It was my fourth day working as a full-time teacher, and I found myself in my very own classroom with my first batch of students. I did not have the slightest idea of what I was doing. I was fresh out of college, and I came in believing that I knew everything, and could coast through being an educator. Everything they had told me at the university sounded so beautiful in theory, however I lacked the necessary skills to make it practical.
I had managed to survive the first three days of school, they were somewhat of a whirlwind. I looked around, but there was not a teacher in sight that was going to come to my rescue. I was frustrated that my students were not listening, my classroom was starting to sound like a zoo, and my day had burly begun.
When I look back to this day, I can laugh about it. I lacked so many skills as a first year teacher. I have no idea how I survived that year! There is a huge learning curve for all new educators. I thought to write this blog to give you all 5 simple tips that I believe make a difference in your class.
- Greet Students
Although this one seems like it’s very simple, and most of you are familiar with this tip. Don’t stop greeting your students. With the COVID crisis that we find ourselves in, we might not be able to physically shake a student’s hand, however in adherence to CDC guidelines, I would encourage all teachers to continue to greet their students. It makes a world of a difference when you start your class with a simple hello. It lets you know how each of your students are doing, and it also creates a welcoming environment.
2. Encourage
Focus on the positive and encourage students. When your students experience failure, disappointment, and feel discouraged, maintaining a positive attitude goes a very long way. There are various ways to encourage your kids. You can write them notes, celebrate their accomplishments, and praise their efforts.
3. Praise
Use praise to reinforce positive behavior. Verbal praise is a form of reward for students, and sometimes as teachers we overlook the power of it. Praise students for the smallest of things. Acknowledge when they are on task, when they are making progress, when they have achieved a new accomplishment. It will go a very long way in motivating them to do better, specially the students that struggle the most, because sometimes they lack this at home.
4. Connect
Connect with your students through humor, by being real, and listening to understand them. The more students connect with you, the easier it will be for you to teach them. Teachers that take the time to get to know their kids will create not only a welcoming environment, but an engaging one.
5. Engagement
We live in a day and age of social media, and news feeds, where students are used to consuming bite-sized content and gaming. Keep lessons short, concise, and straight to the point. Make the lessons fun, play games with your kids, sing songs, integrate technology and have students collaborate on assignments and projects.