First day class

•  On the first day of a new session or new class instructors should use the “First day Script” to welcome the students to the BrainStorm class, explain who BrainStrom is, what we will be doing, what STEM is, and setting up the expectations of the class. This is also when you will introduce yourself and your team. Your first-day opener sets the tone for the whole session. 

Reinforce Appropriate Behavior

• Use positive reinforcement with individual students when good behavior and projects are being demonstrated. Give praise to the entire class as frequently as possible (e.g., “Thank you for working so quietly,” or “I’m delighted to see you all working so well today”).

Maintain Student Dignity

• When corrections are necessary handle situations quietly and calmly. Don’t make a big deal in front of the whole class. Talk to the student in private to ascertain the reason for his/her misbehavior.

Float

• Instructors should “float” or walk around the classroom to assist students who need help. This includes instructors walking around during the lecture portion to help with behavior issues. If you are not giving the lecture help keep the students focused on the presenter.

Be Neutral, Not Accusatory

• When problems arise, don’t ask, for example, ““Why did you take her LEGO minifigure?” Instead, ask what happened, opening the way for students to tell their story. Follow up with questions such as “How do you think that made her feel?” Avoid yelling and raising your voice.

Connect with Students

• Show your students that you take an interest in them. Show that you like them and that they belong in your classroom. Take advantage of the student’s interests and individually tailor their projects to them if possible.

Finding Success

• Make your lesson an experience that will allow the student to gain self-esteem because he/she is successful.

Goals

• Keep class fun and entertaining. We are “Edutainers”. Bringing education and entertainment together.

Keeping Focus 

• Instructors should NEVER be on their phones during class. Keep the focus on the lecture and the lesson so that it helps keep the students engaged. 

Raising Hands

• Students need to raise their hands before speaking in class or to get the teacher’s attention during project time.

Rule Review

• Periodically review the rules and procedures of the classroom until the students can successfully adhere to them.

• You are a role model
• Use grade-appropriate language
• Remember to dress appropriately (jeans are okay, need closed-toed shoes)
• Dress for the grass, lifting, and being on the floor
• Be on time. Your students are waiting for you!
• Confidentiality
• Set your expectations with the students. That way the students are part of the process and understand that they are expected to follow through with those expectations since they were involved.
• Anytime a student does not meet your expectations (as mentioned in the Disciplinary Procedures document attached), restate the expectations.

Class Flow

• Greeting the Students either at pick up or as they enter the classroom
• Transition into the First day welcome or into the day’s lecture
• Move onto the hands-on activity or experiment.
• Leave students time for clean up 5- 10 minutes before class ends depending on the lesson.
• Time management is a major factor in the success of the class. 

• Reinforcing positive behavior: “Thank you Karl for following directions. Thank you Shaun for sitting nicely while waiting for further instructions.”
• Wait for full attention for as long as it takes: “Some of our friends are not following directions so we have to wait”.
• Avoid bribing students. Expect positive behavior.