I have a cell phone charging station. Students are OBSESSED with having their phones at full charge. I allow them to charge their phones, but they can't touch their phones the whole period. This really works for my students.
I did that once in middle school, I agree that it’s a goodie as long as you’re consistent on the “don’t touch it” rule. I’d do it again, but I had issues with students coming just to use the charger, chargers not working over time, notifications going off. Wasn’t overwhelming, but I found it to be annoying and I still had other students trying to use their phone in class. Nowadays students charge their phones on their laptops.
I’ve never been a big fan of whole class rewards such as earning free time mainly because it’s typically the same few kids who ruin it for the entire class. I personally would rather deal with those kids individually so it doesn’t impact the entire class. Everyone has what works for them. I’m glad this works for you!
I agree. I was only experimenting with this and it worked out well. The way I manage students who repeatedly ruin it is coming up in my next vlog. I felt like behavioral management was a whole other conversation.
@@stacyr4768 It’s a system that never seems to last a long period of time and causes disruption during class (if they go off, if a students needs it, etc.). Mostly though, these days, trying to remove a phone from a student in any way causes unsolicited hostile behavior. This occurs with parents as well. To me, it’s not worth it and a waste of space in class.
I like the idea of a free time reward. One of the things I do with students who are habitual offenders is have their parents either text them or call them on their phone in class. The students are usually flabbergasted when they get that text or call. Also like the idea of using the phones as a tool. I do that as well. Great video. Picked up a couple of ideas. Have a great school year!
I have block scheduling. I pause class for 5 min at the midpoint for unrestricted phone/bathroom break. If i catch kids on their phone before that, they spend the 5 min talking to me about their homework.
Interesting strategy and something to seriously consider to try which I appreciate as a highschool English/Hist/music teacher so many thanks cuz it's so practical and doesn't require me to spend money! You're so refreshingly honest about thinking about how students view school: not wanting to be there for 60-80 min and have several apps they can do instead. That is so vital to always keep in mind and is always at the front of my mind.
There's an ex-military teacher from Peru in my high school. You'd think we were back in 1985 when I tell you there was ZERO phone use in ANY of his classes. Heck, the kids ask permission to drink from their water bottles. I don't hear him scream, threaten, or anything like that but they FEAR him. He has all the "trouble" students from other teachers - kids who in other classes are throwing things, doing handstands on chairs, walking out without permission, screaming so loud other teachers come in to yell at them. In his class they raise their hands to ask questions, they participate and give answers, no airpods, no hoods, and everyone takes notes. I was astonished. I asked him how he got them to behave so well, he said "It's not hard, you just can't let them." And I was just in awe. I was an ESOL facilitator so I got to see the whole spectrum of teaching styles.
Hello, Alexa! I have been in a dither about how to handle cell phones next year as this past year, I also tried different strategies with only mild satisfaction. As you say, most strategies are hard to maintain consistently and one-size does not fit all. Though I plan to have conversations and try to get the students to come to some sort of commitment agreement at the beginning of the year, as well as clearly post and refer back to basic (not out when 'not-out-time' rule), I like your idea and hope it will work for me. As much as I wish every class for every student (or even most) could be so engaging that phones would not be missed, it is not a reality. Questions: Have you ever had a student deliberately sabotage the class, just to get a reaction? While teaching, if you see a student (who is using phone when it is not phone time,) do you say nothing and just decrease the min. by 1? Does taking a point away trigger disruption as other students share their annoyance with the person outloud which invites others to jump on the bandwagon? [I teach Literacy and Algebra to ML students I was planning to only allow cellphones during a break in the middle of the 73 min. block.]. Of course, any work that could be completed with their cell phone as a tool would be an okay time to use. ]. Thank you.
I am going to try trhis since I already have the no cellphone during instructions or discussion but I do not have a reward for if they achieve that. Thank you
It feels good to remind them every Friday how well they were following directions and not letting their devices (I say "the world" because they can access anything) interfere with their education during instructional time. Most of the time they will earn their full 20 minutes.
Thanks for your sharing. It is an amazing idea. But I am a little confused why the students earn their free time on Monday. And in some other countries we almost every day have the same class, let’s say English class, look forward to your reply
The school week begins on a Monday, so they have the week to maintain their Friday free time. If they take out their phones with special permission or ER situations for the first half of class, I will begin deducting minutes. They have however much free time is maintained. I hope that makes sense. Thank you for your feedback❤️
Yes, apps that pertain to what they are learning. For example: all of the Google Suite apps, Canva, (past) Duolingo, and I just began teaching Chatgpt.
I get it, but that has never happened. If it did, immediate calls home. Calls home usually do the trick for my repeated offenders. It lasts a few weeks and then I might call again or the parent will agree their child place their phone on our desk every day. Ive never met a parent who likes that their child is on their phone. If none of that works, I would say that is disciplinary action.
@@stacyr4768 I’d just make it known that they are using the minutes they earned from having put their cell phones away. It’s on the board and there’s a timer to show it’s strategic. The timer is important because I feel it keeps students motivated to not want to lose a single minute. I’ve never had an issue with admin and my vp’s office is right next to me.
@@teachingwithalexa Thanks , I’m considering implementing this hence all the questions. Can I hear more about this timer that explains what is going on to admins ? Also , when a student cause a student to lose free time , do you let the class know who made them lose minutes ? Finally , what is your rebuttal when students state it’s not fair that they lose points due to their classmates indiscretion ? In addition , doesn’t this 20 minute of free time cause a delay in the syllabus ?
I’m curious to see if students using their phones just get left behind. Like that’s the consequence of not paying attention, failure. It’s gonna happen in the real world why it start teaching them that now. 16-18… that’s pretty old and a good time to teach that discipline and life skills. More like sink or swim. No one is gonna hold their hands in the real world. Gotta learn sometime. Didn’t pay attention oh well you fail 🤷🏽♂️
I wouldn't say so, but not every teacher is the same. This is not a time for slacking off. Intervention is a part of classroom/behavior management. There are ways to handle students who cannot put their phone down. I recently spoke, privately, to a student who has not submitted his last 2 assignments, but who I have seen on his phone. When I walk by, he acts as if he is working but submits nothing. I asked him how I should handle it. I asked him if he thinks I should ignore him. He said he didn't know what I should do. I let him know his seat would be moved closer to my desk and that I needed to let his family know about his current work ethic. He did not argue because I gave him an opportunity to be part of the next step. My point is that it is not a sink or swim incentive unless the teacher holds low expectations for whatever reason, or doesn't know how to improve.
I have a cell phone charging station. Students are OBSESSED with having their phones at full charge. I allow them to charge their phones, but they can't touch their phones the whole period. This really works for my students.
I did that once in middle school, I agree that it’s a goodie as long as you’re consistent on the “don’t touch it” rule. I’d do it again, but I had issues with students coming just to use the charger, chargers not working over time, notifications going off. Wasn’t overwhelming, but I found it to be annoying and I still had other students trying to use their phone in class. Nowadays students charge their phones on their laptops.
I’ve never been a big fan of whole class rewards such as earning free time mainly because it’s typically the same few kids who ruin it for the entire class. I personally would rather deal with those kids individually so it doesn’t impact the entire class. Everyone has what works for them. I’m glad this works for you!
I agree. I was only experimenting with this and it worked out well. The way I manage students who repeatedly ruin it is coming up in my next vlog. I felt like behavioral management was a whole other conversation.
@@teachingwithalexaWhy don’t you have a cell phone case and have them put it in at the beginning of class ?
@@stacyr4768 It’s a system that never seems to last a long period of time and causes disruption during class (if they go off, if a students needs it, etc.). Mostly though, these days, trying to remove a phone from a student in any way causes unsolicited hostile behavior. This occurs with parents as well. To me, it’s not worth it and a waste of space in class.
What is your cell phone management policy ?
Any tips then, Nancy, based on your experience?
I like the idea of a free time reward. One of the things I do with students who are habitual offenders is have their parents either text them or call them on their phone in class. The students are usually flabbergasted when they get that text or call.
Also like the idea of using the phones as a tool. I do that as well.
Great video. Picked up a couple of ideas.
Have a great school year!
The parent text sounds priceless! I might get it sometime😂
I have block scheduling. I pause class for 5 min at the midpoint for unrestricted phone/bathroom break. If i catch kids on their phone before that, they spend the 5 min talking to me about their homework.
I like that! I might try it next year. No class is the same; I had one this year who didn’t care for my system so I changed it up. Thanks for sharing
Interesting strategy and something to seriously consider to try which I appreciate as a highschool English/Hist/music teacher so many thanks cuz it's so practical and doesn't require me to spend money!
You're so refreshingly honest about thinking about how students view school: not wanting to be there for 60-80 min and have several apps they can do instead. That is so vital to always keep in mind and is always at the front of my mind.
There's an ex-military teacher from Peru in my high school. You'd think we were back in 1985 when I tell you there was ZERO phone use in ANY of his classes. Heck, the kids ask permission to drink from their water bottles. I don't hear him scream, threaten, or anything like that but they FEAR him. He has all the "trouble" students from other teachers - kids who in other classes are throwing things, doing handstands on chairs, walking out without permission, screaming so loud other teachers come in to yell at them. In his class they raise their hands to ask questions, they participate and give answers, no airpods, no hoods, and everyone takes notes. I was astonished. I asked him how he got them to behave so well, he said "It's not hard, you just can't let them." And I was just in awe. I was an ESOL facilitator so I got to see the whole spectrum of teaching styles.
how?
Great strategy using positive reinforcement and teaching with technology. Thanks for sharing. Will give it try next school.
Hello, Alexa! I have been in a dither about how to handle cell phones next year as this past year, I also tried different strategies with only mild satisfaction. As you say, most strategies are hard to maintain consistently and one-size does not fit all. Though I plan to have conversations and try to get the students to come to some sort of commitment agreement at the beginning of the year, as well as clearly post and refer back to basic (not out when 'not-out-time' rule), I like your idea and hope it will work for me. As much as I wish every class for every student (or even most) could be so engaging that phones would not be missed, it is not a reality. Questions: Have you ever had a student deliberately sabotage the class, just to get a reaction? While teaching, if you see a student (who is using phone when it is not phone time,) do you say nothing and just decrease the min. by 1? Does taking a point away trigger disruption as other students share their annoyance with the person outloud which invites others to jump on the bandwagon? [I teach Literacy and Algebra to ML students I was planning to only allow cellphones during a break in the middle of the 73 min. block.]. Of course, any work that could be completed with their cell phone as a tool would be an okay time to use. ]. Thank you.
I am going to try trhis since I already have the no cellphone during instructions or discussion but I do not have a reward for if they achieve that. Thank you
It feels good to remind them every Friday how well they were following directions and not letting their devices (I say "the world" because they can access anything) interfere with their education during instructional time. Most of the time they will earn their full 20 minutes.
Thanks for your sharing. It is an amazing idea. But I am a little confused why the students earn their free time on Monday. And in some other countries we almost every day have the same class, let’s say English class, look forward to your reply
The school week begins on a Monday, so they have the week to maintain their Friday free time. If they take out their phones with special permission or ER situations for the first half of class, I will begin deducting minutes. They have however much free time is maintained. I hope that makes sense. Thank you for your feedback❤️
Hi! does the 20 mins free time on Friday include playing on their phone for those 20 mins?
It's their time, so yes. I also have games I take out. Uno and Jenga are always a hit
Very true! 😃
Do you teach the usefulness of any of those aps that the students can use during the second part of the class.
Yes, apps that pertain to what they are learning. For example: all of the Google Suite apps, Canva, (past) Duolingo, and I just began teaching Chatgpt.
Do you use this strategy with block scheduling?
I do. Our blocks are 80 minutes.
Ok but what if you get to Wednesday and uh oh they are all out of minutes. Thursday "well we won't get free time tomorrow anyways so whatever...".
I get it, but that has never happened. If it did, immediate calls home. Calls home usually do the trick for my repeated offenders. It lasts a few weeks and then I might call again or the parent will agree their child place their phone on our desk every day. Ive never met a parent who likes that their child is on their phone. If none of that works, I would say that is disciplinary action.
Do you allow them to use their phones during the earned free time?
On Friday’s, they can do (almost) anything they want with their free time, so yes.
@@teachingwithalexaSo what if an admin walks in during the free time ?
@@stacyr4768 I’d just make it known that they are using the minutes they earned from having put their cell phones away. It’s on the board and there’s a timer to show it’s strategic. The timer is important because I feel it keeps students motivated to not want to lose a single minute. I’ve never had an issue with admin and my vp’s office is right next to me.
@@teachingwithalexa Thanks , I’m considering implementing this hence all the questions. Can I hear more about this timer that explains what is going on to admins ? Also , when a student cause a student to lose free time , do you let the class know who made them lose minutes ? Finally , what is your rebuttal when students state it’s not fair that they lose points due to their classmates indiscretion ? In addition , doesn’t this 20 minute of free time cause a delay in the syllabus ?
Technology is here, it's not going anywhere. We need to learn how to work with it.
I agree. Even if we don't like it, we have to accept that it is here and figure out ways to help them manage it.
I’m curious to see if students using their phones just get left behind. Like that’s the consequence of not paying attention, failure. It’s gonna happen in the real world why it start teaching them that now. 16-18… that’s pretty old and a good time to teach that discipline and life skills. More like sink or swim. No one is gonna hold their hands in the real world. Gotta learn sometime. Didn’t pay attention oh well you fail 🤷🏽♂️
I wouldn't say so, but not every teacher is the same. This is not a time for slacking off. Intervention is a part of classroom/behavior management. There are ways to handle students who cannot put their phone down. I recently spoke, privately, to a student who has not submitted his last 2 assignments, but who I have seen on his phone. When I walk by, he acts as if he is working but submits nothing. I asked him how I should handle it. I asked him if he thinks I should ignore him. He said he didn't know what I should do. I let him know his seat would be moved closer to my desk and that I needed to let his family know about his current work ethic. He did not argue because I gave him an opportunity to be part of the next step. My point is that it is not a sink or swim incentive unless the teacher holds low expectations for whatever reason, or doesn't know how to improve.
Those students are sent to office for insubordination.
I totally need your help
Is it about cell phone management? If you tell me about your class, I can try to help.
Watching this as a high schooler 😭
My students don’t seem to mind it! Out of sight, out of mind.