Two Critical Mistakes 87 Percent Of Teachers Are Making

As we embark on a new school year, it is critically important that the appropriate foundation is established in every classroom.  As a teacher, I was often told “don’t smile until November” or work your students until they scream “mercy”.  I am here to profess; these suggestions were likely flawed advice.  

Healthy relationships and effective class systems are two components of every effective classroom.  Healthy relationships create a level of trust, compassion, and support needed for every student to excel.  Teachers who fail to establish healthy relationships often struggle with their students and experience poor satisfaction with their teaching position.  Effective class systems serve as the lubricant for the engine that runs your classroom.  Ineffective classroom systems are often marked by chaotic environments where instructional time is lost and student behaviors run amuck. 

Below are strategies to achieve healthy relationships and implement effective class systems.

Healthy Relationships- Developing healthy relationships at the start of the school is simply the race to get to know facts and interests of each student as soon as possible.   You can achieve this by conducting surveys, engaging in quick conversations, eating lunch with students, etc.  In short, be human! Provide your students with the opportunity to know you as their teacher.  Smile, laugh, and enjoy your students.

Effective Classroom Systems- Classroom systems are the processes and routines employed each day to complete tasks.  These tasks may include the distribution of materials, sharpening of pencils, dismissal from class, etc. As the teacher, you have the responsibility to train students in the systems of your class.  Afterall, your classroom will be unique and students need to know what to do.  Be intentional about training students in the systems of your classroom.  For example, you may want to identify the first 3 weeks as the time to train students in your classroom’s systems.  During the first week, you allocate 8 minutes per day to train students on 4 systems.  These systems may include entering class, submitting homework, distributing materials, and restroom pass process.  Each week, you will implement 4 additional systems.  In 3-4 weeks, you will fully implement all the systems needed to have an efficient classroom.