Classroom Management and Organization
Pamela McFadden
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In order to produce a positive classroom environment, there are a variety of ways teachers can implement proactive ideas that can and should be implemented in the very start of the school year. By applying these from the very start, students will have the tone set for the rest of the year. One of the most important things a teacher can develop is their relationship with their students both collectively and individually. Teachers should get to know each student intentionally within that first week of school, indicating to his or her students that they CARE. This is extremely important in order to establish a firm foundation for the rest of the school year. According to Burden, “When students sense that a teacher cares for them, they see the teacher as more credible and as an ally. This increases motivation to follow directions, to adhere to rules, and to put in effort for classroom activities” (2014, 5). Thus, by simply showing interest and intentionality into students’ lives, teachers can help themselves and their students to succeed throughout the year. Another proactive way teachers can create a positive classroom environment is to promote students’ self esteem. Though this may seem like a broad statement, teachers can utilize simple tools and words that will encourage students to be self-motivated and to have self-esteem. Teachers can do this by setting up goals for students, constant encouragement and affirmation, and choosing students to do certain “jobs” that they have proved to be equipped for. Simple gestures such as thumbs up, a pat on the back or high five can also send big messages to the student that they are proud of them for a job well done. Hebrews 10:24-25 says, “And let us consider how we can spur one another on toward love and good deeds…encouraging one other…” What an incredible opportunity we have as educators to carry out biblical principles God has laid out for us in His
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Top of Form
In order to produce a positive classroom environment, there are a variety of ways teachers can implement proactive ideas that can and should be implemented in the very start of the school year. By applying these from the very start, students will have the tone set for the rest of the year. One of the most important things a teacher can develop is their relationship with their students both collectively and individually. Teachers should get to know each student intentionally within that first week of school, indicating to his or her students that they CARE. This is extremely important in order to establish a firm foundation for the rest of the school year. According to Burden, “When students sense that a teacher cares for them, they see the teacher as more credible and as an ally. This increases motivation to follow directions, to adhere to rules, and to put in effort for classroom activities” (2014, 5). Thus, by simply showing interest and intentionality into students’ lives, teachers can help themselves and their students to succeed throughout the year. Another proactive way teachers can create a positive classroom environment is to promote students’ self esteem. Though this may seem like a broad statement, teachers can utilize simple tools and words that will encourage students to be self-motivated and to have self-esteem. Teachers can do this by setting up goals for students, constant encouragement and affirmation, and choosing students to do certain “jobs” that they have proved to be equipped for. Simple gestures such as thumbs up, a pat on the back or high five can also send big messages to the student that they are proud of them for a job well done. Hebrews 10:24-25 says, “And let us consider how we can spur one another on toward love and good deeds…encouraging one other…” What an incredible opportunity we have as educators to carry out biblical principles God has laid out for us in His
References: Barker, K. L., & Burdick, D. W. (1985). The NIV study Bible, New International Version. Grand Rapids, Mich., U.S.A.: Zondervan Bible Publishers. Burden, P. R. (2006). Classroom management: creating a successful K-12 learning community (3rd ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley. Bottom of Form