Teaching is usually viewed as complex and frustrating as there are many students in one classroom with multiple different energy levels. Effective teaching and discipline can be difficult but it is incredibly necessary. Children are not only raised by their families, but also their teachers. Meaning that the impact a teacher has on their students, can change who they become. Though this seems stressful, there are many different tips and tricks when it comes to teaching children.
“Let us remember: One book, one pen, one child, and one teacher can change the world.” – Malala Yousafzai
For more insight into the teaching world, I went ahead and interviewed some of the student teachers in Broad Run’s early childhood program, where high school students are able to teach real preschool classes. These students find themselves learning and using new teaching methods on a daily basis.
Methods and strategies
When asked what teaching methods and strategies they have learned from the early childhood class, 11th grader, Madina responds, “How to teach kids in an easy way that interests them to work on the activities.” Other students are saying the same thing. This is an entertainment and immersive technique that many teachers take. Though it looks different in each grade level. For younger students, for example, elementary students, this could be turning a lesson into a game. Instead of counting to a certain number, play bingo and have them find the number on a paper. Then have them count to that number. Having this approach to teaching is recommended by most teachers, however, it is important to maintain a sense of authority and make it clear that the activity is not just a game. Otherwise, the children may get too rowdy and out of control.
Tips to future educators
Madina also goes on to give tips to future educators. “Build a relationship with the kids.” Think back to a teacher you remember well. You most likely had a close relationship with them. Having a real relationship with your students allows you to gain respect while being able to teach them more personally. This creates an impact on the student and could light or relight their love for learning
How to support struggling students?
Yet, this does not acknowledge the students who struggle. When presented with the question on how to support struggling students, 11th grader, Layla Al-Riyati answers, “Try to be patient and understanding. Help them out.” Yes, this does sound generic, but once you are asked to truly read into it, this quote paints a picture of a gentle and comforting response. Instead of constantly pointing out flaws and strictly confronting mistakes, it is better to respond reassuringly. This will also help gain respect from students. That quote may remind you of gentle parenting, where instead of punishing or lecturing, you reassure and explain.
A crying student?
Al-Riyati goes on to share what she does if a student is upset or crying. “Try to calm them down and make them laugh.” Once again, this does not go into too much detail, but it is unnecessary to. Sometimes kids just will not stop crying, no matter how hard you try to comfort them. However, kids are easily distracted and are likely to completely forget what upset them when they laugh. As they say, laughter is the best medicine.
Check for understanding
That brings us to 12th grader Susi A. Susi talks about how to know if a student is immersed and understanding of the topic you are teaching. “When children are answering questions and making eye contact.” If students are able to look at you and answer questions during the activity, they are more likely to be understanding of the subject. “What about the kids who aren’t as social and don’t answer the questions?” Well we can still see a student’s understanding of the topic by how engaged they are. Are they talking to their friends? Maybe doodling on the side of their paper? Or are they trying to count on their fingers to reach an answer? Are their eyes focused on their work? Seeing if a child is actively trying to complete their assignment is actually extremely simple.
What makes a good teacher?
We’ve talked about how to teach kids in different ways, how to calm children, struggling students, and how to check for understanding. Yet, we haven’t talked about the qualities of a good teacher. Madina, Al-Riyari, and Susi all make amazing points, but when asked about what makes a good teacher, they come to the same conclusions. A good teacher practices patience, communication and creativity. Why are these the selected qualities? Well, patience is necessary in any classroom environment. Students can be unruly and defiant. If a teacher does not practice patience, it could lead to unethical behavior. Meanwhile communication is less of a necessity but is still useful. Communicating with your students helps you paint a picture of why they may be struggling and also helps you get to know them better in case there is a shift that may indicate a personal issue. Creativity is short and sweet. Being creative as a teacher allows students to be taught in a more entertaining and memorable way. All of these traits are the perfect recipe to make an amazing teacher. All that’s left to do now is answer the question,
Would you be a good teacher?
