Teachers Journal - Keeping track of 22 classes

[Ohmydarlingdear]

It's easy to get classes confused, to forget who the trouble makers are, and to fail to recall what day’s teachers cancel classes on you. So I have a Teachers journal. I make a copy per class and then keep it on my desk at all times (or take it with you to all classes if you don't teach in one class room). I find it works better than keeping a digital journal on the computer (No saving or opening required.)  It really helps me remember the character of each class and reminds me which students I need to give personal attention. Hope this helps you all out. Stay positive - Scott

[Ohmydarlingdear]

One more note:

I write down the names of the trouble makers. For some reason they behave better in class when you give them high fives and call them by name in the halls.  Also, when a student’s takes a special interest in English I write his name down (to give them future personal attention).

[Enders]

I really like this idea, thanks for sharing. I have been teaching in my school since last September and still have problems remember all the students names and what the personalities and level of each classes are like. I'm definitely going to use your journal.

[Savager]

I have many schools to teach too, thanks for the tip. I really want to remember the kids' names and run into problems when they ask me if I remember their names. :o

[ang-84]

Thanks for the tip. And i like this better than another option i've heard of just assigning them numbers on a seating plan! But i have to face facts it's very unlikely that i'm going to remember the names of 600 students, however much i may want to, so maybe the best and worst students will have to do!

[tramontane]

I've also heard that this type of journal works for recording which activities work really well and which ones don't. Thanks for all the tips!

[gaogao]

That's a really good idea. I have about 20 classes and 600 students....I tried doing name tags...well, thinking about it, and it's been horrible...because of the romanization :/ so...yeah.....this will be helpful!

[maryt41]

Make a seating chart.  Simple.  It will take awhile to put together, but you will be glad for it later.  You can also put a star next to those special students you have trouble with.

[kookie]

The journal idea makes a lot of sense. Thanks for that idea! I can see how eay it could be to get confused between 22 different classes. I have a lot of teaching experience and learned one rule of thumb: Humans forget, but paper remembers, therefore, Write it down!! Thanks for that pointer and friendly reminder!