As a new teacher, it is so easy to get all-consumed with the teaching. Yet, it is important to remember that we are teaching students … we are teaching children. cc licensed ( BY ) flickr photo shared by Pink Sherbet Photography Some of my students, my “little characters”, are not easy to teach. Some make me […]
Continue reading →On the first day of my school year, I was appointed to my ‘first class’. Yet, as I explored in A Teacher’s Story, this position was destined to last a mere six days. In this post, I share my memories of Room 11, and the lessons I learnt in those six hectic, stressful, yet wonderful […]
Continue reading →Today, I had a reason to smile. I’ve spent the last four weeks teaching a Year 6 class at my old school. I’m a relief teacher, but I’m part of the furniture. In these few weeks, I’ve helped run a global project, and learnt a lot about myself and my students. I’ve loved the opportunity […]
Continue reading →In today’s guest post, Sam Rangel (@samrangelSITC) from SuccessintheClassroom.com explores some of the key elements of an effective classroom management approach, sharing the benefits of his 20+ years middle school (Yrs 6-8) teaching experience in California, USA. As a new teacher, I’ve found the SuccessintheClassroom blog to be an extremely relevant & practical professional learning […]
Continue reading →My Experiences, Philosophy, & Reflections Thoughts on Classroom Management A Process of Trial & Error – Developing my Management Approach My Jigsaw Approach to Classroom Management The Conscious Competence Ladder (Skill Development) The Four Stages in My Teaching Practice Classroom Management – Summing Up The 3 R’s of Effective Learning Environments Setting the Scene Overview […]
Continue reading →To build positive relationships with your challenging students, teachers need to demonstrate an active interest in their lives, really listening to their thoughts, opinions, interests and silences. You may only spend a few minutes talking to a student, but actively listening to them for those few minutes helps to build trust and mutual respect. The […]
Continue reading →Starting out as a relief teacher in early 2009, I was surprised to receive a student’s invitation to visit the morning Breakfast Club. What I found even more surprising was that this particular student was a member of the infamous “Room 15”, a troubled Year 6/7 class about which I had heard no end of […]
Continue reading →Becoming an Effective Relief Teacher In my first year of teaching, I have learnt that effective relief teachers: Work to develop positive relationships with students and staff Demonstrate sound classroom management skills, and Have a repertoire of instructional strategies and relief fill-in activities In my experience, the development of strong relationships has underpinned my survival […]
Continue reading →As a relief teacher, I am often seen wandering aimlessly around school playgrounds and ovals; playing games (football, hand-tennis, soccer), fostering good-natured AFL (Australian Rules Football) rivalries, and simply chatting with students. Many teachers are surprised to find that I do this in my own time (i.e. not on duty), yet it has proved to […]
Continue reading →When formulating my “Jigsaw Approach to Classroom Management” back in 2008, I made the following observations: A safe learning environment relies on positive teacher-student relationships and positive peer relationships. Teachers can develop such relationships by taking a meaningful interest in their students’ lives, and promoting an anti-bullying ethos through their words and actions. Make an […]
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