Classroom Management

Classroom management is always a hot topic among teachers as it is something that is always in constant need of attention.  Students need a safe and appropriate environment in which to learn and a teacher's classroom management skills attest to that environment.

Joe Ducharme, a professor at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education at the University of Toronto, has researched and studied classroom management for years.  He is a specialist in the field of emotional and behavioural problems in the classroom and regularly trains teachers on effective practices to use.  Whether students have severe, mild, or no significant behavioural or emotional issues, using his theory of "Errorless Classroom Management" skills can be effective for any classroom.  I have read this article and tested many of the points therein and can say that they are indeed, very effective and appropriate uses for implementing classroom management.  I appreciate the positive approach and the able-mindedness that Ducharme possesses and I believe that any teacher and teacher-to-be can learn from this article.

Errorless Classroom Management 
(^^ Click for the article)

Ducharme, J.M. (2007). Errorless classroom management: A proactive approach to behavioural challenges in the classroom. Orbit, 37(1), 28-31.

Empathy Book

In my practicum in November, our grade one class worked very hard throughout the month learning about empathy.  This was the character development trait that the school was studying so it was a common theme throughout the hallways at the school.  I very quickly learned that such an abstract idea that is "empathy" is somewhat difficult for young students to comprehend.  Through various lessons and many class discussions, we learned in-depth information about what empathy is, and how we can show it to one another.  This month-long subject became quite the topic in the classroom and at the end of the unit, the students were required to write a final sentence with an illustration showing what they have learned about empathy.

"When I show empathy I say 'do you need a hug?'"

"I can show empathy by hugging people."

"Empathy is saying 'good try'."

This collection of 17 student's work shows the vast understanding these young children have.  I was very grateful to have taught this series of lessons on empathy and have the opportunity to teach such an important character trait.  These students taught me a lot about what empathy truly is, through the simple thoughts, ideas, and language that grade one's possess.

The Kodaly Method for Music Education

In my studies at the Royal Conservatory of Music , my course in the Kodaly method has really helped me understand and appreciate the significance of quality music education.  Zoltan Kodaly's theory of music education for young students emphasizes the importance of singing and claims that children learn music best through their first instrument: the voice. 

Students are able to express musical talent if they first feel it within themselves.  Singing allows students to physically feel music before having to put that musicality onto instruments, such as the xylophone and recorder.  I firmly believe that Kodaly's methods can be greatly involved in a regular classroom through singing often, therefore creating opportunities for music development and also appealing to the musical learners in the room. Plus, it just creates a fun and inviting atmosphere to learn!

I love my classes at the Conservatory and look forward to my next one this summer, studying the theories of Carl Orff.