Whether you as a teacher realize it or not, you are the best
model of behaviour in your classroom. A large part of your proactive behaviour
plans should include your own behaviour you demonstrate to the students every
day.
You must set expectations for your students, demonstrate the
behaviours, and be vigilant to correct the kids. Don't waver on your
expectations; inconsistencies will only confuse the students and cause you more
problems.
If you stay calm, collected, and in control, your students
will exhibit the same behaviours. The same is true about enthusiasm; if you are
excited about your lesson and truly believe in its importance, the kids will
respond in kind. Conversely, the kids will know when you are tired, bored,
don't want to be there, or are 'winging it.'
If you are late to class or don't start on time, the kids
will pick up on it and be more likely to do the same. The same is true about
the way you dress, the way you act, the language you use, and your 'body
language'.
If you want your students working from 'coast to coast', or
from bell to bell, you need to set the expectation of activity all hour. Start
with a warm-up, and ensure the kids are doing it. Keep them busy on activities
with transitions between each. Don't let there be any downtime. Work them to
the end of the period, and have them pack up when you say so, not whenever they
want to.
If you want your students to quietly read in class, but you
are spending that time working on other things, it sends the message that you
don't value the activity personally. Modelling the skill for the kids
reinforces your belief that it is important. It shows you as a lifelong learner
who values the skills, you're teaching them.
The same is true for writing, or labs, or math problems.
Students rarely have the chance to see real people performing schoolwork - for
many, the only examples (and role models) are their classmates. Work along with
your students.
Now, this doesn't mean you have to do this the entire time.
You must also supervise, coach, monitor, and actively support their learning.
But you can spend at least a few minutes 'at their level'.
Be a positive role model for your students. Don't just
explain and show the behaviour; be the example day in and day out.
Comments