Classroom Management Philosophy for Secondary Science Teachers
Hey there, amazing teachers! It's your pal Naomi here, ready to dive into another exciting episode. I hope you're all doing well and staying energized for your teaching journey. Today, we're going to read about some classroom management strategies and philosophies that have been bouncing around in my head. So, grab a cup of your favorite beverage, get cozy, and let's get started!
You know, as teachers, we all have those moments when we wonder about the best ways to handle our classrooms. And believe me, I've had my fair share of those moments. But you know what? Over the years, I've managed to distill my thoughts and experiences into a few key questions that help guide my classroom management philosophy. These questions have led me to develop some core ideas that I'd like to share with you today.
First off, it's all about being authentic with students. Yeah, I know, that sounds like a no-brainer, right? But seriously, being yourself in the classroom is key. Students can spot a fake from a mile away. So, whether you're feeling like a burst of energy or a calm and collected mood, embrace it. Your authenticity is your superpower. If you want to delve deeper into this concept, check out 6 tips for teaching evolution in high school for more classroom management tips.
Now, let's talk consistency. I can't stress this enough. Consistency is like the secret sauce of classroom management. When you run your class with a consistent approach, it creates an environment where chaos takes a backseat. Remember, it's your class, your rules, and your style. Embrace it, and watch the magic happen.
Oh, here's a golden nugget: be the calmest person in the room, always. I mean, we've all been there, right? Students testing your patience, pushing buttons, and sometimes just plain exploding. It's tough, I get it. But remember, you're the adult, the authority. Stay calm, stay composed. Even if they're taller than you, you've got the maturity card on your side.
Now, let's talk enthusiasm. Trust me, it's contagious! I'm an introvert, but boy, can I amp up the energy when needed. Enthusiasm in teaching is like sprinkling magic dust on your lessons. If you're excited, your students will be too. I mean, who wouldn't want to learn when the teacher is genuinely pumped about the subject?
Last but not least, let's make it memorable. You know, I had this awesome teacher back in the day who joked about making class as traumatic as possible so we'd never forget. While he was being humorous, the essence stuck with me. Making lessons memorable is a game-changer. It might not be about trauma, but making it engaging and unforgettable ensures those lessons stick around in your students' minds.
When I created Evolution of Bipedalism, I realized that the lesson was really…really interesting. After all, how humans learned to walk upright, both the mechanics of it, the reasons for it are fascinating. I knew my students would be sucked into it. This is the kind of lesson you should bring into your science classrooms. If you don’t believe me, check out the video below, and tell me your students won’t be fascinated.
Evolution of Bipedalism, mechanics and anatomy for walking upright, is the most significant evolutionary adaptation in humanity. Evolution of upright walking lead to tool use, access to higher calorie foods which lead to the evolution of larger brains and language. This comprehensive thirty-four page curriculum explores hominid transition from arboreal life to habitual bipedalism. This content is rich with informational text, guided notes and integrated technology that you can use in your Google Classroom.
Alright, teacher rockstars, now that we've covered those questions and developed our own little mantras, it's time to put our philosophy into action. When it comes to classroom management, we're looking at two sides of the coin: the day-to-day operations and dealing with conflicts. Both are equally important.
Let's start by building those routines and procedures. They're your secret weapons to prevent chaos. Teach them, reinforce them, and when things get rocky, remind your students. This builds trust, even if they don't always agree with you.
But, hey, don't forget about those individual behavioral issues. It's all about relationships, folks. If you've got a handful of students who seem to test your patience, focus on building a connection with them. And then, as time allows, expand those relationships to other students. Remember, you're the adult, and understanding where they're coming from can work wonders.
Now, let's talk about class-wide issues. If you've got a whole bunch of students on the wild side, routines and procedures are your knights in shining armor. Being proactive rather than reactive is the name of the game. When issues arise, remind them of the procedures, follow through with your consequences, and maintain your trustworthiness.
Hey, guess what? Next week, we're diving into the nitty-gritty details. We'll explore routines, procedures, pacing, transitions – you name it. So be sure to tune in and join me on this exciting journey to smoother classroom management.
Oh, before I let you go, let's chat reviews. Seriously, your reviews are like a boost of rocket fuel for me. They keep me going and help other teachers find our little corner. So, if you're reading at home, on the subway, on your way to conquer the classroom, don't forget to drop a review. It's like a high-five through the metaverse and means a great deal to me.
IN SUMMARY….
There are five key tips or philosophies discussed in the blog:
Be Yourself: Embrace your authentic self in the classroom. Your genuine personality is your superpower.
Consistency is Key: Maintain consistent routines and approaches in your classroom management. This helps reduce chaos and uncertainty.
Stay Calm: Be the calmest person in the room, especially during conflicts or challenging situations. Your composure sets the tone.
Spread Enthusiasm: Your enthusiasm is contagious. If you're excited about the subject, your students are more likely to be engaged and interested.
Make It Memorable: Focus on making your lessons memorable and engaging. When students remember what they learn, they're more likely to be invested in the material.
Alright, my awesome teacher friends, that's a wrap for today. Remember, I've got your back, and I can't wait to catch you here next week. Until then, keep shining bright in your classrooms. You've got this! 🌟
