|
|
Safety In Schools
The police officer that came to our class on October 30th provided a thought-provoking and insightful presentation. During the presentation he stated several times the necessity to provide discipline that is fair, firm, and consistent. He mentioned the importance of treating the "dirt bag" and the "popular football player" equally. If you would not give the homework extension to the "dirt bag", do not give it to the "popular football player". You are hurting both students, plus yourself, when you choose to bend the rules for the exceptional student—remember the "popular football player" has probably made it through high school with everyone performing "favors" for him. The officer wanted us, as teachers, to remember the importance of discipline being fair, firm, and consistent not only with our classroom rules, but also with the school rules. However, to go along with the discipline, he mentioned the importance of showing the students’ respect. To do this, teachers should go to as many school programs as possible. This does not only mean the football and basketball games; but also the golf games, band concerts, skits, choir programs, etc. Another practice that will help prevent discipline problems is to communicate with the parents. It is important to let them know what is going on and what you expect of the students. Also, communicate with the parents when their child has improved in an area—not just when they have misbehaved.
Relevant Links
Setting the Right Tone on the First Day of Class
http://www.csuohio.edu/uctl/tchtips1.html
Teaching Tips
http://web.indstate.edu/ctl/prog/ntip1.html
Advice for First-Year Teachers
http://www.education-world.com/a_curr/curr152.shtml
More Advice for First-Year Teachers
http://www.ed.gov/pubs/FirstYear/ch3.html
Sample Classroom Rules
http://www.angelfire.com/ks/tonyaskinner/expect.html
Other Links for Classroom Management