in a more closed and emotional shuttered classroom. How can your program support adults to feel safe?  

Take care

------------------------------
Jenna Elliott

------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-10-2018 12:06
From: Sandra Marcum
Subject: Challenges while observing, has this happened to you?

During a recent observation in one of our very small classrooms, two children were demonstrating very disruptive behavior.  When I arrived, I observed them throwing sand out of the box by the cupful.  A third child joined that fun.  As a CLASS observer we are not to interfere unless it's an emergency situation.  So, it escalated and the experienced teacher as well as the newer assistant were not successful in regaining control.  One boy managed to destroy an entire wall of toys, puzzles, blocks.  At wit's end, the experienced teacher screamed, "Now look, you've made me use my ugly teacher voice!"  This had no affect on the perpetrators, but it managed to scare some of the quiet children and even moved some to tears.  You can imagine how difficult it was for me to remain seated and quiet. ..but when a girl took her shoes off and was about to climb on a pile of broken plastic from bins,  I jumped up and caught her before her feet were harmed.  I had to hold a boy who was totally out of control. By this time, the room was in shambles, some were crying, teacher was crying, assistant was shocked and unable to help.  It was past lunch time for this half day class with parent pick-up, so I excused the distraught teacher and offered lunches to go to the parents arriving. I stayed to help the assistant clean up and sent her on her way to a much needed break. I coached her in how to better handle this in the future.  Since that day, the teacher will not speak to me and has made herself very vocal that it was my fault the children acted out-  "that's what happens when a stranger is in the classroom and you had no business being here."  I realize children can act out for a sub or a newbie, however, I had been in this classroom on several occasions to cover for a teacher. And, the behavior was going on before the children saw me- remember, I saw them through the door window as I arrived.  Has this ever happened to you?

------------------------------
Lee
------------------------------

​I'm not sure if this is the best thread to ask this question, but I have certainly found the following situation most challenging.  I would appreciate any feedback on how other observers give consideration to this in their coding. 

In recent observations, many classrooms have very few planned, intentional activities outside of their small group time.  As a result, staff dismiss children to various interest centers and try to ask dozens of questions of children about their play, often answering their own questions when children don't readily respond.  I know this type interaction keeps children busy, but when considering learning objectives and intentional teaching, how do we get staff to understand the importance of planned activities and how that can translate to higher coding in areas such as Instructional Learning Formats and the Instructional Support domain?

------------------------------
A Howard

------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-10-2018 12:06
From: Sandra Marcum
Subject: Challenges while observing, has this happened to you?

During a recent observation in one of our very small classrooms, two children were demonstrating very disruptive behavior.  When I arrived, I observed them throwing sand out of the box by the cupful.  A third child joined that fun.  As a CLASS observer we are not to interfere unless it's an emergency situation.  So, it escalated and the experienced teacher as well as the newer assistant were not successful in regaining control.  One boy managed to destroy an entire wall of toys, puzzles, blocks.  At wit's end, the experienced teacher screamed, "Now look, you've made me use my ugly teacher voice!"  This had no affect on the perpetrators, but it managed to scare some of the quiet children and even moved some to tears.  You can imagine how difficult it was for me to remain seated and quiet. ..but when a girl took her shoes off and was about to climb on a pile of broken plastic from bins,  I jumped up and caught her before her feet were harmed.  I had to hold a boy who was totally out of control. By this time, the room was in shambles, some were crying, teacher was crying, assistant was shocked and unable to help.  It was past lunch time for this half day class with parent pick-up, so I excused the distraught teacher and offered lunches to go to the parents arriving. I stayed to help the assistant clean up and sent her on her way to a much needed break. I coached her in how to better handle this in the future.  Since that day, the teacher will not speak to me and has made herself very vocal that it was my fault the children acted out-  "that's what happens when a stranger is in the classroom and you had no business being here."  I realize children can act out for a sub or a newbie, however, I had been in this classroom on several occasions to cover for a teacher. And, the behavior was going on before the children saw me- remember, I saw them through the door window as I arrived.  Has this ever happened to you?

------------------------------
Lee
------------------------------

A common problem @Arlene Howard! I'd love to hear what others do to encourage more intentional planning and teaching!
Here are a couple resources that may be helpful. I've attached the blank Concept Development lesson planner as well.

Matching CLASS Interactions with Learning Objectives: Concept Development 
The Best Way to Incorporate More Concept Development in Your Lessons

Teachstone		remove preview
The Best Way to Incorporate More Concept Development in Your Lessons As you know, CLASS is a tool that captures teacher-student interactions. When it comes to the dimension "Concept Development" the focus is on the method the teacher uses to provide instruction in the classroom. While the interactions are what get measured with CLASS, as a teacher you can plan for Concept Development to be present throughout your lessons. View this on Teachstone >

. 

------------------------------
Liz Savage
Community Manager
Teachstone
------------------------------

Original Message:
Sent: 04-25-2018 10:14
From: Arlene Howard
Subject: Challenges while observing, has this happened to you?

​I'm not sure if this is the best thread to ask this question, but I have certainly found the following situation most challenging.  I would appreciate any feedback on how other observers give consideration to this in their coding.

In recent observations, many classrooms have very few planned, intentional activities outside of their small group time.  As a result, staff dismiss children to various interest centers and try to ask dozens of questions of children about their play, often answering their own questions when children don't readily respond.  I know this type interaction keeps children busy, but when considering learning objectives and intentional teaching, how do we get staff to understand the importance of planned activities and how that can translate to higher coding in areas such as Instructional Learning Formats and the Instructional Support domain?

------------------------------
A Howard


Original Message:
Sent: 04-10-2018 12:06
From: Sandra Marcum
Subject: Challenges while observing, has this happened to you?

During a recent observation in one of our very small classrooms, two children were demonstrating very disruptive behavior.  When I arrived, I observed them throwing sand out of the box by the cupful.  A third child joined that fun.  As a CLASS observer we are not to interfere unless it's an emergency situation.  So, it escalated and the experienced teacher as well as the newer assistant were not successful in regaining control.  One boy managed to destroy an entire wall of toys, puzzles, blocks.  At wit's end, the experienced teacher screamed, "Now look, you've made me use my ugly teacher voice!"  This had no affect on the perpetrators, but it managed to scare some of the quiet children and even moved some to tears.  You can imagine how difficult it was for me to remain seated and quiet. ..but when a girl took her shoes off and was about to climb on a pile of broken plastic from bins,  I jumped up and caught her before her feet were harmed.  I had to hold a boy who was totally out of control. By this time, the room was in shambles, some were crying, teacher was crying, assistant was shocked and unable to help.  It was past lunch time for this half day class with parent pick-up, so I excused the distraught teacher and offered lunches to go to the parents arriving. I stayed to help the assistant clean up and sent her on her way to a much needed break. I coached her in how to better handle this in the future.  Since that day, the teacher will not speak to me and has made herself very vocal that it was my fault the children acted out-  "that's what happens when a stranger is in the classroom and you had no business being here."  I realize children can act out for a sub or a newbie, however, I had been in this classroom on several occasions to cover for a teacher. And, the behavior was going on before the children saw me- remember, I saw them through the door window as I arrived.  Has this ever happened to you?

------------------------------
Lee
------------------------------

Thanks Liz! This is a great article- and I love Sherilyn Crump. She was my CLASS Observer Trainer Instructor. She has a real talent in clarifying all aspects of CLASS. I appreciate the resource.

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Erin Hermann
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Original Message:
Sent: 04-26-2018 14:04
From: Liz Savage
Subject: Challenges while observing, has this happened to you?

A common problem @Arlene Howard! I'd love to hear what others do to encourage more intentional planning and teaching!
Here are a couple resources that may be helpful. I've attached the blank Concept Development lesson planner as well.

Matching CLASS Interactions with Learning Objectives: Concept Development
The Best Way to Incorporate More Concept Development in Your Lessons

Teachstone		remove preview
The Best Way to Incorporate More Concept Development in Your Lessons As you know, CLASS is a tool that captures teacher-student interactions. When it comes to the dimension "Concept Development" the focus is on the method the teacher uses to provide instruction in the classroom. While the interactions are what get measured with CLASS, as a teacher you can plan for Concept Development to be present throughout your lessons. View this on Teachstone >

. 

------------------------------
Liz Savage
Community Manager
Teachstone

Original Message:
Sent: 04-25-2018 10:14
From: Arlene Howard
Subject: Challenges while observing, has this happened to you?

​I'm not sure if this is the best thread to ask this question, but I have certainly found the following situation most challenging.  I would appreciate any feedback on how other observers give consideration to this in their coding.

In recent observations, many classrooms have very few planned, intentional activities outside of their small group time.  As a result, staff dismiss children to various interest centers and try to ask dozens of questions of children about their play, often answering their own questions when children don't readily respond.  I know this type interaction keeps children busy, but when considering learning objectives and intentional teaching, how do we get staff to understand the importance of planned activities and how that can translate to higher coding in areas such as Instructional Learning Formats and the Instructional Support domain?

------------------------------
A Howard


Original Message:
Sent: 04-10-2018 12:06
From: Sandra Marcum
Subject: Challenges while observing, has this happened to you?

During a recent observation in one of our very small classrooms, two children were demonstrating very disruptive behavior.  When I arrived, I observed them throwing sand out of the box by the cupful.  A third child joined that fun.  As a CLASS observer we are not to interfere unless it's an emergency situation.  So, it escalated and the experienced teacher as well as the newer assistant were not successful in regaining control.  One boy managed to destroy an entire wall of toys, puzzles, blocks.  At wit's end, the experienced teacher screamed, "Now look, you've made me use my ugly teacher voice!"  This had no affect on the perpetrators, but it managed to scare some of the quiet children and even moved some to tears.  You can imagine how difficult it was for me to remain seated and quiet. ..but when a girl took her shoes off and was about to climb on a pile of broken plastic from bins,  I jumped up and caught her before her feet were harmed.  I had to hold a boy who was totally out of control. By this time, the room was in shambles, some were crying, teacher was crying, assistant was shocked and unable to help.  It was past lunch time for this half day class with parent pick-up, so I excused the distraught teacher and offered lunches to go to the parents arriving. I stayed to help the assistant clean up and sent her on her way to a much needed break. I coached her in how to better handle this in the future.  Since that day, the teacher will not speak to me and has made herself very vocal that it was my fault the children acted out-  "that's what happens when a stranger is in the classroom and you had no business being here."  I realize children can act out for a sub or a newbie, however, I had been in this classroom on several occasions to cover for a teacher. And, the behavior was going on before the children saw me- remember, I saw them through the door window as I arrived.  Has this ever happened to you?

------------------------------
Lee
------------------------------