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A teacher's success in the classroom is not based merely on good grades in
college, or how well they can explain a concept or teach a lesson. These things
are important, but a huge part of a teacher's effectiveness is classroom
management and rapport. Without a good foundation in this area, instruction can
be very difficult. A well-managed classroom is a learning classroom. The two go
hand in hand. Here are some tips to accomplish this goal.
RAPPORT WITH YOUR STUDENTS
I cannot emphasize enough the importance of good rapport. It can make or break
your school year, or even your teaching career.
1. Have a good attitude toward each child. Make your own opinions. You can have
a lasting influence on their lives. This is probably the reason you went into
teaching in the first place.
2. Show each student respect. Speak to them kindly. Don't degrade, embarrass, or
belittle them. Let them know you truly like them. This will greatly reduce
behavior problems. It eliminates a hostile attitude toward you. They will tend
to be cooperative, not antagonistic.
3. Don't yell. Don't lower yourself to that kind of behavior. It is
unprofessional, and it gives the impression that you are out of control and
threatened. A soft, calm, firm voice is much more effective. It shows that you
are in charge, not frantic. Children also tend to tune out the yelling after
awhile.
4. Require respect. Show them respect as mentioned before, and require it in
return. Make sure you have your discipline policies in place and they are
approved by your school system. If a student misbehaves, calmly give whatever
consequence that has been decided on. Don't argue, threaten, or yell. Have the
attitude, "You did this. This is the consequence. Case closed." Then drop it.
Don't taunt them or make them feel like a "bad kid", or keep reminding them of
the offense. They made a mistake, paid the price, now give them a fresh start.
CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT
1. Plan ahead. Before you walk in front of your class on the first day of
school, decide on your policies and discipline plan. This doesn't mean that you
won't alter them as you go along to adapt to your students.
2. Plan well. Planning eliminates a lot of disorganization and chaos. Overplan.
It is better to have too much planned than too little.
3. Each day after the students have gone, look over your lesson plans for the
next day. Do they need changed? Have you checked off what has been covered? Are
your worksheets run off? Do you need to organize any materials for one of
tomorrow's lessons? Have all these things in order before your students walk
into the room the next day.
4. Try to keep on top of grading and record keeping. Sometimes this can be tough
to do. Many teachers end up taking papers home to grade. But with some
organization and experience, you can usually find time to get papers graded
throughout the day. Try grading a set of papers while children are doing
seatwork that doesn't require a lot of your help. Get a set or two graded on
your planning time when the students are in gym or music. Not everything has to
be graded by you. Students can benefit from checking their own papers if it is
not going to be recorded in the gradebook. Avoid having students grade each
other's papers, though. This violates laws of confidentiality.
5. Have set routines. Children thrive and feel secure with structure. My fourth
graders are bothered if I forget to put the date and the day's helpers on the
blackboard! They remind me immediately. Establish procedures for lining up,
switching classes, restroom breaks, passing out papers, helpers, and all the
things that are done each day.
Teaching can be a rewarding career. A teacher has the opportunity to impact
lives like no other profession. I have been an elementary teacher of fourth,
fifth, and sixth grades for twenty-eight years. I consider my students to be my
life-long friends, and I have been blessed by them.
Good rapport and organization can be the keys to a rich and full teaching career
for you, and a wonderful experience for your students.
Inez Haythorn is a Christian wife, mother, elementary school teacher, pianist,
and freelance writer. Her main writing interests are Christian writing, and
writing about lifestyles and memoirs of the past. She is the publisher of
Christian Family Treasures, Heirloom Memories, and Cherished Collections. Her
goal is to glorify and honor God, and bless and help others. Copyright 2003. All
rights reserved.
