Immediate: Stabilize the Situation

Immediate: Stabilize the Situation

1. Validate her feelings first

Sample language: "Teaching with devices is genuinely hard, and 28 third-graders is a lot. The fact that you're still trying shows real commitment. Let's figure this out together."

2. Identify what works in other subjects

Ask: "When classroom management is going well in math or reading, what does that look like? What routines do you use?"

Goal: Find transferable structures—she's not a new teacher, just new to CS.

3. Address device transitions specifically

Common solution: Establish a device distribution routine:

• Devices stay closed until signal
• "Clamshell" or "half-mast" position when listening
• Clear signal to open and begin (visual + auditory)
• Tech helpers to assist with distribution

Card reference: Technology Procedures, Heads Up

4. Reduce the task complexity temporarily

If she's using a challenging curriculum, simplify:

• Shorter coding sessions (15-20 min max to start)
• More structured tasks with clear deliverables
• Pair programming to reduce devices by half