classroom management?
Posted By admin
Question by love_my_family: classroom management?
Classroom management is the most important skill for a teacher to have, in my opinion. Why is it so difficult to learn? Does it get easier over time? My first year teaching was a disaster. I had little CM and no one to mentor/help me. I’m planning on going back to teaching next Septemter (sub) and I’m terrified of not being able to control the class. Any ideas/thoughts?
Best answer:
Answer by Don C
It depends on the grade you are teaching and how often you see the kids. In general:
As a substitute, it is extremely difficult to step in and take control of a class unless you are a physically imposing person. From a purely sociological perspective, the students see you as a “pretender” and a disruption to their normal routine. They will challenge your authority at every opportunity because they will not readily accept it.
If you are a long-term substitute, you have to lay down the rules immediately and be prepared to enforce them. Threatening to send someone to the Principal’s Office for misbehaving and then not following through on that threat is the worst thing you can do. Establish a three strike policy on the chalkboard [or whatever your method is] then follow through with whatever punishment you have enunciated. Once the students see that you are in control and understand their boundaries and what is expected of them, you will have an easier go of it.
Good luck!
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