I am no expert and still have much to learn; experience is one of the best teachers. However, I have learned a thing or two in my four years of teaching so far. I'd like to share some of the strategies that I use in my classroom:
Tip #1: Build Relationships With Your Students
The first tip may seem redundant, but so important! Building strong relationships with your students helps you maintain and create an environment in your classroom that emphasizes respect. You will be able to understand how to deal with confrontation with each student in a better way if you know them more personally. It may also be helpful if you know some things going on outside of school that may contribute to their mood and behaviors within the classroom.
Tip #2: Clear, Consistent Expectations and Behavior Norms
Setting clear expectations with your students about what behaviors are considered acceptable or not (and posting them throughout your room) will help you redirect them when they are not meeting those outlined expectations.
I have posted the group work expectations in my room and also use social contracts. Having the students be a part of the process of what they consider fair and include their own expectations is super important! They will be more willing to follow rules that they set themselves rather than just being told what to do.
Tip #3: Plan Kinesthetic, Active Lessons:
Creating engaging lesson plans that have your students up and moving around the room can help students stay interested in what you have them learning. I know that as an adult, I don't like to be seated for many hours at a time and be expected to be quiet all day. When I first started doing learning stations and question trails, I would ask the students what they thought of the lesson on course evaluations and reflections and always got the same answer: "I really like that we got to move around and didn't have to just stay in our seats."
*Yes, there will be some days when you have lecture, or quiet time, but making an effort to have the students move around will not only keep them interested, but can help them remember the information or lesson more too!
Tip #4: Master Your Transitions:
In the picture above, you can see that I use 'Table Jobs' in my classroom. The way it works is that each desk in my room has a colored square in the corner and I use that for almost all my transitions: dismissing students to put away their notebooks, grabbing/putting away their computers, each color has a specific job when working in groups, and will even use them during lessons for grouping. This is just one way that I try to master my transitions.
Things you can do to help your transitions:
- Ensure that your students are listening before you give directions
- I say "When I say go..." or "When I ask you to do so, I will need you to..."
- Use timers or countdown yourself. I've found that it motivates students to move a little faster
- Try to have your supplies or classroom materials organized so that your students know where to get them every time you dismiss them to get their supplies for your lesson. I use shower caddies to store our glue, expo markers for whiteboards, scissors and index cards. They are in the same place every day and I use the table jobs to have students grab what they need.
Transitions are where you can lose a lot of your class time and it really adds up. Practice your transitions with your students early in the school year.
Tip #5: Remain Consistent:
No matter what rules or expectations you have in your classroom, you have to remain consistent in upholding them. Once you start to being inconsistent in your rules and expectations, students may feel that they aren't accountable for their actions which can lead to other issues.
These are just some of the tips I could think of to help those looking for advice. If you have any other strategies you use or like, comment below! I'd love to hear them!
Thanks for reading and enjoy the rest of your day!
