Teaching is the hardest job in the world. Teachers have the dual responsibility of nurturing the students and making them learn new things. "Although handling children can be a very rewarding and satisfying experience for teachers, just like for parents, this responsibility comes with its own challenges. Children spend about 6 hours in the school, and it is only natural that teachers know and understand more about them," says Ramprasad Attur, child psychiatrist and Director - Tender Minds and Adviser, Address Health. As we celebrate Teacher's Day today, he shares with us seven tips that can prove useful for teachers in handling and planning for children they interact with.
Be prepared to expect at least 3 to 6 children in an average classroom of 30 to have some form of learning, emotional, or behavioural issue
The only difference between parenting and handling kids as teachers is that as teachers one can be sure of the start and end time! Every child is different and so are its needs, both mental and emotional. In a class of many children, it is natural for some to be very bright and some others to be a little slow in grasping things. The best way to handle learning and behavioural issues is to perhaps practice restraint and understand the cause of a particular action.
Define an acceptable behaviour/discipline policy at your school
Set boundaries and define what is acceptable and what is not. Arrive at an objective policy wherein views of all stakeholders - children, teachers, non-teaching staff, and parents - are accommodated. A behaviour policy will help establish and sustain an orderly environment in the classroom. It will also increase meaningful academic learning and facilitate social and emotional growth among students. Such a policy will also discourage negative behaviour and increase the time spent in academic engagement.
A stress-free teacher equals a happy classroom
Stress among teachers can hamper both teaching and attitude towards students. To understand their needs and concerns, your own levels of stress and how you manage them are crucial. Ensure good peer support, planning, and time management in any activity that you undertake. Manage stress by getting some leisure time and with techniques such as yoga and meditation.
Build rapport with parents
Keep regular communication with parents. Discuss any concerns that the child may have with them and avoid waiting till any issue reaches a crisis point. Remember, a good rapport and understanding between parents and teachers is one of the ways to make a child mentally and emotionally strong. Also, do not just discuss issues. Send positive notes of appreciation when things are going well too!
Collaborate ground rules
It is a good idea to spend some time in the beginning of the academic year, with the class, and set some ground rules. Agree on rules and consequences of not following them. This process can help in saving a lot of time and energy later in the academic year and will also enable students to take ownership for their decisions and actions.
Establish a reward board
Each class should have something like a Behavioural Champ Pyramid. Many schools today opt for this process where good behaviour is documented for the class to see. The pyramid can carry the names of all children and stars in different colours can be awarded to them based on milestones they achieve. Visual and attractive means to depict children is always helpful. A good one for the younger classes.
Let the class decide on who is overstepping the line from time to time
There is always mileage in getting children to participate, particularly in middle school and those above that age group. This can be made into a written charter of the class. Assigning duties and responsibilities to the class and letting them decide on the consequences of overstepping the line is a good way to encourage participation.
Share This Post
