Classroom management goes hand-in-hand with a teaching philosophy, self-reflection, kindness and collaboration. With a kindness strategy each student is seen and learning happens in the most tailored way. IT is my intention to grow with my students; they all have something to teach me, as I have something to teach them. Persistence and resilience are two of my favourite English words, because they connote the notion of not giving up. As my Grade 11 Chemistry teacher stated, “You are incredibly persistent, aren’t you? You ask questions to concrete your understanding or if you’re confused. You demand attention because you want to learn and you actually want to be here. Your knowledge is your responsibility, and you know that.” I refuse to give up.
My dominant philosophy approaches to teaching are: Nurturing, Progressive and Humanistic. This means that I typically lean towards a more Permissive or Authoritative approach to managing my classroom. Confused about what those mean? I was too. Check this article out.
In order to manage my classroom well, I need kindness and collaboration. With my students and with their parents/guardians. Your child’s learning means the world to me, and who better knows your child than you and them? That’s why maintaining communication throughout the year is HIGHLY important to me.
Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset
Check out this little video above to learn the difference! In my life and classroom, growth mindset is what we will have. Failure can be scary, however, from failures comes lessons and new knowledge. Also, if you have failed at something it means you’ve tried, and I think that’s beautiful. Keep trying! Making goals is a key component to a growth mindset, small or large, it does not matter. What matters is you are aiming for something that will give you a sense of accomplishment and happiness.
Here are some of my goals
1) To be able to teach special education students more efficiently
How? I will take Additional Qualification courses and immerse myself with more students who are in special education programs.
2) To be able to teach high school English
How? I will take the Additional Qualifications courses and continue to encourage a love of literacy and reading in all of my classrooms.
3) To create a “Coffee Shop” in the classroom, where students can go into to sit and chat if they are finished their work early. This will be an opportunity for students to practice discussion skills, as there will be articles of issues my students will be able to relate to; self-esteem, belonging, bullying, self-confidence, new to the school, new to the country, women’s rights, feminism, equality, equity, racism, sexism, individuality, body image and local social justice issues.
This is incredibly important to me as knowledge is power, and the best way to learn a new perspective or stay in the know is to discuss. Discussion can create bonds, inspire change and cultivate an environment of kindness and solidarity. This goal is more geared toward Grades 3-12.
How? I will create a “Coffee Shop” section in my classroom and print off articles or have an Ipad accessibly available. This would also be useful for teaching Social Studies, Literacy skills, and Mathematical skills (as students could run the “Coffee Shop”.