Classroom Tips and Tricks By Jessica Serrantino

Change the room around Either by letting students switch their seats every once in a while, or by putting the class in a big circle for a class, switch things up. Students get bored sitting in rows every day. The class also becomes a lot more comfortable when you put things on the wall ~make the place welcoming!

Make yourself available for extra help outside of class It means a lot to a student when they know that you are still their teacher outside of the class. Give them a time to find you during school outside of class, or at least your e-mail when they are stuck on their homework at home.

Don’t spend whole class lecturing Not many students learn when all you are doing is standing in front of the class talking. Not everyone is a Verbal learner, and even then . . . Minds tend to wander.

Don’t stay behind your desk, move around Become more connected with the class. Sitting behind your desk makes them feel like you really don’t want to be there. If you want your students to be involved, you should be too.

Allow time to get up and stretch Even if it’s a quick two minute, take a walk around the classroom break, give it. It’s tough for some students to sit still for an entire class.

Take breaks Minds wander. More can be taken in when you give students a chance to stop and reflect, rather than jumping from one assignment to another.

Get out of the classroom Even if it’s just to the library down the hall, it’s still so much fun getting up and out of the class.

Teach using Multiple Intelligences Not every student learns in the same way. Teach lessons in different ways, so everyone has an equal chance of learning!

Know your students learning styles It’s important to teach using Multiple Intelligences. While we may know different ways to incorporate each intelligence into a lesson, we should know which intelligence each student learns best with. This way if a student needs extra help you will know the best way to help.

Give agendas of what will be done during class This can help students stay more organized and focused. It gives them an idea of what will be covered during class, and helps them stay on track with what needs to get done.

Ask open ended questions; encourage thinking Help them connect their opinions and feelings to the assignments. Help them relate topics in every subject to the outside world.

Give your students a voice Let them talk. Let them express their opinions. Let them get off track sometimes.

Listen Listen to the answers they provide. Listen to what’s on their mind. Listen to how their weekend was. Listen to everything they tell you!

Provide examples Sometimes a sheet with an assignment on it doesn’t always work. Give examples and provide clarity for assignments.

Bring in other subjects One students strength in English may be another’s weakness. Try to bring in other subjects and ideas into the class so they can understand and become more interested.

If they can talk about themselves, they’ll be happy. Make things relative If they can talk about themselves, they’ll be happy. Try to help them relate topics and ideas you are discussing in class to their lives and the outside world.

Make things more hands on It doesn’t matter what grade you’re in. It’s still exciting getting to use markers and color for an assignment in class.

Review Topics learned three weeks ago are not always fresh on a students mind when it comes time for the test. Take time to review with your students. Create study guides; play review games.

Create classroom rules as a group When students create the classroom rules as a group they are more likely to follow them. It gives them a better sense of freedom and responsibility.

Have fun during class, but remember to teach It’s fun to play games and make jokes during class, but if your students aren’t learning, what’s the point? Find the happy medium between the two, because you’re there so your students can learn.