Teachers have a class full of children and every child in that class is different, with their own needs. Teachers feel the pressure of having to get through the prescribed curriculum, help children who are slower learners in the class and keep the gifted children challenged.
This is a quite a tall order for an individual and often leaves many teachers disheartened and exhausted. Thankfully, there are practical ways to keeping up with the curriculum and making sure that each child is learning to the best of their ability.
1. Be Prepared
There is nothing worse than a teacher who is unprepared. Make sure that you understand the material you will be going over for the day. Be prepared to answer any questions and make sure that all the equipment you need is ready and available. When children are bored, they get mischievous.
2. Keep an orderly classroom
Know where everything is kept in your class and make sure that things are put back in their correct places. Keep up-to-date with your paperwork and keep your class tidy. This will not only make your life easier, but will provide a positive model for your kids to follow.
3. Have a learning-friendly atmosphere
It is said that people are more productive in a blue room and that the colour yellow enhances concentration – even if this is not true, a bit of colour in the class makes for a happy atmosphere. Try to have plenty of natural light in the class, fresh air and plants that will help keep you and your kids alert.
4. Be approachable
Make yourself available for questions and advice – if you get through the curriculum and the children don't understand it, your goal has not been achieved.
5. Make lessons practical
Involve the children in the learning experience as much as possible. If children are given the opportunity to experience learning, rather than memorise it, they will remember it forever.
6. Be flexible
If you notice that the kids are interested in a separate topic, go with it. This way you will be able to engage them in discussion and teach them from their point of interest.
7. Take breaks
If you are dealing with a particularly strenuous topic and there is a lot of concentration involved, get the kids to stand up, take a couple of deep breathes and stretch for a few seconds. They will feel refreshed and ready for the next section.
8. Set your boundaries and stick to them
Be vocal and clear about your classroom rules. Make sure that each child knows them and that they know what will happen if those rules are broken. The boundaries will be pushed, but make sure that you are consistent. They test you because they want to know whether they can trust you. They need boundaries and so do you.
9. Recognise the need
If a child is battling with any part of the learning experience, take time to observe and note the behavior. Discuss concerns with his other teachers and his parents. In this way you will be able to resolve the issue in a timely manner.
10. Have fun
If you're having fun, the kids will pick up on it and they will feel free to have fun too. Learning is meant to be fun.