One of the best books ever written for teachers is Harry Wong's The First Days of School. He opens Chapter 1 by boldly stating, "Your success during the school year will be determined by what you do on the first days of school." I agree. There is no substitute for establishing clear expectations, modeling routines and procedures, and following through with positive and negative consequences. Excellent classroom management begins and ends with effective relationship building with every scholar. Effective relationships develop each scholar's ability to be responsible and self-disciplined while staying within the established boundaries of the class and campus. One of the biggest challenges we face as educators is finding that fine line between freedom and authority (as the cartoon suggests). One of my goals as principal is to allow individual teachers the freedom and flexibility to work with scholars as needed while developing some level of consistency from room to room and from grade level to grade level. What successes and lessons have you learned about the importance of effective classroom management? This will be an important topic of conversation when we meet as grade levels in August.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Classroom Management
One of the best books ever written for teachers is Harry Wong's The First Days of School. He opens Chapter 1 by boldly stating, "Your success during the school year will be determined by what you do on the first days of school." I agree. There is no substitute for establishing clear expectations, modeling routines and procedures, and following through with positive and negative consequences. Excellent classroom management begins and ends with effective relationship building with every scholar. Effective relationships develop each scholar's ability to be responsible and self-disciplined while staying within the established boundaries of the class and campus. One of the biggest challenges we face as educators is finding that fine line between freedom and authority (as the cartoon suggests). One of my goals as principal is to allow individual teachers the freedom and flexibility to work with scholars as needed while developing some level of consistency from room to room and from grade level to grade level. What successes and lessons have you learned about the importance of effective classroom management? This will be an important topic of conversation when we meet as grade levels in August.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
20 comments:
I believe that the relationship you build with scholars as well as their parents, specifically in the area of communication aids effective classroom management.
I think when you invest your time in building relationships with the students in your class, as well as the students in other classes, the kids are less likely to act out or be disruptive. I feel that when you show students love and respect, they will love and respect you and their classmates in return. I know that this isn't always the case, but in my experience I've found that when kids know you care about them, they think twice before doing something that may disappoint you and/or their parents. Setting clear boundaries and expectations from day one is key, like you said!
I have always believed that my first priority when started a new year is to establish a sense of community among me and my scholars. The first weeks of school are important because they lay a foundation for what is expected. In some respects I run my classroom like a family unit, learning to help each other when necessary and celebration successes together. I want my students to feel comfortable, but not overly comfortable. Equally important is designing engaging lessons. When students are sufficiently engaged, inappropriate behavior is less likely to occur. Scholars are so engaged that all their energy is in the task at hand rather than on negative behaviors.
I can't believe I am saying this but I am thankful for all the bad teachers that I've had. These were teachers who did not take the time to build relationships with their students. As a teacher, I strive to build relationships with my students and parents. I do not want my students to have to go through what I went through in school; therefore,from day one of school and throughout the school year, building a safe environment where everyone's opinion counts is important to me. As a classroom family, we are there to support and build each other up. Once this foundation is established, it is only then that students will choose and want to learn.
Building relationships is an essential part of a successful school year for your scholars and parents, as well as for the teacher. When a relationship is built, the hard conversations of discipline or academic progress are much easier to have because the is trust there already. I think students need well defined boundaries, with opportunities for success provided in those boundaries. With that comes the guided freedom to express themselves and learn in a loving, safe environment.
I truly believe the first eye contact, handshake, or hug on Meet the Teacher night is the beginning of a trusting relationship with each scholar and parent. My first few weeks of school are dedicated to creating a caring family of scholars. If each child believes he is special to me( and he is!) as well as a very imporant member of the classroom family, he will be ready to be engaged in learning. Firm, consistent guidelines that are communicated well to the parents as well as the scholars will provide security in the classroom academically, physically, and emotionally.
Calcote
I am never sure from whom I steal this quote from...but, I truly believe this is the way that I feel and it guides me everyday with my children!
"Children do not care what you know...until they know that you CARE!!!"
The positive relationships built with the scholars are the most important thing you will do to help make them successful!
My mentor teacher told me my first year.."You better walk in this room every day with a clear plan. Have a plan for them or they will have a plan for you! I can still hear her saying those words and have learned so much over the years how true those words are. For me, it is very important to have structure in a classroom. I feel the structure provides a safe enviroment for children--they know every day what the expectations are. Like others have said, I try to develop a family or team approach in my room-teaching them we are there to help each other learn and grow. Builing a srtong positive relationship with the family definatly helps. I agree with Lynn that the first time you meet the family is the beginning of a trusting relationship.
Janna Smith
Here is another great book besides the Wong book. It has some really good stuff too! It is called The First Six Weeks of School.
http://www.amazon.com/First-Weeks-School-Paula-Denton/dp/1892989042/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1311254645&sr=8-1
From the first encounter on Meet the Teacher Night, I want my students and parents to feel that our classroom is a family and a welcoming environment. Every year I have the parents write a letter to me about their child. I read each and every one and take to heart what is said in the letter. I also ask the students to write a letter to me about what their expectations are for the school year. This shows them that I have a vested interest in them and that I want them to be successful. I feel this has created a bond between the parent and the student with me. This lets them know that I care and they usually want to perform to their best ability and succeed. They "aim to please" as the phrase goes. This is just one thing I do to help promote a sense of family and classroom management.
I think my philosophy stems from the adage “treat others the way you want to be treated. “ I model that as the classroom teacher and use that to question scholars who are having difficulty. I also believe in building a classroom community where good team work is recognized and valued. Teaching scholars how to react and overcome a difficult situation by practicing different scenarios is another tool I use in building a classroom community. I’ve found that allowing the scholars to be a part of establishing routines and rules helps to invite them in to our classroom community. Teaching tolerance and being consistent as well as equitable is important to me in my relationship with the scholars because it gives them a sense of security. Also building a relationship with the parents through positive communication and clear expectations helps support the scholar within the classroom environment.
SSimmons
I have enjoyed reading every comment from each of you. It makes me proud to be a part of a school with teachers who have such strong beliefs. In addition to building relationships and community, I also try to let my scholars know that I am real. When I make mistakes, I am not afraid to let them know. During the first week of school we brainstorm and write our classroom expectations, giving my scholars ownership. We sign the "I think I can" train and throughtout the year, it is referred to. Also, I welcome my parents as volunteers. I want them to know they are vital to the success of their child. I try to take care of issues that may arise using the office as a last resort.
In first grade almost all of the scholars come in on the first day excited, frightened, and anxious to do everything right. The best way to get off to a good start is to acknowledge how they are feeling. Then, it is so important to set the routine and make it very clear what is expected. (First, smile and say GOOD MORNING to Mrs. Font and any other classmates who are there, choose a lunch, put backpacks away....etc.) They work so hard for us when we listen to them and let them know what we expect in return. It creates a caring at school family feel. Later, when behavioral issues come up, I like to have a plus, delta type of discussion. They love to have the input and inappropriate behavior is a class project instead of a teacher rule.
Janna, I remember the "Have a plan for them or they will have a plan for you!" We heard it from the same wonderful teacher.
I believe to have a successful classroom management that you must create an environment that is loving and consistent. When the students know that I care about them, learning thrives.
I believe that respect and consistency are key to great classroom management. It is my job to set the example on how to treat others. I have to listen and care in order for my scholars to listen to me and care what I have to say.
I am going to piggyback off what Nicole said. Consistency and maintaining clear expectations were two things that stuck out to me that worked for classroom management. Having that set structure right from the beginning of school and not straying from what you say tells the students that you mean what you say and are going to stick to it.
Along with a good rapport with students. I also think the relationship with parents is essential. When the student knows that the communication channel between their parents and teacher is open, they know that there can only be one story and are less likely to get away with misconduct.
I found myself nodding to each of your comments as I was reading and feel blessed that I work with a team of teachers that truly value their students.
Building positive and mutually respectful relationships with both scholars and their parents from the very first moment is key to a successful school year. I agree that establishing clear expectations, clarifying the discipline plan, establishing and rehearsing procedures will create a classroom culture that will encourage and promote self-discipline and self-directed learning. Additionally, I agree with Roger about the importance of engaging lessons to nurture intellectual growth as well as inter- and intrapersonal maturity.
Be yourself because a false persona will not fly. Be honest with others and be aware of your surroundings so you can give good advice and direction to scholars when needed. Do not overreact but be there for folks. Let the class know expectations and work to help them achieve success.
testing
Post a Comment