Be the Teacher They Like and They Will Learn

Children Learn Best When They Like the Person Teaching Them 

      I've been teaching for a while now.  I won't age myself by telling you the year I started, but I will tell you this, the most important thing I learned in all these years had nothing to do with content and everything to do with personalities.  If they don't think you have their best interest at heart, they WILL shut you out.  You need to become the teacher they like so that the curriculum is bought into.

First Things First

     The first thing that you can do as a teacher is to establish a rapport with your students.  Your kiddos want to like you.  Heck some of them think you live at school or are some type of celebrity.  If you teach anywhere near your home, you know that when one of those little kidlings sees you out and about, they lose their ever loving minds.  It's like they are spotting a celeb.  And when they see you the following day, they're all about it.  I saw Mrs. so and so at this or that place, etc.

                           Let There Be Light Conversation

     Spending a few days at the start of the year just getting to know each other helps so much with classroom management later on.  First, it establishes a relationship between you and your students.  Let them know who you are, what you like, your character traits.  Talk about your kids, pets, hobbies, etc.  Get them to do the same.  This makes you more approachable.  My kids know that I love Harry Potter and I'm sorted into Slytherin House, they know my doggo's name is Kiwi, they know I love the Indians baseball team, they know I love Disney, they even know I need to vent after every Game of Thrones episode.

Friends Show Respect

     Once you have a relationship built, you can begin to establish permanent rules and guidelines. Find a time of day when you can talk.  Have topics prepared ahead of time.  Even on days when you're not in the mood; force yourself.  Make it short though.  Keep it to 2 to 5 minutes at most because kids love to share and waste time!  Also, you don't want to bore them.  Keep them wanting more.

Here's What I Do

     I teach special needs students, many of which have behavioral problems, and I'll tell you this works miracles.  I use their writing prompt homework as our class share.  Each month we have a new set of prompts, but when the students share their writing, we often have many topics to discuss.  This serves a few purposes; one to get the students to practice daily writing, two to get students to share their work with others for peer review, and three to get students to share their thoughts on specific topics. I use these.  They are available in my store, but I've also been known to use this game (This is an affiliate link. I make a commission if you buy and it doesn't cost you anything extra.) with my class. Even the most reluctant and shy students love it!

     Most recently, I found a ppt here at the Playful Otter: Tools for OTR.   She has a lot of helpful tools for social situations and more.  I can't wait to use her Stranger Danger ppt because I feel like our kiddos need to practice these skills.  Heck, I even failed a few.  (Mom don't worry, I won't get kidnapped.)

Judge Judy Those Kids

     Knowing what makes my students tick helps me make fair disciplinary decisions too. When discipline becomes necessary, as it often does, it's easier to manage and defuse a situation.  I can refer back to a conversation we had, or make a personal connection for the students in the case of an argument. I can say things like, "I thought you, and so and so we're on the same team" or "that's not what you told us your goals were for this year," etc.  Knowing something about my students gives me leverage too.  If I know a student plays football, I can talk to the coach about behaviors in my class.  I've also been known to withhold share time if they're particularly noisy or misbehaving.  They love their share time and just warning them usually gets them in order.

Just Chill

Above all; relax.  It doesn't have to be perfect.  Show your human side.  Learn to laugh a little.  Let them teach you.  Get silly with them.  Try these tips.  I promise they will work.  You will become the teacher they like, and respect will follow.