This is a summary of the key ideas & strategies I learnt to employ while applying the ‘Theory of Bumps’ framework in my relief (substitute) teaching practice. For detailed explanations and descriptions of the framework and management strategies, I recommend obtaining a copy of Classroom Management: A Thinking & Caring Approach (Bennett, B. & Smilanich, […]
Continue reading →The “Theory of Bumps” (Bennett & Smilanich, 1994) is a framework which guides teachers’ responses to student misbehaviour along a continuum of severity. The Key Principles of the “Theory of Bumps” An effective teacher expects and plans for student misbehaviour as a natural part of the learning process. They aim to prevent or reduce the […]
Continue reading →Stage 1: Moving from Blissful Ignorance to Recognising Stark Reality When I started teaching, I thought that my experiences in my final year practicum had prepared me for managing student behaviour as a qualified teacher. My first week of relief teaching proved that I was wrong. I attended my first Graduate Teacher Module with literally […]
Continue reading →As I learnt in Graduate Module 1, there are four stages in skill development, and this has particular relevance to teachers’ use of behaviour management strategies. I am currently seeking permission to reproduce a definition of this model from the MindTools website. Until then, please visit this link for a full definition. The Four Stages […]
Continue reading →Back in 2008, my reflections on my school experience and professional reading led me to develop a practical construct to describe my classroom management approach. The result was: My “Jigsaw” Approach to Classroom Management Key Ideas 1. The classroom teacher’s attitude to student misbehaviour underpins the effectiveness of their management response. 2. A safe learning […]
Continue reading →I have found classroom management a very complex topic to learn about, let alone write about, so I have divided it up under four major headings: Classroom Management – Creating a Learning Environment which Works Behaviour Management – Strategies for Dealing with Student Misbehaviour Complex Behaviour Situations – Dealing with Aggressive/Violent/At-Risk Children/the “Class from Hell” […]
Continue reading →Classroom Behaviour Management. Those skills we wish were taught in first year university, but (at least in my case), most definitely were not. Those skills, without which a class can effectively fall apart; where unruly and sometimes violent students reign, and drive even experienced teachers to and sometimes beyond breaking point. I have witnessed this first-hand, […]
Continue reading →Relief teaching is a challenging, and sometimes frustrating business, but it can also be intensely rewarding. Relief teachers come from all walks of life. Some are retired teachers seeking to supplement their retirement incomes, there are the few career relief (one colleague has been working as full-time relief for 20 years – she taught me!), others are […]
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