Wodonga CRT Support Network June Meeting Minutes

Thursday 4th June 2009
Held at Wodonga South Primary School
11 in attendance

General Discussion:

· Literacy P.D. for CRTs to be held at Myrtleford (see blog for details).
· VIT (Dawn) is perusing Wodonga CRT Blog site and may consider linking it to other CRT networks.
· Gifted and Talented Association offering a P.D. on “EQ in schools” (see blog for details).
· Tribes: Kim presented an interesting talk based on a course and book called “A new way of learning and being together”. However, the book can only be purchased by attending the 4 day course. Tribes - a classroom concept based on appreciation, no putdowns, the right to pass, mutual respect and attentive listening (see blog for more details).
· The Effect of the Physical Learning Environment on Teaching and Learning: Pam presented information on this topic and assisted with an informative group discussion (see blog for more details).
· Asthmas training for CRTs (see blog for details).
· Anaphylaxis training for CRTs (see blog for details).
· For First Aid Training – suggestion was made the Allen’s Training offer cheaper than normal courses.

Behaviour Management Suggestions & Classroom ideas:

· ‘Your It’ – last name on the board picks up the ‘x’ amount of papers. Each time a child breaks the class rules, etc their names replaces the last name written on the board.
· Child rocking on their chair – get them to kneel on the floor for a short period of time.
· Secret Spot. As the teacher, pick two spots around the room that are out of place and have the children clean up the room. Who ever cleans/tidies these two things gets a prize.
· Tell a story and put the (problem child in the story) as main character, this can defuse poor behaviour and can be very engaging if most children get their name mentioned.
· If children are seated in groups or large table setting and you don’t get to know their names. Give each table a number, write them on the board and let class know the worst table will get detention if they “muck” up and will have to stay in.
· Use a reward box for good behaviour.
· Letter – get child to write a letter to their teacher explaining their poor behaviour in their absence.
· DEAR – Drop Everything And Read.
· ‘FREE TIME’ written on the board. A letter is wiped off each time there is poor behaviour and a letter added for good behaviour.
· Make every effort to get to know the children’s names.
· ‘Class Vs Teacher’ – one point to the teacher each time kids don’t behave or one point to class if they do. Reward with a game or something.
· SQUIRT – Super Quiet Uninterrupted Interesting Reading Time. Every time someone talks or doesn’t read, the allocated reading time starts again.

I would just like to thank everyone who supports the Wodonga CRT Support Network. Without this support, the network would not be what it is today. So thankyou and hope to see you all again soon.

Thanks Jacqui for typing these minutes up for me (us).