> As a soon to be first year teacher, I have these exact same
> questions. My other question involves misbehavior in the classroom.
> Because I have never had any experience in the classroom, I feel as
> though I won't be prepared for anything let alone kids misbehaving.
> Any tips from the veteran teachers for a soon to be first year teacher?
>

Here are some tips that will make you a great success.

1. Don't show bias. Keep you anger, emotion and condescension out of
discipline. Within the tone of your voice and the words you use, you
can either turn off a kid forever or create ground for him to walk with
you. Calm and Assertive is the key. The inner voice is normally angry
so ignore it. Learn to control it and make it obey.

2. Praise often and be specific. Don't just say "Good job Tom." Be
specific. "Tom, I loved the way you read that story. You showed so
much emotion. It was hard to believe you kept yourself so focused. I'm
impressed. I can't wait to hear you again tomorrow."

3. If you are going to criticize, don't praise first. "I loved the way
you wrote that sentence Tom, but you need to stay away from passive
voice." That's an ineffective way to praise and correct because the
students learn to anticipate "but" as a negative at the end of all your
praise. On the other hand, if you criticize first and then praise, the
praise is the focus of the argument and will assist you in building
ground with the student. "Tom, I notice you used lots of passive voice.
We can work on that but I was very impressed with the thoughts you put
into the story." This "but" comes across much better. Your "but"
should have as much impact as possible. While you are laughing at that
last sentence, remember to use humor often.

4. Create context when there is a problem. Ask for what you want and
be specific. Give a positive context answering the "why" of the
argument. State a negative or "why not" and then state a positive
again. "Tom, can you please refrain form blurting out (ask)? The class
will run much more efficiently if only one person speaks at a time
(positive). Also, you avoid taking the chance on getting in trouble
(negative). You will have a much better chance of avoiding a detention
if you show me that you can be respectful (positive)."

All of these suggestions create a basic foundation for pushing students
to create their own high expectations and walk with you instead of
against you. It's one thing for the teacher to have high expectations
for their students, but when the students create their own high
expectations because they love their teacher, you are likely to minimize
the need for consequences altogether.

More in my book linked below.

Steve

Superior Education

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