Simple Suggestions (cont.)
0 Posted: August 2nd, 2012Continuing our list of essential truths to teach by from Gospel Light's Teacher Training Smart Pages, here are "commandments" #7 & #8 for early childhood and elementary teachers:
Be quick to see, describe, and thank a child for right actions.
We were just talking about this last night - how beneficial it is when a teacher is willing to stick with rewarding positive behavior instead of giving attention to disobedience or negative behavior. At the core, children want your love, approval, and attention. They'll look for it and seek to get it in whatever way they can. When you pay attention to those who act out or give compliments to those who do well, all the kids notice. They'll imitate what is successful in grabbing your attention.
When you describe for a child what they did well, it helps them to conceptualize and comprehend what you mean when you say they were kind or nice.
Remember that children learn by doing and provide active ways to learn.
Along these lines, reach out to several learning types. Provide at least a kinesthetic, visual, and auditory option for the kids to plug into as they enter the classroom. (There are other learning styles besides these, but this will cover the basics.) Using all of the learning styles at some point in the day or even throughout the month will allow you to eventually connect with all of the children.
