Teaching is a profession fraught with frustration and difficulty, but it also presents adults with a unique opportunity to make a difference in a child’s life.
Luckily, there are a some ways to make teaching a little bit easier, and thankfully there are teachers out there who are ready to share their tips with the world. Here’s a small sampling of their wisdom.
10. Call Them by Their Preferred Name
You expect your students to respect you, and that’s why you need to show them you respect them as well. You may have a student that prefers to go by a nickname, middle name, or even rapper name. Ask them what they’d like to be called and abide by this.
9. Take Nothing Personally
Kids can do things that make you angry, but they also have a short memory for that sort of thing. Try to help them understand their actions in the moment, but don’t hold a grudge or take things personally. It doesn’t serve either of you.
8. Enforce Rules Consistently!
Not all children have adults in their life that enforce rules or boundaries. They may actually like you for this. One teacher mentions that she and her students think of rules together and commit to following them during the academic year by signing a “contract.”
7. Give Talkative Students Something to Do
There’s always a chatterbox in the room. Extroverted children love attention, so give them a task to do. This will get things done and make them feel good, too.
6. Laugh!
Teachers are often told they need to be tough authoritarians. This is sometimes appropriate, but remember: you’re human. Kids will appreciate an honest sense of humor, especially if you keep it in good taste.
5. Admit to Your Mistakes
Everyone misspells something or gets it wrong. It’s healthy for children to see that you can ‘fess up to your wrongdoings.
4. Provide Cell Phone Parking
Phones are a distraction to students, but they’re a necessary part of our lives today. Provide a space where your students can keep their phones during class. They’ll know it’s there when they need it, but they won’t be distracted by it.
3. Contact Home for Positive News, Too
Teachers often contact parents when there’s trouble. Make sure to let them know when their child is doing well!
2. Create a “Study Space”
One teacher mentioned having a table full of things their students can do without having to ask for permission every time. They’re allowed to staple things, get extra supplies, and grab assignments they’ve missed if they were absent. Teach them to be independent while limiting distractions
1. Consider Not Raising Your Voice
Older children (junior high and high school) may have a rebellious streak, but speaking in a quiet voice can help them calm down.
Are you a teacher? What wisdom do you want to impart to your peers? Share below!
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