Once again today I would like to offer some advice for new teachers or teachers who seem to have trouble with classroom behavior management. While this advice is coming from a teacher’s perspective it can also be translated over to parenting skills with your own children.
As a new teacher you want to be liked. You want to be the great new teacher that all of the children want to have. However, being liked by the students does not always mean that you are the best teacher. New teachers tend to think more in terms of fun and relaxed education. This is a good idea and a good theory. However, management and control must come before fun or the class can get completely out of control.
Teachers must begin the year with strict rules, procedures, and routines. They must clearly state their goals and desires for the children and stick to them. From day one students should not be able to bend or flex the teacher’s wishes. Once the children understand how strongly you feel about them following the routines and rules, they will adhere to your commands.
Staying strong to your classroom rules does not mean that you cannot be nice and have fun with the students. However when a student does break a rule, it should be noted and corrected immediately. After you have gained the students’ respect, you will have control over your class. You can then easily carry out fun and exciting activities.
If the children do not see that you put great value in rules and procedures, they will be more likely to break rules and not follow procedures. Once the students feel that they do not have to carry out your wishes, they are out of control. Some students will have no respect for you and will put you to the test each and every day. This can be a very miserable time for new teachers.
Tips: Managing Student Supplies