What are the school rules/classroom rules and how are they enforced?
In the first grade classroom I observed, the rules were pretty simple. Raise your hand. No talking when the teacher is talking. No running in the halls. Use good manners. In the fourth grade classroom I observed, the teacher had the students come up with the rules. They were things like "no sass," "use good manners," and "respect others." This held the students more accountable because they needed to keep the rules they made.
The teachers reinforced the rules with a clip chart. The chart would have square you move up or down. At the top would be "ready to learn" then below that would be "warning" and below that "time out" and finally "note home". The good thing about this clip chart was a student can improve his behavior and move up. If students were talking teachers would say attention phrases like, "I can wait" or "Hands and eyes". The fourth grade class I was in also worked towards a class party. Tables would get points for being ready and for listening.
Thursday, November 20, 2014
Monday, November 10, 2014
Blog #6
Q: What strategies does the teacher use to actively engage the students? How effective are these?
I have noticed in the first grade the teacher tries to use as many objects as possible to have the students be hands on. While doing math, the teacher uses objects to count, block 10 charts, and white boards. Even the upper grades have small white boards for every student so they can be writing and practicing a problem. I think the white boards are pretty effective. Kids like to be the one to write, not just the teacher. The white boards seem more fun than a pencil and paper because it's different and it's something they see their teacher use. The first grade teacher also moves the students around so they aren't sitting in the same position for very long. They can break out into pairs and sit anywhere in the classroom and work on an assignment, or they move to the rug for further instruction. This helps those antsy little bodies keep from getting bored! In fifth grade they talk in pairs or go up to the white board to demonstrate an answer. This also gets them moving and keeps them from doing the same thing for too long. The teachers also use phrases such as, "eyes and hands," which means the students need to be looking at the teacher and have their hands folded so they aren't playing with anything. This helps the students to focus.
I have noticed in the first grade the teacher tries to use as many objects as possible to have the students be hands on. While doing math, the teacher uses objects to count, block 10 charts, and white boards. Even the upper grades have small white boards for every student so they can be writing and practicing a problem. I think the white boards are pretty effective. Kids like to be the one to write, not just the teacher. The white boards seem more fun than a pencil and paper because it's different and it's something they see their teacher use. The first grade teacher also moves the students around so they aren't sitting in the same position for very long. They can break out into pairs and sit anywhere in the classroom and work on an assignment, or they move to the rug for further instruction. This helps those antsy little bodies keep from getting bored! In fifth grade they talk in pairs or go up to the white board to demonstrate an answer. This also gets them moving and keeps them from doing the same thing for too long. The teachers also use phrases such as, "eyes and hands," which means the students need to be looking at the teacher and have their hands folded so they aren't playing with anything. This helps the students to focus.
Thursday, November 6, 2014
Blog Post #5
Q: What do you think the most important role a teacher plays and why?
I think the most important role a teacher can play is that of a coach. Yes, kids need an educator and a good coach teaches them what they need to know. However, a good coach is also there loving, supporting, and urging their student on. It is important to remember kids come from all sorts of different backgrounds. Some of their life at home is not very good. Sometimes all kids need is someone to show them positive attention and cheer them on. Kids won't remember what you've said, but they will remember how you made them feel. It is sad but true, in some kids' life, you are the only positive they see. As a coach, you need to be there to build them up and give them hope.
How many of us remember "that one" teacher who was just awesome and made us feel good about ourselves? How long ago were you in that class but can still remember anyway? How many of us remember that one "bad" teacher who made us feel worthless? How long did that stick with us? That is why being a "coach" is so important. Sometimes all is takes is a little confidence building and cheering on to completely change a kid's life. Sadly, all it takes is one teacher who belittles their student or is harsh to tear down a kid's life.
Yes, a teacher needs to teach. I think a good teacher looks beyond just reading, writing, and arithmetic, and teaches character, love, and self-confidence as well. A little coaching in the right direction can go a long way.
I think the most important role a teacher can play is that of a coach. Yes, kids need an educator and a good coach teaches them what they need to know. However, a good coach is also there loving, supporting, and urging their student on. It is important to remember kids come from all sorts of different backgrounds. Some of their life at home is not very good. Sometimes all kids need is someone to show them positive attention and cheer them on. Kids won't remember what you've said, but they will remember how you made them feel. It is sad but true, in some kids' life, you are the only positive they see. As a coach, you need to be there to build them up and give them hope.
How many of us remember "that one" teacher who was just awesome and made us feel good about ourselves? How long ago were you in that class but can still remember anyway? How many of us remember that one "bad" teacher who made us feel worthless? How long did that stick with us? That is why being a "coach" is so important. Sometimes all is takes is a little confidence building and cheering on to completely change a kid's life. Sadly, all it takes is one teacher who belittles their student or is harsh to tear down a kid's life.
Yes, a teacher needs to teach. I think a good teacher looks beyond just reading, writing, and arithmetic, and teaches character, love, and self-confidence as well. A little coaching in the right direction can go a long way.
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