Genre Reflection #1

YOU WON’T BELIEVE THE INSANELY GOOD TRICKS THIS TEACHER CAME UP WITH: 10 TIPS TO CREATE AN AWESOME CLASSROOM

An Article By Jake Johnson: Buzzfeed Editor

 Having braved the harsh environment of a Midwestern high school classroom for nigh on six weeks now, Ms. Pritchett, a pre-student teacher hailing from one of the bigger cities in one of those still somewhat forgettable flyover states has grown a good deal. Having overcome difficulties and experienced enough inspiring moments to make at least one or two Hollywood writers start typing away on a script for a Freedom Writer’s sequel, Ms Pritchett is ready to share some of her shocking secrets with you, our lovely readers. The college student has penned a list of advice for any other strong souls considering making educating our kids their highest calling.

Ms. Pritchett urges her peers to:

1. Work hard to withhold judgements that can be construed as negative. These teenagers are still discovering their own identities; who are we to assume we know what they are and will always be based on the first week or two of experiences? Quiet kids may start speaking up more and disruptive students may produce exemplary texts and provide a plethora of support to their peers, even if they do not always utilize the best sense of timing. Let’s be honest, some never seem to use the best sense of timing. Be patient anyways. Let them learn to be better students as you learn to evolve into a more productive teacher.
2. Do not become disheartened when it takes the class longer than perhaps anticipated to get your name down. Your last name may not be overly common (like say, Pritchett), nor is it present on the schedules handed down to your  group of students. They will, by and by, get it down and in the meantime it is actually pretty enduring to have the respect of being called ma’am.
3. Be confident and polite enough to ask student’s how to pronounce their names if it is not clear on the attendance sheet. Be open to any nickname they prefer.
4. When educating a student that loves to interact with everyone and craves attention, build special moments for them into  your lesson plan that allows them to use up some energy in a meaningful way without detracting from other’s learning
5. Do not become unnecessarily stressed out over introducing your own ideas into lessons. Be willing to do so on the fly. They may not always be incorporated immediately but presenting them as options creates a certain dynamic and asserts your place as an educator in the classroom.
6. Grade and return work as quickly as you can. Keep well-organized folders for each hour. Praise students as you hand back their projects; they will want to talk about them!
7. Make it a goal to pull aside one student every week to thank them for their effort. Keep written evidence to back up your compliments. Definitely focus in on students who you know are not doing so well in other classes.
8. Choose a day every month or two to discuss academic progress and concerns with your 7. students. Remind them point-blankly what they can do to be successful.
9. Spend a few quiet moments reflection on your own ‘participation’ at the end of the day.
10. Focus on one new teaching method a day; give it your all, don’t bite off more than you can chew.

By following these ten simple words of wisdom, you two can become almost as awesome as Ms. Pritchett!