As a pre-educator, I often find myself wondering what it will be like to have my own classroom. What are some of the challenges I'll face? What kind of autonomy will I have? How much of a disadvantage will I be at because I'm new? I'm beginning to think I'm putting myself at a disadvantage by focusing on my newness. So, guess what? I'm not going to worry about it. Obviously, if I get hired, someone has faith in my abilities. I'm willing to go with them on this one.
That still leaves a lot of unknowns, though. Since I can't get anything done if I can't keep my zoo, so to speak, I think I'll focus first on classroom management.
"Always live up to the same rules you set up for them. Keep them simple and justifiable. 'Respect' is the only rule I have on my classroom wall." - Catherine McTamaney, 9th-12th grades, Tennessee.
I am big on respect and common courtesy, something I don't feel we have enough of these days. For whatever reason, people of all ages have decided it's perfectly acceptable to be rude, discourteous, and unappreciative. Respect, however, is a reciprocal process. They will give me their respect because I am their authority figure and that's what they're expected to do. However, by giving them that same respect in return, I'm hoping they will begin to learn the value of it and practice it outside of my class. Respect is a hydra; it's a single concept with many expressions. My students will show me the respect of being in their seats on time at the start of class. In return, I will be in class prepared to teach them at the start of class. They will raise their hands, and wait to be called on, not only showing respect to me but to their fellow classmates who may or may not be speaking already. In return I will do my best to remember who had a comment, or question, and call on all students who had something to say. If we run out of class time, and the raised hand was for a question, I will give that student time after class, or after school, if need be, to address their question. That's not to say class can't be lighthearted and fun. If respect is in place, then we can have a relaxed atmosphere where everyone can be comfortable participating.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Great start. Great framing.
ReplyDeleteEducating todays chidldren are very important for our future. I enjoyed the videos and the layout and opinions stated within the blog!! Great job!1
ReplyDeleteI am so glad someone is bringing up the issue of respect in a classroom. Teacher's do not get paid enough to deal with disrespectful children. I agree that people of all ages have suddenly decided that it is acceptable to be disrespectful and rude. Somewhere in our culture there was a turning point in our attitudes towards others. As teacher's I believe we deal with the most disrespectful people. Children are selfish little people and I believe it is somewhat in their blood. As much as I hate to think this, as time goes on, we are going to have to teach respect in the classroom. This is sad to think because it should be the parents responsibility to teach respect, not the teachers. We are barely given enough hours in the day to accomplish the standards we have to meet. I really don't believe the respect issue will ever correct itself. There is always going to be that handful of kids who don't have a clue about how to repsect their authority.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed the video and I think we need those thoughts of respect. It is a major issue. Good opennig idea for teaching respect inside the classroom. But the question if the teacher does not have it, will she or he be able to pass it through?
ReplyDeleteSo many children have lost sight of the idea of showing respect for people. When I was substitute teaching for the South Bend schools,there were so many kids who didn't show respect for their teachers, themselves, or their peers. It was a constant battle for some teachers,they had to teach middle school kids about respect. Its hard to do but if we encourage this early on in elementary school its a life skill that we can all agree,its needed at any age.
ReplyDeleteLatisha, I agree. I am substituting currently and I see students that do not show respect for anyone. Is it because they do not know how to respect because where they come from, such as home life, there is no sense of respect being portrayed with in their home? It could be many factors. Some, not all, students had to be constantly reminded to be respectful to others around them and once told a couple of times they got the idea. I believe that students will learn to respect and behave towards others by there being example and it being portrayed by others they are around. Students actions and words are mimiced by that of others and if we as teachers, parents, and peers show them how to resepect and behave, then they may change their ways.
ReplyDeleteRespect is key to having a classroom. It is great that you realize that in order to receive respect is to give it. If your students do not respect you, your teaching experience will be horrible. Although we will not be paid much as teachers, we will put up with plenty of rude and disrespectful students and parents than we would care to. But it's important to give students the benefit of the doubt. Allow time to let them improve their actions. They may not have been taught respect at home!
ReplyDelete