Sunday, November 30, 2014

Classroom Management Letter


Dear New and Beginning Teachers,

You and I are in the same boat!  To be honest, it is nice to have someone to relate to.  There is comfort level knowing that you are not alone.  Yes, I am sure that you are learning that teaching is very rewarding, however, it is also demanding.  So allow me to share some tips that I read along away in relation to classroom management.

In the book Methods for Teaching and Learning by Newcomb, there is an excellent guideline to follow.  1) Start out firm, 2) Be prepared to teach well, 3) Have a definite routine by which each class is started, 4) Make generous use of praise, 5) Do not have favorites, 6) Be consistent, yet not predictable, 7) Take action whenever a problem arises, 8) Learn to separate the action of a student from the person of the student, 9) Never make threats, only make promises, 10) Set a good example, 11) Be sure the penalty fits the offense, 12) Be attentive to all behavior in the classroom and  laboratory, and 13) Learn to forgive and forget.

I believe that all of the examples are certainly helpful in the guideline and that it is absolutely necessary to provide students with a routine and sense of direction.  As a teacher we are not only responsible to teach but we have to be the directors of our students learning as well and make our daily expectations clear so they want to engage.
In addition to reading Newcomb's book I recommend that you watch this video.



I hope this helps!  I wish you the best teaching!


Sincerely,


Jenna Moser

~A teacher in the same boat!

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