So this is kind of off topic, but I have been wondering if anyone has noticed some really good strategies or ideas that they would like to use in their future classrooms?
Sometimes when I am in a classroom, I think to myself "wow, this is really something I want to implement in my own classroom". I feel like I should start writing this stuff down so I don't forget them when I actually become a teacher!
One example is from when we watched the video about every child needing a champion. When the lady said that she graded a paper and wrote +2 instead of -18, I thought that was a great way to boost a child's self-esteem. It is so easy for a teacher to simply change how they write a grade (even though it is technically the same grade) but it makes such a positive difference for the student.
Here is an article that has "25 Clever Classroom Tips for Elementary School Teachers". Some of the tips are kind of lame, but some are pretty cool. I really like the idea of the physical activity cube for restless kids. Basically it's a die that has a different physical activity on each side (jump 5 times, spin in a circle, flap your arms like a bird...). When kids need to move around they can just roll the die!
I appreciate your step away from all the charter talk! I actually visited an elementary charter school in Cleveland for the first time yesterday and saw some great things I would like to incorporate in my classroom that can build self esteem and possibly impact their education experience. I think using a lot of positive reinforcement and praise such as "I really like how you are already sitting down quietly and looking at me for instruction without me asking you to." Or, "Thank you for raising your hand."
ReplyDeleteAlso, addressing them by calling them scholars is a good way to make them feel special and smart. In a class I'm taking there was a unique way we went about doing icebreakers for the first few days of classes. I think in a classroom it's important to feel like a family and knowing everyone name is a good first step. We stood in a circle and when it was our turn, we said our name and had to do a body movement or dance. I think it was a really creative, fun way to get us all comfortable with each other and learn who we are. I could go on and on with ways to make a creative and fun classroom environment while making an impact on a student but these were a few that I thought you'd like.