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In the first section of Rick Smith's book, Conscious Classroom Management, the topic Foundation is introduced to the reader. Smith discusses ways teachers can navigate through the first few weeks of school by gaining their inner authority, creating procedures, and dealing with stress. Throughout this page you will discover my interpretations of these chapters and where the South Carolina ADEPT Standards relate.
Assume the best
Assume the Best, chapter 2, relates to the ADEPT Performance Standard and Key Element APS 8: Maintaining an environment that promotes learning, and APS 9: An effective teacher maximizes instructional time by effeciently managing student behavior, instructional routines and materials, and essential non-instructional tasks.
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Teaching procedures was the main goal for day one of my first day of teaching. I thought that after day one, my first semester students would have my classroom procedures down. However, I was very wrong. I now understand that this is done constantly. And when this is done consistently, this is when these procedures are learned. In the book Smith writes, "Moreover, we shouldn't teach behavior quickly to get it out of the way in order to teach the good stuff. Behavior is the good stuff." (Page 11-12). I thoroughly agree with this statement. Teaching students the procedures will show them the behavior you want them to have and model.
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Inner authority
Inner Authority, chapter 3, relates to the ADEPT Performance Standard and Key Element APS 4: An effective teacher establishes, clearly communicates, and maintains appropriate expectations for student learning, participation, and responsibility.
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The journey from a Mrs. Meanswell to a Mrs. Allgood is one all first year teachers make. As the first few months of teaching fly by, your inner authority begins to emerge and out comes Mrs. Allgood. Reading the characteristics of "Mrs. Allgood" there is no question that all of us want to be like her; grounded, stands firm, takes responsibility, speaks what she knows, clearly sincere (page 24). This is something that is learned through experience. You read all the text books on classroom management and having authority. But, until you experience teaching in the classroom these will not emerge. And with each year of experience these become more prominent.
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ask for help
Ask for Help, chapter 4, relates to the ADEPT Performance Standard and Key Element APS 10: An effective teacher is an ethical, responsible, contributing, and ever learning member of the profession.
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"Openness is the key to letting go of seeking unattainable perfection." (Page 32). As a physical education teacher I believe this idea of openness in the classroom is crucial for both the student and teacher. Understanding that every lesson is not going to go perfectly or as planned is okay is necessary to comprehend. Asking for help from co-workers, mentors, administrators is OKAY! Being open to suggestions and then being able to work that feedback into your classroom where needed is what makes a great teacher.
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got stress?
Got Stress, chapter 5, relates to the ADEPT Performance Standard and Key Element APS 10: An effective teacher is an ethical, responsible, contributing, and ever learning member of the profession.
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"Take care of yourself and you can take care of your students," (Page 52).
The book states that the one of the biggest sources of stress for teachers is the "unrealistic expectations of themselves". The also state how "being a new teacher is like trying to fly an airplane...while building it". Stress is something that each teacher deals with throughout their teaching careers. However, when you look at veteran teachers, you might not think that. The difference between the new teacher and the veteran teacher is the way they deal with this stress. I liked how the book stated that it is necessary to take five minutes to yourself during the day to relax. After school I like to go out to the beach and run to take the stress of the day away. On the weekends I find time to do activities that I enjoy; like kayaking, hanging out with friends, going to the beach. Finding what works for you is extremely important. |