1. Rules and expectations
1.1. Set rules and expectations early on
1.1.1. Don’t let there be any confusion on what you expect
1.1.2. It’s much easier to set expectations early on and make them clear, than to later have to fix behavioural issues
1.2. Make sure to actually enforce the rules, especially when you first start. They will eat you alive.
1.2.1. My main Practicum teach let me know that you can never let things go in that first year or so of teaching. “They will find your weak points and eat you alive”
1.2.2. It doesn’t have to be anything crazy! For example, don’t let students talk over you during a lesson.
1.2.3. Sometimes this is easier said then done. The advice I was given was to wait for dead silence before continuing.
1.2.4. Enforcing rules early on make it easier later because your students will already know what’s expected.(and that they can’t get away with anything)
2. Successful classroom strategies
2.1. Positive reinforcement.
2.1.1. Instead of punishing disruptive or “bad” students, reward those who listen and do well!
2.1.2. Not only does this reinforce good behaviour, but it discourages bad behaviour because they don’t get the same privileges.
3. Seating plans
3.1. Don’t be afraid to try Things out
3.1.1. You may find later on that some students work better with or without certain students around them. If you find this out, don’t be scared to change the seating plan to better fit your class!
3.2. Seating in groups instead of rows
3.2.1. Easy for group projects and activities!
3.2.2. May cause to more talking, however we can always switch things around if need be
4. Be sure to treat students with kindness and respect.
4.1. No one wants to listen to or be around people who don’t treat them like people. Just be kind!
5. Keeping the class focused
5.1. “there are no bad students, only bad lesson plans”
5.1.1. Don’t let them stay on one topic too long! They’ll get bored fast.
5.1.2. Group work is great for keeping students stimulated!
5.1.3. One of my old teachers said this was the best advice she’s ever received. If it’s the one thing I take away from Practicum it should be that.
6. Student Teacher relationship
6.1. Ask them about their lives.
6.1.1. Anything from what they did on the weekend to what sports they may play!
6.2. Be understanding
6.2.1. This can relate to late assignments and other similar issues. You never know what’s happening in their personal life.
6.3. In the words of my Practicum teacher: “I find that bringing treats to class can be a great way to bond”
6.3.1. A sweet and small way you can do something nice!
7. Take interest in the things they care about!
7.1. Everyone likes talking about their interests, be an active listener!
7.2. It gives you a chance to get to know your students better!
8. Parent teacher relationships
8.1. Don’t be afraid to give parents updates through emails or phone calls
8.2. Talk about their kid because that’s definitely what they care most about!
8.2.1. It’s also always nice to just make some small talk, get to know the parent. This will even help you understand the child better!