Attention Getters: The classroom management is one of the most challenging aspects in the daily teaching and learning process. That is why, the attention getters have a very important role to maintain a group of students focused on and organize to work. I have been using some attention getters with my students; however, I learnt many others through these two weeks. According to my experience, the attention getters work with any level or age and help in the transition from one activity to another in a very creative way which is better than give just instructions all the time. I work with students from pre-k to sixth grade and it is very demanded to use the voice in front of thirty or thirty five students. I am going to include instruments, timers, phrases, silent rules, etc. As soon as students are involved in these strategies, the class will have fluency, organization,and easy transitions.
True Colors: As human beings, we live our lives based on what is important and necessary to have a happy life. As teachers, our point of view about others' needs must change redicaly. True colors is not just about my preferences and personality but how I can identify the preferences and personality of my students. Every single student has his/her own learning strategies and point of view about specific areas in life. This is an useful tool to identify who our students are and why they behave the way they do it. If it is our concern, we will be able to avoid lots of situations that could affect the teaching and learning process in the classroom. It makes me think about people' differences and the importance of respect others' point of view.
I chuckled to myself when I read this part: "demanding to use the voice in front of thirty or thirty five students."
ResponderEliminarYes, having to shout all day can really take a toll on a person's vocal cords and throat. That's yet another reason why it's important to be able to grab attention through a variety of methods, including those that you mention: timers, instruments, etc.
From a different perspective, I sometimes try to think about the Ss' perspectives. I'm sure that they don't enjoy being shouted at all day. After a while, I'm sure they just learn to ignore it. I think that when we treat kids in class like we are army commanders and they are regular soldiers, we don't foster a willing spirit in them. Which, in the end, makes a T's work even more difficult.
Would you generally agree or disagree with those ideas?