517 Blog #2: Chapter 7 Salend
February 7, 2010
WOW this chapter had about a million ways to effectively manage your classroom. These ideas and methods of implementation were great but definitely a lot to take in. So, I decided to read this in the general context of my own classroom. I thought about my students, their strengths, needs, and behaviors. I looked at the ideas and ways to improve upon some of the areas in my classroom management practices and improve upon them as best I could.
Some of the things I will take from this chapter are the relationship building strategies. I believe this is soooooo important and I do not think I have done enough letting my students know I find them interesting and care about them outside of an academic context. No excuses, time to do better. I think conducting class meetings allowing the students to dialogue about their feelings and thoughts on a matter is crucial. The students know that their ideas are valued and they get to learn more about the topic and ways they can all improve. I also think that taking time to ask the students about their own personal interests is critical. It shows the students we are not only interested in them as individuals but also it shows that we are willing to take time out of our own agendas (grading papers, getting materials ready, emails, etc.) to get to know them. This means a lot to students and I remember the teachers that took the time to get to know me in school were always my favorites.
Another thing I will take from this chapter is the consistent and clear expectations with rewards and consequences. First year teachers and student teachers… this is crucial! The students know that you are new and want to see how you respond to different situations. I think we all need to remember that what kids really want is fairness, consistency, and clear expectations. If the rules and responsibilities are not made clear or the discipline is not consistent or fair, this will set up a negative relationship. Even if we want to “be nice” and let the students off the hook every once in a while, doing so only reinforces the behavior and sets up an unfair classroom because surely not every kid is going to get a second chance or a free pass. So, consistency and fairness- showing equity and respect for every student by maintaining clear expectations and consistency in consequences and rewards is what I strive for in my classroom.
Lastly, it was really helpful to see how the BIP is going to work. It shows us how to take notes on observable behavior, that can be supported through data ad specific instances of behavior. It teaches you to look at not only why the student as an individual may be behaving a certain way, but also the social and cultural influences that impact the behavior. The “ABC” method really will help me gain insight into the perceived function of the behavior.
Overall, CH.7- a lot to take in, but really informative using examples and showing practical applications and implementations
Until next time…
Sterling, I can tell that you are going to be a wonderful teacher. You have pulled so many useful pieces from this chapter alone and really seem to have a passion for using them in your classroom.
I would have to agree that being consistent is key in the classroom. I have experienced this already with establishing hallway behavior. Letting them off the hook does not solve the problem, it only reinforces the behavior.
Getting to know your students on a personal level of some kind can really help you find ways to reach them in the classroom. Interests and hobbies can give you insight that will help you approach them in a way that speaks to them best.
I hope your semester is going great!
I love reading your posts
and I undoubtedly believe in building relationships. My kids actually noticed the few days I did not accompany them to specials and they seemed upset. Last week, in fact, I decided to stay in PE with them and we got to do jump rope exercises. It was so fun to interact with them in an environment where I was not in the teacher position per-say. It’s also important as a teacher to generate ways for the class to build relationships as well… there are inevitable groups in any class and grade level… I hate that and I wish all kids would play together during recess!
I have sometimes struggled with being consistent, especially with the kids who have a rough home life… I feel like I need to let them off the hook so that they do not always feel marginalized, but then I have realized that they do not appreciate that becuase they never know if what they are doing is ok or if it will cause them an extra lap around the track at recess. Great point that you made!