Visual or auditory distractions or teacher mannerisms may distract students from listening. Sometimes you can help students become better listeners simply by making some minor changes in the room environment or in your manner of speaking.
Answer the following questions to see if you are minimizing distractions:
Are my students facing away from the outside or doorway […]
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Let’s face it: we can say a great deal without even opening our mouths. Use nonverbal skills to make your stories more interesting. Work on a new skill each week to improve your storytelling.
Whole Body
We’ve all seen stiff speakers and slouching speakers. We need to find a happy medium. Start by placing your feet firmly […]
Accept the child’s feelings. You do not need to cheer him up. Share briefly your own feelings of sadness over a loss you have experienced.
Realize the extent of the child’s pain. Even though the child is young, his feelings are deep. Do not try to gloss over the loss or humor the child into feeling […]
Encourage students to participate in class by:
Arranging the chairs in a circle or around a table. This seating arrangement encourages participation and discussion.
Offering an enjoyable, non-threatening activity for students to do as soon as they enter the classroom.
Planning for students’ participation in making bulletin boards. Enlist students’ help in displaying their learning activities and artwork […]
Stimulate students to expand their thinking by:
Posing questions that have more than one answer; e.g., What might have happened if Jonah had obeyed God right away?
Asking questions that have more than one-word replies; e.g., How did Queen Esther show that she trusted God? rather than, Did Queen Esther trust God?
Prodding students to expand their answers; […]
Pray for the children and parents regularly and by name. You will develop a closeness to them and an awareness of their needs.
Be hospitable. Greet the child and parents by name. When the children leave, give them a cheerful good-bye and tell them, “See you next week!” Thank the parents for bringing their children to […]
Your words can be shaped in five different ways: power, pace, pitch, punch, and pause.
Power
The power of your voice refers to volume. How large is your class? Each listener should be able to hear you without straining. First, make sure you are breathing correctly to project your voice. Then as you are speaking, vary the […]
Your students will have more success and be better motivated if they know exactly what you expect from them. Here are five ways you can make your students more willing to follow rules.
Keep rules clear and brief. Create a definite line between what is acceptable and what is unacceptable, and be consistent. It helps to […]
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How do your students cope when you are away from the classroom? They probably miss you greatly! You can help them better adjust to a substitute teacher by spending time preparing for your absence. Your efforts will put your students at ease, and your preparation will assist the substitute teacher. Prepare for a substitute teacher’s […]
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Four-year-olds believe they can do anything! They are bold and daring; ready to take on the world. They love to learn new things, play with new toys, and enjoy new experiences. Four-year-olds love many things, but they also dislike many things, and they will be quick to tell you their preferences!
Improve your teaching by noting […]
