Sharing ourselves....Classroom Management for MIddle School Teachers...

Well...Classroom management is more than rules. It is about relationships. What do our middle school students want from us? It took 22 years, but I think I've figured out a few things that have helped me be more effective with my 300-plus choral music students.... ...They want to know we care about them. ...They want to know that they are safe when they are in our room. ...They want structure....more than they would ever admit....and they NEED it. They thrive on it. ...They want us to be fair...If our actions show that we are not fair, they notice. We will lose their trust, and it is very difficult to win it back. ...They want us to be good at what we do, and not to blame them when we aren't. If a lesson fails, it is always best to just admit it, laugh along with them at how bad it was and move forward rather than blame them for talking, or misbehaving while we were ineffective at delivering the material in a way they could understand. It's our responsibility. We are the adults in the room. ...They want to know that we are willing to share a little piece of your true selves with them....not to excess....but they want to know we are willing to really show our passions. We are better teachers when we do. They like seeing US be US. We need to reveal the passions within ourselves because we are more likely to ignite the passions within them. That's all! :) Have a great week! Check out my blog!