Script for first day of class for specialist teacher

If you are a specialist teacher, you have a big challenge. Students come from classrooms that might have similar rules, but most likely have widely different interpretations of what those rules might actually mean. You only have 30 minutes to an hour with this group each week. So, how do you get students settled and into learning as fast as possible.

Here is a script from my first day of a middle school study hall class. This was not an elective, but something that students were assigned to. Feel free to take the ideas and model or change as you wish.

2:30 - Meet students outside in the hallway.

May I have your attention please? My name is Ms. L and I’m excited to be your study hall teacher.  In this class you are going to get to do your homework so you have more time to enjoy your weekends! Today we are going to learn the routines for this class, learn about my expectations and have a bit of time to work.

In a moment we are going to go in and sit on the carpet. When I say go, please sit or stand at the back carpet. When you come in the room, please sit or stand on the perimeter on the carpet at the back so you can see me.

You are welcome to sit like this, or stand like this.

It should not look like this.

Go.

The first thing I’ll do is pick up a chromebook and carry it with two hands to my assigned seat. I’ll log into synergy and check all of my grades. I’ll then write down the list of assignments I have and keep this tab open until Ms. Luria comes and checks my paper. Hmm. I have a paper to write in English. Maybe I’ll ask if she can help me edit my paper. And I need to get some materials for my science class. I’ll write a note on the back of this paper saying I would like permission to walk to Ms. H’s room to get my work. That way Ms. L can just sign it and I have a ready made pass.

OR I might think - I have all A’s and B’s in every class.  I have finished my homework, I’ll make a choice from of doing the Prodigy math game, doing scratch, reading a book or drawing.  

Once I’ve done that, I’ll get to work. I’ll open a new tab if I am working on the computer so Ms. L can see my grades easily and sign my paper. Then I’ll have the rest of the time to work.

I’m going to need someone to be Ms. L. I

Now let me show you what I’m not going to do. (Enter in noisily. Carry the computer with one hand. Yell across the room. Say loudly - I can’t borrow a pencil. Hay Ms. Luria - could I borrow one. I totally promise to give it back. Pleeeeeease. Check synergy. Write my assignment. Call out - I’m done with my assignment. Can you sign my paper. Then get up and walk over and ask - will you sign this.) Clearly - I don’t want to have 25 people or so all doing this at the same time :)

Is there someone who would be willing to model the correct way to do the entry routine? You will pretend to bring the computer to the desk, check your grades and write on the paper.

Great - let’s see if this table can model the entry routine.

Awesome - let’s have everyone model the routine.

That looks great. You did a really nice job with that. In a moment, I’m going to give you a 3 minute break to talk and chat with a friend.  I know you have been listening to a lot of me talking. :) When I say go, this is what you will do. You are going to walk up to anyone and talk with them like this - model. What I don’t want to see is this - Model talking loudly. Then, when I count down from 10 - this is what you will do. Is there anyone who is not clear about the instructions? Go.

Great - We have one more thing to discuss and then you can have some work time. I have three simple rules for this class.

• Follow directions.
• Raise your hand.
• Be nice.

The rules are in place to make this a good, safe learning environment for everyone. They protect your right to have a calm space where you can do as much work as you choose to complete. My hope of course, is that you have virtually no homework for the weekend so you can have friend and family time.

I want to be clear about what will happen if you choose to not follow the rules.

• Warning - A warning is just that. The person is not in trouble.
• Time-out - If a student chooses to break a rule again, they will take a time out from their table group. They will sit at a seat by themselves and continue to work there. After 15 minutes of good work, they will be given the option to return to their original seating.
• Contact home - if the student then chooses to break a rule again, the family will be contacted and informed of all three incidents

Letter read out loud to students.

Do a role play on how to the consequences work. You can find that roleplay here: Script for behavior plan

It is my intention that this classroom is a calm place where you can work. This plan helps make sure that we have a happy, productive classroom. If you have any questions about this, feel free to raise your hand and ask me after we get to work.

In a moment, I’ll say go and you will follow the entry routine. I’ll excuse you a few at a time and you will get the chromebooks, pick up the paper, check grades. Remember to keep open a tab.

Acting session 2:

“In a moment, I’ll say go and you will put away your chromebooks, put on your backpack, push in the chairs and wait to be dismissed. Go.”

(Once I am standing) - say, “RRRRRING. Whisper - that was the school ?bell.”

“Thank you for a great class today. You’re excused”

(Stand at door and collect papers say), “Have a great weekend.”

What are you going to do this weekend?

I’m going to ___ say anything you think I might do that is kind. :) But feel free to say something funny.

Thank you for your acting skills. Do I have a person who is ready to get dismissed. (Choose one student to do the whole routine and give feedback.)

Go.