Tag Archives: praise
Fair vs. Equal: Does It Apply to Disciplinary Consequences?
Lakisha sits in the middle row in first period. She’s a nice kid and the school’s best runner. She works hard in class, but struggles to earn a B. When she volunteers a response, I praise her in front of class and she glows.
Thomas sits two seats behind Lakisha. He’s a smart kid, but keeps to himself. He hates to be called on and seldom raises his hand. However, Thomas always knows the answer. If I praised him like I did Lakisha, Thomas would shut down. When I circulate around the classroom during work time, I say a quiet word to Thomas about how I liked his answer and move on. I don’t engage him in conversation; that wouldn’t be effective praise for Thomas. I just drop the quiet word and it’s enough. Continue reading
Every Monday’s Like the First Day of School
Remember back three or more months to the first day of school? I’m sure you’re like most teachers who spent their first day of school explaining the rules and procedures for the class.
If you’re like most teachers, that’s the last you said on the subject. Heck, if you’re like me, that’s the last I said on the subject most years, too.
But, I found that if I wanted my students to take the classroom rules to heart and understand that they’re important, I had to revisit the subject, just like I’d revisit any other classroom learning topic. Continue reading
Nonverbal Language as a Classroom Management Tool
When I was a new teacher, I thought that I had to address my students from my special teacher spot at the front of the class. All teaching and redirection happened from behind the lectern or in front of my overhead projector. It’s like I was on a tether.
An assistant principal suggested that I try move around more and use nonverbal strategies to handle small matters. I found that nonverbal cues are powerful, successful, and they don’t disrupt the flow of the lesson. Continue reading
