Submitted by Amy Berry (not verified) on January 28, 2008 - 20:58.
I know I have not did a good job establishing a community when I start to have behavior problems. Not much can be established if respect from each person is not established from day one. When we rush to teach before everyone becomes a learning team, valuable time is lost in the long run. Allowing students opportunities to express thier beliefs and thinking about how the classroom should run gives the students a sense of ownership for established rules, procedures, and routines. Make them a part of class organization. Think about how they can help in every aspect of learning. Let them do the thinking and learning. Of course the way to establish this is by getting them actively participating from day one. I think when you base your whole classroom on the students' needs and interests you are going to have a great year! It may take more time establishing everything, but the students will feel a sense of pride for the choices that they help make. They keep the room clean, follow established procedures, keep classroom rules, keep books in the right tubs, remind the other classmates of their responsibilities. When we do it all for them, they don't have to think, problem solve or get involved. Let's face it, the less involved they are, the less ownership they take. I want students who know what thier roles are in my class. They are thinkers, problem-solvers, partners, and learners, and I do not have to tell them. They experience it daily and take the roles on themselves. When certain students do not, I reflect and work on ways to get a needed shift from them. I watch my language. I make sure that my language reveals my belief in them in every circumstance. My thinking is how can I get them in the "driving seat" as quickly as possible. This is a work in progress and I am getting better at this. I know I will continue to grow and learn about community building as long as I am teaching.
community building
Submitted by Amy Berry (not verified) on January 28, 2008 - 20:58.
I know I have not did a good job establishing a community when I start to have behavior problems. Not much can be established if respect from each person is not established from day one. When we rush to teach before everyone becomes a learning team, valuable time is lost in the long run. Allowing students opportunities to express thier beliefs and thinking about how the classroom should run gives the students a sense of ownership for established rules, procedures, and routines. Make them a part of class organization. Think about how they can help in every aspect of learning. Let them do the thinking and learning. Of course the way to establish this is by getting them actively participating from day one. I think when you base your whole classroom on the students' needs and interests you are going to have a great year! It may take more time establishing everything, but the students will feel a sense of pride for the choices that they help make. They keep the room clean, follow established procedures, keep classroom rules, keep books in the right tubs, remind the other classmates of their responsibilities. When we do it all for them, they don't have to think, problem solve or get involved. Let's face it, the less involved they are, the less ownership they take. I want students who know what thier roles are in my class. They are thinkers, problem-solvers, partners, and learners, and I do not have to tell them. They experience it daily and take the roles on themselves. When certain students do not, I reflect and work on ways to get a needed shift from them. I watch my language. I make sure that my language reveals my belief in them in every circumstance. My thinking is how can I get them in the "driving seat" as quickly as possible. This is a work in progress and I am getting better at this. I know I will continue to grow and learn about community building as long as I am teaching.