What Great Teachers Do Differently (con't)

The atmosphere of the school is a crucial component in how a school runs and how everyone feels about coming to school every day; for both teachers and students. Today's posting will focus on two more elements from Todd Whitaker's book, "What Great Teachers Do Differently," and they focus on creating a positive atmosphere in the school and in our classroom. These points raise great points for conversation.

1. Great teachers create a positive atmosphere in their classrooms and schools. They treat every person with respect. In particular, they understand the power of praise. You might thinking that it is obvious and should not be necessary to tell people to treat everyone with respect. However, the real challenge is to treat everyone with respect every single day! We can all remember one incident when someone in a leadership role treated us inappropriately. We will never forget that moment, no matter how long ago it might have been. This is so important to remember when speaking to our students and colleagues; one sarcastic or harsh comment will be ingrained with them forever.

On the positive side, the key is to learn to praise effectively. Ben Bissel in his book "The Paradoxical Leader" describes five elements for effective praise: it must be authentic, specific, immediate, clean and private. Most of this is common sense, but a few descriptions will help us understand these elements. "Authentic" means that the praise is genuine, praising for something that is true. "Clean" means that the praise cannot include the word "but." Most students receive praise better when it is done "privately." This point might not be true for everyone, but it is important to realize that teachers do not always fully appreciate the social dynamic in the class and then we will not understand how each student will take public praise. When in doubt, do it privately.

2. Great teachers consistently filter out the negatives that don't matter and share a positive attitude. The teachers behaviour sets the tone in the class. If your students overhear you complaining or whining about something, everyone will hear about it no matter how minor an issue it might have been.

Consider how you respond to the question, "How is your day going?" You can respond in a positive manner or you can focus on some student or parent who has been annoying you. How you respond will affect everyone around you. There is a saying that "when the teacher sneezes, the whole class catches a cold." I think this this is true of your students and your colleagues.

Consider the conversation in the teacher's lounge. Are we fostering positive conversation about the school? Are we encouraging complaints and negativity? We all have to realize that every comment matters and can make a real impact on those around us.


Links to Interesting Articles:
1. Five Amazing Ways to Collaborate with Another Class
2. 12 Ways to Get Your Students Thinking and Listening
3. 5 Fun Alternatives to Think-Pair-Share

Links to Interesting Web Tools:
1. Using Skitch in Kindergarden
2. 7 Apps for Student Creators
3. HALB EdTech Tools Website - I build this site last year with my Edtech team

Quote of the Day:
1. No Significant Learning Can Occur.....
2. Provide an Uncommon Experience....
3. The First to Apologize....