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Managing Student Behavior
In 6th grade, I’ve learned that classroom management is largely about keeping the students engaged in productive and valued work. They are bright and savvy enough to understand whether I am giving them busy work or something that will truly benefit their learning. My mentor teacher and I have 50 minutes to teach science or math with each of our five groups of students we see throughout the day. We need to be thoroughly prepared so that we are a classroom of focused learners from the moment the students step in our door to the moment they leave. I have also determined that 6th graders can easily read if I am emotionally invested in their learning and their success. They will rise to the occasion if I rise to the occasion, and if they know I am doing all I can to help them do all they can. It’s a beautiful cycle with these children, but a bit daunting too when I realize how I have the ability to affect their willingness to learn. What an amazing responsibility!
Another item to keep in mind with 6th graders
is that friends are key and their power over one another seems to be increasing
exponentially. Losing face among peers is so detrimental to my students
that I need to always be aware of how I’m treating a child, making sure to
never embarrass them, especially as I apply our classroom procedures and
expectations to any behavioral issues. I would risk losing their trust
and respect and I’m not sure I could ever fully come back from that kind of
loss with a student. Building solid, trusting relationships with my
students needs to be a priority for me.
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