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BULLET POINT TIPS ON TEACHING



  • Building rapport is the key to teaching. Know your students. Even the most challenging ones. Minimum: Know their name and hobby. 

  • Relax - Their behaviour is not a reflection of you. You can plan and be the most experienced teacher. There will always be students who will rock the boat. It’s not just you it happens too. You'll find other teachers will experience similar behaviour. 

  • If something bad happens then it happens. You’re not in control of everything. Make sure you communicate and document what happens. 

  • About ⅓ of the class most likely need extra specialised support. 

  • Students are sussing you out as much as you are to them. 

  • No matter the situation - don’t yell or act like it’s out of control. Talk and move with purpose. Be kind always no matter the behaviour. 

  • Talk to the behaviour and not them personally. eg: ‘Your behaviour is disgusting” 

  • Classrooms can be loud and sometimes that can be ok. Scan the room to check that most students are on track. 

  • It usually takes about 5 minutes for students to start working. 

  • Make your instructions clear and simple. Make them visual and no more than two activities per lesson.

  • Students lie. Even the nice ones.

  • The Line-Up. The most important thing of your day. Mark the roll as they come in or say hi to each person. Don’t let students just walk in without acknowledging you’re there. 

  • Less teacher talk. Keep it simple. Visual instructions work really well. I use www.classroomscreen.com - Sometimes I don't even say anything at the start of a lesson. The students walk in, read the board and get started.

  • Routine. Keep your own behaviour and class activities consistent.



Below is an example of classroomscreen.com and how I use it in my classrooms.







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