You are here: Home / Archives for Classroom

Keeping Order in the Classroom

 

BRISTOL, UNITED KINGDOM - FEBRUARY 24: Primar...

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

Keeping an orderly and functioning classroom is ideal, but not always realistic. This is especially true when you have disabled children in your class. If you are a teacher who struggles with discipline in your class, there is hope. You can have a classroom that fosters a positive learning environment, without sacrificing your sanity. Take a look at the tips below for keeping order in your classroom.

 

1.       Find focus. It’s important to keep everyone in your classroom focused. Get the entire class’s attention before you begin your lesson. Make sure everyone knows it’s time to start learning and that you are now teaching. If students start to chat or get disruptive, don’t attempt to teach over them. Re-focus and begin again.

2.       Monitor the classroom. When students are working on assignments, be sure to monitor the classroom and make sure all the students are working as they should. You simply get up from your desk and walk around the room to check on the students. Make sure they are each working on their assignment and are doing as instructed. You’ll want to start monitoring 2-3 minutes after work time begins.

3.       Personalize your classroom. As odd as this may sound, personalizing your classroom will help students to focus. Young students like to know about their teacher – her personal interests and hobbies. Display a few of your personal items around the classroom, like a family picture on your desk or a collection you have. This will help the students to get to know you better and will help them to feel more comfortable realizing you are in control.

It is possible to have an orderly classroom. Are you ready?

Filed Under: Education, Teaching Methods · Tagged With: , ,

How Teachers Can Help Problem Children

Most teachers cringe when they know that they will have problem children in their classrooms. They have bad feelings towards these children, and they do not want to deal with them. Few teachers have any sort of compassion for these children because they would rather not deal with them at all. When some teachers find out that they have these children in their classes, they immediately push to have them removed and placed elsewhere. If you are a teacher who wants to be different than the other teachers and help those problem children in your classroom, you will find the tips to be of help to you.

1. Learn All You Can. when dealing and working with problem children, it is essential that you get to know all that you can about them. The ore that you learn about these children, the better you will be able to help them. For instance, when you learn about what causes them to act out and be disruptive, you can eliminate those in their environment, which will enable them to remain calm and focused.

2. Get to Know How They Learn. When you are working with problem children, it is important that you get to know how they learn. When you get acquainted with their learning style, you will be able to play lessons around how they learn and will be able to help them to learn and grow. For instance, if you find that the children that you are working with are tactile learners, then you will want to focus your lesson plans around things that they can touch. If the children are visual learners, then your lessons will need to consist of things that are visual.

Filed Under: Education, Teaching Methods · Tagged With: , ,

Disabled Children In A Classroom

Many times a class will have a disabled child in the classroom. There are things that a teacher can do to help aid this child or these children so that they can have healthy access to their learning environment. This is especially important if there are children in the classroom that are in wheelchair bound, or require walking aids. Most of these children have aids that helps them with their things, but part of the IDEA, Individuals with Disabilities Act, is that students are to have the least restrictive environment possible. This means accommodating students so that they can be part of a mainstream classroom, and not feel like a disadvantaged student. For teachers this means that a complete rearrangement of the classroom desks and chairs to make room more accessible for these types of students. This also means that the student or students will need to be able to access reading materials and supplies. The best rule of thumb is to clear a pathway for a student about the width of a chair all the way around the room. Then you will know that your student will be able to have full mobility of their learning center.

These changes may be required by their IEP, Individual Education Plan, development program. When the school comes to together to formulate a plan to help a particular student there could be accommodations that are recommended that might seem odd, but are necessary for the optimal development of a child. For instance an IEP may require that teachers amplify their voices with microphones for hearing impairments, or create a new flow for the room for wheelchairs. Based on the law of IDEA, it is imperative that all the changes be made so that students can learn in the best possible situation.

Filed Under: Education, Teaching Methods · Tagged With: , ,

Dealing With Problem Children In The Classroom

Many teachers have to deal with children that may have behavioral issues and/or psychological problems that can disrupt their classrooms. These children may also have difficulties learning. Most times this is an issue with elementary age children, although it can be a problem in older children as well and may be due to their issues not being addressed adequately when they were younger. These problems can include disrespect of peers and/or teachers, bullying of other students, loud outbursts during class, and in some cases the problems may even extend to the parents and the way they deal (or rather don’t deal) with their child’s behavioral and/or psychological problems.

So, how does a teacher effectively teach these children while still maintaining a healthy teaching environment for the rest of the children in their classroom? It can be difficult but it can be done. It is important to start by taking some time to really observe the child who is having behavioral issues. Is there something obvious that may be causing the problems at school that can be dealt with such as issues between other children or possibly a learning difficulty which is causing the child to act out as a defense? Are the problems being displayed a deeper issue that may need to be addressed with the parents or with other professionals that may be able to help address the issues? Otherwise, could it possibly be deeper issues such as a psychological problem that needs to be addressed?

If it is a matter of minor issues of disrespect such as rolling eyes or heavy sighing it may be advisable to simply redirect that child or ignore the behavior. However, with more obvious disrespect such as loud or rude remarks it may be necessary to take the child aside and discuss proper behavior or even at times remove the child from the classroom until they are able to act in a more respectful manner.

Filed Under: Teaching Methods · Tagged With: ,

Discipline in the Classroom

If there is one thing that no one seems to agree on in life, it is discipline. This is not only in the homes, but also in the classroom. Of course, it used to be that discipline was something that was harsh. We have all heard stories about knuckles being hit with rulers, and sitting in a corner with a dunce cap on. Today, though, these things are not acceptable, and in many cases can get you in a lot of trouble. So, something that many teachers are struggling with is discipline in the classroom. It can be very difficult to strike the right balance.

When considering discipline in the classroom, there are many considerations. For example, you have to think about what the problem is in the first place. What is the student being disciplined for? Are there different levels of punishment for different offences, or just for the frequency of them? These are things that need to be thought about before the school year starts.

On top of that, you have to decide what exactly the punishment is going to be. Are you going to make an unruly student write a paper? How long, and on what subject? Will you immediately send them to the principals office? Will you write a letter to the parents? Each of these things have their time and place, and it is important that you understand your own feelings on these punishments and more.

Some schools already have all of their discipline policies laid out, and you will have to abide by them. If this is the case, the choice of discipline is taken out of your hands. Other times, school districts will have guidelines that will allow you to make some of the decisions, but you will have to consider the specifics. Either way, making it clear early in the class what the punishments may be, and what they may be given for, is crucial.

Filed Under: Education, Teaching Methods · Tagged With: ,

Respect in the Classroom

One thing that all teachers want in the classroom is respect. Sometimes, this is an easy thing to maintain, while at other times, it can be very difficult. For example, if you have a student in your class, or some times it may be a group of students, who are rowdy, loud, and a little obnoxious, you may find it hard to keep control of the classroom, and therefor the respect that you expect and deserve from your students.

Keeping the relationships and respect well balanced in the classroom starts from the first day of class, and extends through the end of the semester, or at whatever point the class is completed. Many times, the biggest problem that a teacher will have with keeping the respect of their students is that they don’t worry about it too much at the beginning. On the other hand, some teachers push for respect a little harder than they probably should. In this case, many of the students find that they want to fight back, to gain a little bit of independence.

So, what is the best way to go about getting the respect that you feel you deserve in the classroom? First, set out clear rules. Everyone has different rules for what is and is not allowed in the classroom. The point of this, though, is not how strict your rules are or are not. Instead, it is making sure that the students understand that there are rules, and exactly what those rules are. Providing a clear understanding of what will happen if the rules are broken is just as important.

Respect your students. If someone does not feel that they are being respected, they find it much more difficult to respect in turn. Listen to what your students have to say, don’t be rude to them, and just all around give them respect, just as you expect them to give it to you.

Filed Under: Education, Online Resources · Tagged With: , , ,

Why are Field Trips Important?

You will find that many times, field trips are necessary. Other times, they may be helpful to the lesson, but they are not needed. Field trips have been shown to be a great way to help students learn, and have fun while they are doing it. Of course, the school may have policies about field trips, or budget problems with taking them, so before you plan one, make sure that you get it ok’ed.

Why are field trips a great way for students to learn? There are many reasons. First, a field trip allows a student to get out of the classroom. This can help with any blocks that they may be having because of being bored in the classroom. Many times, students do get bored with the same day to day routines. Even something as simple as going and sitting outside for the lesson one day can make a big difference in how the students react.

If the students are learning about something specific, and there is a way to take them on a field trip centered around this, it is always a good idea. For example, if you are teaching about a specific part of history, and there is a museum nearby with an exhibit from that time period, you may want to look into the possibility of a field trip. Not only does this get the student out of the classroom, but it also can help show them what you are discussing. This is very beneficial for many. Everyone learns in different ways, and at different rates. Being able to get out and actually see an example of what you are talking about can help a large number of students grasp the concepts a little bit better.

Field trips can also be great for the teacher. Getting out of the classroom is a breath of fresh air, not only for the students!

Filed Under: Education, Online Resources · Tagged With: , , , ,

Discipline in the Classroom

If there is one thing that no one seems to agree on in life, it is discipline. This is not only in the homes, but also in the classroom. Of course, it used to be that discipline was something that was harsh. We have all heard stories about knuckles being hit with rulers, and sitting in a corner with a dunce cap on. Today, though, these things are not acceptable, and in many cases can get you in a lot of trouble. So, something that many teachers are struggling with is discipline in the classroom. It can be very difficult to strike the right balance.

When considering discipline in the classroom, there are many considerations. For example, you have to think about what the problem is in the first place. What is the student being disciplined for? Are there different levels of punishment for different offences, or just for the frequency of them? These are things that need to be thought about before the school year starts.

On top of that, you have to decide what exactly the punishment is going to be. Are you going to make an unruly student write a paper? How long, and on what subject? Will you immediately send them to the principals office? Will you write a letter to the parents? Each of these things have their time and place, and it is important that you understand your own feelings on these punishments and more.

Some schools already have all of their discipline policies laid out, and you will have to abide by them. If this is the case, the choice of discipline is taken out of your hands. Other times, school districts will have guidelines that will allow you to make some of the decisions, but you will have to consider the specifics. Either way, making it clear early in the class what the punishments may be, and what they may be given for, is crucial.

Filed Under: Education, Online Resources · Tagged With: ,

Bring Current Affairs Into the Classroom

There are many subjects in school where it is easy to bring in current culture and events into the classroom. Other types of classes make it a little more difficult. Realistically, though, you can find a way to incorporate things that are going on in the world into your class, in any class. Sometimes it just takes a little bit of creative thought.

English

In an English class, this is fairly easy. Discussing new authors, top hits, and even books that have been turned into movies is a great way to bring in a little bit of current information into the classroom.

Math

With a math class, you may find this a little more difficult. It seems like all of our math concepts have been around for ages. But, you could find information on current mathematicians, and what they are doing in the world. Though many may think that this is not particularly interesting, it is a good way to show that the subject is used.

Science

There are new scientific discoveries every day. Talking about these in your classroom is a great way to help get students involved. There are so many different branches of science – you will want to find information on the subject that you are teaching.

History

Though you think of history being in the past, many things going on in our world right now will eventually make it into the history books. These, though they are current events, can be discussed in class. Talk about how they will make it into our history, and what is important about them.

Though these are just some examples of bringing current culture into the classroom, it is possible with every subject. Think about what is going on in the world. You will be able to find something amazing and fun to talk about with your students!

Filed Under: Education, Online Resources · Tagged With: , , ,

Holidays in the Classroom

Holidays. Do they have a place in the classroom? Do they have a place in schools at all? There are many different points to this argument, and many different opinions. Some of the problem comes in when you start talking about religious holidays. There are so many different religions in the United States, and many people are very strict about their religion. Because of this, it can be difficult and frustrating to try to deal with all of the different opinions. Also, with so many different religions, there are going to be a large number of different religious holidays. Because of this, if you are going to celebrate one religious holiday in your classroom, it is going to be seen as unfair if you don’t celebrate all of them. This can be extremely exhausting.

On top of that, many parents today are fighting the holiday fight. No matter what side of the fence they are on, a lot of parents are very adamant about their point of view. They could get very upset with the school, and with you, for celebrating religious holidays. In some cases, they may even get upset if it is their own religious holiday.

Because of these issues, many schools today are taking a stance. Most of them are saying no to celebrating religious holidays in the classes. This can be very frustrating to everyone, because at certain times of the year, that is what people are focused on. But in an effort to not offend anyone, it is the best way to go.

If your school still allows religious holidays to be observed, you will want to make sure that you find out if there is anyone in the class that celebrates a different holiday than the one that the majority do. This is essential, as you don’t want to leave any of your students out.

Filed Under: Education, Online Resources · Tagged With: , , ,
« Older Posts