Tips for Teachers

It’s that time of year again~

• You’ve got your syllabus prepared
• Your lesson planner is rockin’
• You even have most of your tools and props ready
• Yay!

If you are looking for some ideas, you’re in good company. Some 'Color My World' followers have asked me for tips to help teachers facilitate a good comfort level and set the perfect tone for the rest of the school year.

You know, my Mom always had the best little Italian sayings; some of them did not transfer well in English. However, there is one that I believe would have the same impact in any language. In fact, it applies well in this situation … but in reverse.

Here’s what I mean:

Whenever something was amiss, whether it was a business situation or a family matter, my Mom would ask who was in charge. She’d tell me to look at the person at the top of the chain-of-command and I’d probably find the problem because people usually take their lead from that person, and if something was wrong in the middle or at the bottom, something was typically wrong at the top.

She would say, “A fish stinks from the head down.” That’s pretty insightful; it illustrates the point well, and I find it to be true a lot. However, I still prefer to paint prettier pictures. The problem is that none of the 'pretty' scenarios I’ve come up with get the point across as well as the stinky fish.

Which brings about a more popular saying, “If it ain’t broke …” Well, I won’t try to fix my Mom’s brilliant little ditty, but this is how I believe it also holds true in reverse. If things are going smoothly in the middle and at the tail end, someone at the top is setting that tone as well.

We’ve all seen the signs posted in a lot of homes that read, ‘If Momma’s not happy, no one’s happy!’ Well, the same seems to hold true in the classroom; the teacher sets the tone for this ‘family.’

With that said, it is important to be well-rested and prepared so that you are able to then prep your students for a smooth year ahead.

A great way to set the tone is to make each student feel welcomed and important while getting acquainted.

Here is an idea that might help:

•Once you have your student roster, take some time to research their first names.
•Using large index cards or construction paper, write each student’s name and its definition on a card.
•Remember to also make a card for your name.
•Place a Post-it over the name on each card so that only the definition shows.
•When class is in session, make a game out of guessing who matches the description on each card by randomly passing out cards and making certain that no one gets the one with their own name on it.
•Give each student a chance to read the card in their hand while the rest of the class guesses who it is.
•This is not just a good way to learn everyone's name; it also gives a glimpse of each personality right up front. For instance, my name ‘Deborah’ means Queen Bee. I’m not so certain that was a good fit in grade school since I was rather shy; however, later in my life, I’d have to say that I proudly accept that description. I’m in charge of my life; I know what I want, I know how to get things done, and I appreciate the fact that I am well respected for what I do.
•By the way, these name cards can also be used as name plates for the fronts of the desks.
•And at the end of the school year, you can use them again to compare how the definitions fit or changed with each personality since the beginning of the year.

Hey, are we talking about the end of the school year already?! ... Time flies when we are happy~

Here’s to a happy Classroom!

;-Deb