‘Well begun is half done”, is a familiar English proverb and it definitely applies to teachers at the start of the year. Quality teachers ensure that their learners are happy, yet disciplined. How do they do it? Here are nine suggestions:
1. Know every learner’s name
When there are 30 learners in a class, it’s easy to learn their names within a day or two. It’s much tougher when the teacher has to learn more than 100 names. Nevertheless, try to know the learners’ first and last names. It shows respect and an effort to know each child personally.
It also makes classroom management more effective. Compare the impact of the teacher who growls, “Hey, you! Sit at your desk”, with the one who instructs, “Julius, sit at your desk.”
2. Read each child’s profile
The profile contains crucial information. Besides a history of scholastic results, it contains the learner’s behavioural, learning and medical issues. Be aware of them from day one. Knowing the learner’s profile will better equip the teacher to assist him or her. For example, don’t discover in April when reading the profile for the first time that the learner sitting in the back row is short-sighted.
3. Have timetables ready
The class and teachers’ personal timetables should be ready on the first day. Try to get the daily homework and extramural (such as sport) timetables drawn up as soon as possible, too. Timetables help everyone get into a routine and adhere to it.
4. Have paperwork in order
Plenty of paperwork is a reality of the profession. Lesson preparation and continual recording of assessment has to be done. Get files and paperwork in order. Much duplication of work can be avoided when teachers work in teams, sharing materials.
It can be stressful for a teacher to continually have to hunt for “lost” paperwork during teaching time.
5. Meet the parents
Hold a meeting with the parents and their children early in the term. It’s a chance to create a warm relationship between the home and school. Give parents an outline of what the learners will be doing during the year. Discuss topics such as expected behaviour, extramural participation and daily homework.
Certain teachers and schools might find it difficult to arrange a meeting with parents. If this is so, send a newsletter to parents informing them about the school year ahead.
6. Set up class rules
A disciplined class is normally a happy class. Rules outline the expected behaviour. Meaghan Vogét set up these rules with help from her grade five class:
Our class rules
P Please be polite
E Ensure that all work is done
A Accept others as they are
C Choose to be positive
E Eager to listen
Her five rules are simple yet powerful. The rules aren’t a string of: “Do not…” Rather, the rules should be there to guide the learners towards positive actions.
7. Care
Quality teaching is much more than simply sharing knowledge and skills. It also includes forming a relationship. Learners sense when a teacher cares for their welfare. Have regular circle or discussion times for learners to talk about topics that concern them (for example, dealing with bullies and handling exam stress).
One way of caring is to know learners outside the classroom. That withdrawn boy in your class might be a spectacular goalie on the football field. Let him know that you know. Attend learners’ sports fixtures and cultural performances. Praise their efforts and achievements in class the next day. Watch as their appreciation and respect for the teacher soars.
8. Create a stimulating environment
Create an exciting classroom environment. For starters, the room should be neat and litter-free. Display the learners’ work. Do the classroom walls need repainting (and not in boring dull colours)?
If there are computer facilities, make them easily available. Have eye-Âcatching displays that make learners want to know more. Give learners a “Wow!” visual treat when they walk into the classroom.
9. Smile!
Yes, smile…even early on a Monday morning at the start of another week. Allow learners to realise that school days are indeed happy days. Be at the classroom door with a welcoming smile. Bring laughter (controlled) and fun (also controlled) into the classroom.
These nine classroom suggestions can help create a good start to the year. Not only do they start the year well, but they will also help you maintain a whole year of excellent, quality education.
The South African Quality Institute provides leadership and management programmes. Poor schools are sponsored. Contact Vanessa du Toit on 012 349 5006 (www.saqi.co.za) or Richard Hayward on rpdhayward@yahoo.com for more details