“Share a classroom management tip. What is one thing that you do that works for you? How could it be adapted by others?”
The best thing that has worked for me was calling home regularly. When I call home, I try to find something to brag about that the student has done. Too many times, parents expect trouble when a teacher calls and I want a better relationship with the families. I don’t want to be the negative call that they hate to get. I want us working as a team to help the student be the most successful.
The best way to do this is to call and find positive things to say about the student. Then when I do have a problem that we need to work out, the parents are more receptive to trying to find a solution rather than being on the defensive. They are more open minded to what I’m saying rather than thinking that I’m attacking their little baby.
I also ask the parents to let the student know that I was bragging on them. Since this is unusual for them, they are surprised and flattered. They come back to my classroom and try harder to do well so that I will have more to brag about the next time I call. I feel like this breaks the negative cycle that they are used to. Sometimes I won’t call home if the student is being annoying and they notice. The student will ask me why I haven’t called their home and we discuss the behavior that I am seeing. Then I promise that if I see an improvement, I will make the call which I do either at the end of the class or at the end of the day.
I know this has been successful for me because I rarely have any office referrals for misbehavior. The parents are supportive and the students respond so well to this. It works for any age student so could easily be done by any teacher.
What classroom management tip works for you? Please share!
Image: 'My iPhone 2G 2008 8Gb'
http://www.flickr.com/photos/21061013@N03/3158929044
Found on flickrcc.net
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