Situations seem bigger in our minds when we are stressed. When we have not had enough sleep. When we are hungry. Mum and Dad always administer your consequences when you are thinking with your rational brain.
I am sure you will be interested in knowing what parents look out for in schools. What guides their choice? As a mum of two who has studied both in Nigeria and in the United Kingdom and as an educational consultant who has worked with schools and parents I thought I might share with you some of common threads that I have observed.
The top 2 on the list was teacher quality and class size.
Your children know if I do this mummy or daddy will give me two stokes on my palm or on my bum. It can also be reactive when you just pounce on them without any prior warning
Teaching is a science and a craft which means there are evidence based facts on best practices in teaching and learning. These are encapsulated in learning theories propounded by psychologists or social scientists.
You must not break the rule by doing it one day and forgiving the next. They should be able to count on you being consistent with the consequences. Consistency is the name of the game. You have to stick with the program and ensure that you always follow through with what you said you would do
The issue is not with the dough, cheese or tomatoes. The secret is the chef their skill and craft, their timing and expertise. This is the same with your lessons any topic can be exciting and easy to understand.
Remember our Proactive Behaviour Management Approach and Reactive Behaviour Management Approach. Discipline is a planned method of managing behaviour it is about impacting knowledge, creating an atmosphere of high expectations and having consequences for non-compliance.
People say experience is the best teacher but sometimes it can teach a really hard and harsh lesson. Choose an easier and fast route by learning from another person’s experience.
Many times as parents we are angry because our children have not met our expectations. We think, how could you do that in public? But don’t forget if they are not taught in private they will be caught in public.
As a teacher you must be committed to your own professional development. You owe it to yourself to be the best that you can be. So, get on the bandwagon of professional development. Observe a seasoned teacher’s class just make sure that every quarter you are doing something to improve yourself professionally.
