10 Tips For A Successful Classroom Environment

By Robin Kegler

To promote student learning and an environment that encourages success keep these 10 things in mind:

  • Trust yourself: This is not the first time being in front of a group. Recall previous successes and tap into your instincts.
  • Do not be friends with students: Students prefer having someone who is firm and fair. Consistency will gain your student's respect. Model what you want.
  • Be positive: Expect the best from the students. Let them know it! Take public notice when 1-2 students do something great. Acknowledge it in front of the class. Make sure you are sincere. Students can smell "cheese" a mile away.
  • Keep them busy: Make sure there is enough work for the entire time. Have an alternative just in case. Good resources are The Thriving Teacher Workbook©, and grade level teachers where you are assigned. The work should be purposeful, not a filler. This helps with student learning and achievement.
  • Communicate with students and staff: Introduce yourself on the first day in a new school. Learn the student's names and become familiar with established routines (bathroom, sharpening pencils, lunch, etc.).
  • Be patient: There will be times when it seems like nothing is working. Your techniques and student acceptance will take more than a day as you refine your skills by gaining experience. In time things will go better.
  • Give clear directions: Set your intentions and expectations of the class at the very beginning. It can be one orally and in writing. This helps improve time management and promote student learning.
  • Stay aware of what's going on around you: It's the ability to have eyes in the back of your head. Periodically look up to make sure all students are on task if you are working one-on-one with another student.
  • Do what you say: If a student challenges a rule, be prepared to carry out the consequence. This is another way of gaining your student's respect. If you are unable to carry out the consequence confidently, expect to lose control of the class.
  • Look for times for each student to be a "shining star" each day: You can "shine" as a first class substitute. Teaching and learning requires a team effort. It's more fun when the whole class shines brightly (including you) together.

*Excerpt from "Thriving Teacher Boot Camp Six Part Program"

About the Author:

Robin Kegler is the C.A.P. Adjustment Coach and Creator of the Wearing The Right C.A.P. 90 Day Challenge...Turning believers into spiritually empowered and personally fulfilled people in life, work and ministry the world can't help but recognize. Take the first step-sign up for the free Wearing The Right C.A.P. Jumpstart Pkg when you visit www.wearingtherightCAP.com.