Even a Fire Needs a Starter.

by Yolonda D. Coleman (c) 2008

NOTE: YOU WILL NEED A PIECE OF PAPER AND WRITING UTENSIL FOR THIS READING.

Blue chairs stood tall on three work stations. The classroom was quiet but soon filled with children anxious to start their day. One by one, the chairs met the floor with the help of tiny hands. There was some chatting among the children who entered classroom 101, but they were inaudible beyond 6 inch voices.

"The children know there should only be three people in the closet at one time," Beverly Epps said watching her students get prepared to sit at their workstations.

"Children, how many people should be in the closet at one time?" she asked.

"Three!" Evan replied. "There are three already in there," Evan continued as he took off his jacket.

The students were routinely engaged in their morning responsibility of taking off their coats, waiting for space to be available in the closet, and taking down their chairs. There was no correction and no opposition from the students. The only responsibility Mrs. Epps had for the first ten minutes of class was to smile and greet the children with a hearty, "Good morning!"

Does this sound like a dream? Does this only happen in a classroom where the teacher rules with an iron fist and speaks with fury? If you answered yes to both, you missed the mark by 100%. This is the reality at Turner Elementary School in S.E. Washington, D.C. It can be your reality as well.

Established and practiced policies and procedures are essential to having a well managed classroom. In order for learning to take place, in an elementary class or even a collegiate classroom, students must fully understand the expectations you have for them and their responsibilities as a student.

Over the next few weeks, you will hear several stories about Mrs. Epps' class that will help you with effective teacher language, modeling appropriate behavior, and differentiating instruction. There are several teaching methods that are timeless regardless of the grade level. In speaking with Mrs. Epps, there are some strategies she continues to use since the beginning of her teaching career some 37 years ago. You will also learn how to train your students to be responsible for a classroom that is both yours and theirs for the time they occupy it.

Mrs. Epps has a proven track record of not only educating her students, but also providing them with leadership roles which builds their confidence.

Let's reflect on the following (get your paper and pen out):

1. How do students enter your classroom?
2. How do you expect your students to walk into your classroom?
3. How do you and your students greet each other at the start of class?
4. What system is in place for homework collection?
5. What is the responsibility of the student once they are seated for the first 10 minutes of class? Is your warm up prepared on the board or chart paper.

If any of your responses point back to the drawing board, I remind you a piece of advice I received from my grandpa: When you point the finger at someone, there are three pointing back at you. Let's work on what's in our control and come up with some solutions.

Let's work it out. Post your specific anonymous concerns or needs by clicking COMMENTS on http://www.unlocktalent.blogspot.com/. Suggestions will be offered in the same manner for the general public.

ANNOUNCEMENT FOR FRIENDSHIP COLLEGIATE ACADEMY TEACHERS:

NTA SESSION 6
Thursday, January 24, 2008
4:30pm - 6:30pm
Room B242 Ms. Higgins' classroom.