Wednesday, March 31, 2010Session 2-Book Study
Inviting Students to Learn; 100 Tips for Talking
Effectively With Your Students by Jenny Edwards
Reading Assignment: Chapter 5, pages 46-68
Assignment: Read the overview for the assigned reading below and comment on the question that follows.
Chapter 5 contains 100 tips for talking with students. It's important to acknowledge your students' current experiences and challenges.
1. There's a statement that says..."It's not what you say but how you say
it!" Discuss some powerful words, phrases and/or statements that
encourage, influence and help build positive relationships with our
students.
2. Identify at least three words, phrases and/or statements you use with
your students to resolve conflict. Were they effective? Why or Why not?
To improve my students' attendance, I begin the day by thanking my students for coming to school. Although, I still have some absentees it has improved. I guess "thank you" are magic words.
ReplyDeleteThis week, I included an extension menu in my lessons. Wow! I couldn't believe the response. They loved having choices!
After reading chapter 5, I thought about my 6 year old daughter who loves school. She is a proud alumni of Houston Junior Forum Pre-School. I remember picking her up from school and hearing the teachers telling her "I love you, see you tomorrow." I thought how wonderful to say those powerful words to your students. Many times they don't hear it at home so why not show your loving actions but also say the words "I love you" too.
I have responded in a positive and respectful manner. For example, I remember a time when my lowest students showed improvement and I made sure the whole class was aware of their success and made them feel important.
ReplyDeleteI referred back to the classroom rules and procedures then restated the consequences of not abiding by the appropiate behavior. I reminded the class that most rules are set to keep them safe in all situations.
ReplyDeleteI glad to know your attendance has improved and I will try this in my classroom.
ReplyDelete1. It's not really a word found in the dictionary but I say "ta-dow" when a student gets the answer right! Now, "ta-dow" is not used for EVERY answer. It is reserved for that student who is really struggling or for one that has gone the extra mile. Kids know when they get a "ta-dow", they have really earned it. From time-to-time, I even hear them giving each other a "ta-dow". (LOL)
ReplyDelete2. "Chill"..."What's the procedure?"..."Tell me what happened."
ReplyDeleteOften times, kids just need a moment to calm down, catch their breath and just chill! It also helps the teacher too. "What's the procedure" is a throw-back to my classroom rules. When they hear this, they take a moment to take responsibility for THEIR own actions. Finally, when I ask the students what happened, I've found that they like being heard. Too often, they are told to be quite by adults and their voice is not heard. I try to hear them out first, then decide my next steps.
Wow Rebeca, I never thought about thanking the kids for coming to school. I pretty much figured that was a given. Hmmm...interesting.
ReplyDeletesVann - I like that approach and have used it myself from time-to-time. The kids know when the struggling students "get it" and are often quick to cheer them on as well. On Tuesday, I had a student announce that he prayed for one of his classmates (who struggles) to pass the TAKS test. Everyone applauded!
ReplyDeleteColts, I love your students' team values. Cheering eachother, a pat on the back, or prayers can work wonders.
ReplyDeleteI also use a "chill time" for students when they have issues at school. You are right that children want to be heard. We silence them often but we need to strengthen thier voice instead.
ReplyDeleteTo improve my relationship with my students I find time to talk to them about non-school related topics. Between family, friends, and television they have a lot to share. I also share my life experiences that relate to whatever we are talking about. If I have never had the experience, I tell them I haven't but I can imagine how they feel. One boy lost his father over the Christmas break, I lost my dad several years ago, so I could relate to him. He cried in my arms as my heart ached for him. With these students it doesn't take much to guide their behavior. I become more "MOM" than Teacher.
ReplyDeleteTo settle conflict between 2 students I take them out into the hallway and give both an opportunity to tell their side of the story. I then ask them how they could have handled the conflict better so as not to make it worse.I tell them to speak slowly so that I can understand.(calming trick) I don't assess blame nor do I make them apologize unless they have cool heads. I make sure they both understand how the other feels. This is an effective way to resolve problems because each one has been heard without recriminations and noone has been yelled at.
ReplyDeleteKathy, I like that "calming trick" you used to diffuse the situation. I may need to borrow it!
ReplyDeleteI also like the idea of thanking the students for coming to school. I don't have an attendance problem but I believe it will go a long way in showing the students I appreciate them.
ReplyDeleteA trick I used to get kids to school on time was by using a "take a number" system. As they came into the class, they picked up a number. I made them out of index cards, laminated them and punched a hole in the top. We used the system for taking turns going into a special place for reading. You could use the numbers for whatever "special" activity you have planned.
ReplyDelete1-On the first day of school I make my students write about themselves, their families, their interests, etc. That helps me to know them better. But since some kids are reluctant to write about some things when they don't know me, I repeat the same activity before Christmas. It is amazing the amount of information kids don't tell you but they write about. That helps me know my students better than just talking to them.
ReplyDelete2-When something happens the students want to tell me right away (I teach 3rd. grade), everybody talking at the same time. So I say: "It's reflexion time". Then I make them write their version of the story. If I don't understand what they wrote they have to re-write it, giving specific details. They have time to calm down and to reflect about what happened. Then we can talk about it.
ReplyDelete