Aricka Ladebu - Secret #6

The authors provide five statements that are attributed to being a better, more effective teacher.  Reflect on these statements and explain how they apply to your daily interaction with your students.

I agree with the authors that remaining calm under every circumstance will do a world of good.  My cooperating teacher and I were talking about classroom management on Friday and about teachers who scream and yell at their students.  My co-op said that he decided a long time ago that he would never be the one to get angry.  The students would only be in his classroom for one year, but he would be there for many years, so he never allows himself to get worked up about anyone's behavior.  

Remaining calm under all circumstances is always easier when you have a specific discipline plan and just follow it.  I heard years ago from a psychology talk show that kids want and need boundaries.  When they know exactly what to expect, and when we as the adults and authority in the room enforce things the way we say we will, the kids will feel more secure and behave more appropriately.  

At the same time, that same psychologist also said that rules without relationship equals rebellion.  We have to get to know our students.  This proves to them that we care about them - that we aren't just full of talk, but we really do care.  

We create the atmosphere within our classroom.  It is up to us to set the tone and decide how we will be treated by the students by deciding ahead of time how we will treat them.  I recall this motivational poster from my childhood that has always guided 
me through my years of parenting:

"Children Learn What They Live"

If a child lives with criticism
He learns to condemn.
If a child lives with hostility,
He learns to fight.
If a child lives with ridicule,
He learns to be shy.
If a child lives with shame,
He learns to feel guilty.
If a child lives with tolerance
He learns to be patient.
If he lives with encouragement,
He learns confidence.
If a child lives with praise,
He learns to appreciate.
If a child lives with fairness,
He learns justice.
If a child lives with security,
He learns faith.
If a child lives with approval,
He learns to like himself.
If a child lives with acceptance and friendship,
He learns
To find love in the world