The Hummingbird Effect

Classroom Management Edition

[theteaching-blog1]

Applying Your "Why"

 To my fellow teachers,

The Hummingbird Effect: Classroom Management Edition is not going to write after this post.

  I read this quote from the book The 7 Spiritual Laws of Success, "Today, bring whoever you encounter a gift. A gift, a flower, a compliment, or even a smile." I hope each classroom management post is a virtual gift; to strengthen the skills of all teachers out there. I want every educator to remember their "why" to apply new approaches and mindsets versus giving up. Your "why" is referring to the reason you became a teacher. My "why" comes from a passion for providing a phenomenal classroom experience for both students and teachers. I love the idea that every student potentially will have teachers who hold a genuine interest in their education. 

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This week we will take a look at different points of view to keep the inspired teacher, inspired. 

 Objective: 

1. This week, readers will understand how to exercise their "why" as a teacher. 

2. Readers will be able to view two amazing teachers applying their "why" in the classroom every day. 

 Ask yourself this, do you begin every morning focusing on each task you need to accomplish? Do you utilize your prep time properly? Are you super focused on the ending of the day? Quite often, it's easier to fall into a day-to-day routine, rather than, beginning every morning with a reminder of why you became a teacher. 

 Begin each day by challenging yourself to remember your "why," doing, so teachers will have a higher chance of being motivated and passionate. 

 Here is an exercise to help you start each day to keep you an inspired and happy teacher.

1. Start with why you teach.

·     What is it about your job that excites you?

·     What drives you to work with students?

·     Ultimately, what are you trying to achieve?

2. How do you do what you do?

·     How are you attempting to achieve your why?

 ·     What strategies do you use to manifest your why?

·     What do you do each day to stay focused on your why?

3. What do you do?

·     When people ask you what you do, what do you say?

·     What are your various roles?

 https://catlintucker.com/2018/01/new-year-your-why/

 Use this exercise to motivate your "why"; whether your education career has just begun or you're retired, either way, this will bring fulfillment to your heart! 

Being a teacher is not easy, and nor do I think it is for the weak. You have to accept the bad for what it is and not let it carry over to the next day. Many teachers quit their dream career because they were too focused on the what and not the why. 

 Teachers deserve recognition for utilizing their "why" daily. These teachers fight to shift the paradigm students are often placed in and apply a passion for helping students succeed. That passion is love, and children need teachers/mentors like that in their lives. 

Please watch these two teachers apply their "why" every day in their careers. It is inspiring enough that Ellen DeGenerous noticed. 

So, please don't give up!

-The Hummingbird Effect

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fiGjxl3XKJQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iN6gKAfEwZ8

[theteaching-blog1]

Building a Partnership With Families for Academic Success

Welcome back, teachers. This week we will discuss essential strategies that can help build strong partnerships for a successful school year. 

An essential way to provide students with academic success is having a healthy relationship with parents. Teachers, please ask yourself, do you have inviting body language, are you an active listener, make promises you can keep, are families able to communicate with you comfortably? These are superior qualities parents look for in a great teacher. Active communication is substantially up to the teacher; educators should never rely on the parents to establish a relationship. When a teacher is clear about his or her expectations for the school year, there's a higher chance of parental involvement and partnership.

It is up to our teachers to have a robust, open-minded, active approach when it comes to managing their classrooms; holding strong partnerships can be an asset for academic success.

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Objective: Readers will be able to understand approaches for teachers to build strong partnerships with families to bring academic success in the classroom.

Here are three effective strategies to practice with parents:

(https://www.education.ne.gov/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/Partnerships.pdf)

1. Successful partnerships are reciprocal- meaning that all those involved in the partnership— school, family, and community—have overlapping responsibilities for children's learning. Each needs the help of the others in formal and informal structures.

2. To ensure a healthy relationship, each partner should have a voice.  Partnerships should recognize the different interests, races, religions, and educational status of its participants, and should be prepared to resolve conflicts through honest communication.

3. Effective partnerships provide a variety of opportunities. A comprehensive program of partnerships will include such elements as parent education, family support, volunteer activities, excellent communication, opportunities to participate in decision making, and strategies that foster children's learning at home and in the community.

 There are many beliefs that a student will soar high academically and socially if there is sufficient parental involvement.  Equally, it is the responsibility of leaders in education and parents to accomplish this goal. Many teachers have expressed that they would love more parental involvement. Many parents are waiting for their child's school to tell them what to do. Creating a partnership is a secure bond for families and education. With a strong partnership, educators and family members will work to deliver information, guide students to solve problems, and celebrate success together. 

Having a partnership is essential because teachers want to provide effective teaching for their students. The influence of a family will readily gear up their children cognitively and emotionally as the student enters school. Which later results in a well-balanced attendance pattern and higher graduation rate.

Until next time, 

The Hummingbird Effect 

[theteaching-blog1]

Flexible Seating 101

Welcome back, teaching family! 

This week will study the benefits of flexible seating.Flexible seating gives students the option to choose their seat versus a traditional seating arrangement. Many teachers believe that flexible seating has helped improve their classroom management and learning. It can be refreshing for the teacher and students to try out new methods. It is up to our teachers to have a robust, open-minded, active approach when it comes to managing their classrooms. 

Objective: Readers will be able to understand how flexible seating can be effective for behavior and learning in the classroom. 

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Benefits of Flexible Seating. 

Helpful information from the article

https://infograph.venngage.com/p/226127/6-benefits-of-flexible-seating

1.Choice-Students are more engaged when given the option to control their environment. Flexible seating helps students choose where they want to sit and whom they want to work with. 

2. Movement-Flexible seating helps students move around, rock, wobble, bounce, stand, kneel causing less behavioral issues.

3.Community- Flexible seating helps students become less territorial of their items. This increases sharing and sociability as they travel from different stations with different seats. 

4.Comfort- When student feels uncomfortable they become distracted. Flexible seating increases comfortability, focus, and productivity.

5.Collaboration-Flexible seating  helps students work with one another. Students can easily pair up or work in small groups. This can help with building community within the classroom. 

6.Sensory Input-Flexible seating helps with the sensation of touch. This stimulation helps students process information and become more focused. Sensory items can benefit students that have ADD, ADHD, and ASD. 

For example, a student with ADHD can benefit from a chair that has a bungee chord attached to legs to reduce fidgeting and increase focus. 

Many teachers create agreements with students to establish the norms of flexible seating, holding students accountable for any misbehavior. 

Flexible seating in the classroom provides students with a fresh start as they return to class. It increases a positive atmosphere and learning; two major qualities you want to have for your classroom management.

Until next time,

The Hummingbird Effect..

Attached is a video of a day in the classroom with flexible seating.  

https://youtu.be/to3WtSdjnbA

[theteaching-blog1]

Structure for Students With Disabilities

Welcome back, teaching family! 

This week we will study how structure in the classroom is beneficial for students with disabilities. We all want our students to thrive and soar high. Planning and organizing our classroom management is essential, but it is more about the execution. Formally speaking, it is up to our teachers to have a robust, open-minded, active approach when it comes to managing their classrooms. 

Objective: Readers will be able to understand the importance of classroom management for student’s with disabilities. 

First and foremost, when we are working with children with disabilities, "it is crucial to see the child first and the disability second." That is a direct quote from the book: Special Education in Contemporary Society. Secondly, we want to make sure classrooms run smoothly for students with disabilities. Proper managment, organization, and structure can enhance a child's learning experience. 

 Learning disabilities often cause disadvantages; with these simple tools, we can offer the least restrictive environment for students to succeed. 

The link below is a list of learning disabilities to get more in-depth learning about them. https://ldaamerica.org/types-of-learning-disabilities/ 

On that note, teachers need to create an inclusive atmosphere. Teachers should limit as many distractions as possible, chunk material down into small goals/tasks, have many sensory objects readily available, and offer positive incentives. 

What can happen for a student that does not get to experience this kind of classroom management means that their learning experience will not get enhanced. https://www.specialneeds.com/activities/general-special-needs/five-ways-help-students-special-needs

The Hummingbird Effect Exit Reminders:

See the student first, not the disability 

Proper structure and management is crucial for the student's learning experience 

Until next week, 

The Hummingbird Effect. 

[theteaching-blog1]

The Kind/Firm Touch

Welcome back, teaching family! 

Last week we went over how to set the tone for your classroom. Keep this in mind; this blog is here to help, inspire, and to keep our passion alive!  Teaching is very stressful, but it does have its rewards! Hang in there, champ! I am a true believer that teachers must have an active and strong approach when it comes to managing their classrooms. Your students depend on it, even if they don’t know that!

This week we are going to focus on having a kind/firm approach with your students. Like always, I like to share some of my experiences with you all! 

I started my teaching path, to what I thought to be strong and confident. I was teaching 25 4-5 Pre-K students. Boy- was I taken for a loop!  I was afraid to channel my 2nd mom persona to my students. I just wanted to teach. I was 23 at that time; I didn't know where to begin! It wasn't until my new co-teacher, Ms. Lynn stepped in the classroom. She lit up a room, and the kids flocked to her. One day a kid was misbehaving, and Ms. Lynn began to use a very firm voice that stopped me in my tracks. I was freaking out on the inside! I was thinking, "oh no, that's it, she's going to get fired. I like her!" That wasn't the case, though. It wasn't long for that student to change their behavior for good. After some time, that student would give Ms. Lynn hugs and little treats! (She didn't get fired) Day by day, I began to embody the way Ms. Lynn was firm but in a loving, nurturing way. That brings us to my point of this post. Teachers need to be okay with creating a firm/gentle balance for their class, but first, you must set the tone as well. ( Refer to Set The Tone)

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Objective: Readers will learn tips/tricks to a kind and firm approach in a classroom setting. 

In today's education industry, yelling or even raising your voice at students is a big no, no. The question remains the same for parents and teachers; how should we manage 25 some kids without being assertive? 

Teachers do not have to react to their student's behavior, neither kind or firm, but both. It's 2020, and teachers aren't going to get walked over anymore!  Teachers need to be okay with trying out a new approach, and I am saying this for the teachers who won't budge to the teachers that need a little bit of a backbone! 

Kids thrive when there is a respectful relationship between them and their teacher no matter what! It is okay to have a harmonious, safe atmosphere in the class, CONSISTENCY, and ACCOUNTABILITY when behavior gets out of hand, all the while the teacher is graceful and kind. 

 Here are some examples of  kind yet firm approach to show your students that there is a real understanding of their world and also for them to understand their teacher (you).  

https://www.positivediscipline.com/articles/kind-and-firm-teachers

https://www.kaganonline.com/about_us.php

Validate Feelings: "You don't want to do your homework because it frustrates you. We can set up a time to have a one-on-one meeting so we can figure out what's causing you trouble. How do you feel about that?" 

"I" Message: "You don't want to do your homework, and I don't want you to fail. Let's find time to talk about what you need to succeed." Follow through on a previously made agreement: "I noticed you didn't hand in your assignment on time, and what was our agreement about when it is due?" Kindly and quietly wait for the answer.

Provide a choice: "I know you would prefer to play games now, and it is quiet time. Would you like to put the toy in your backpack, or should I hold on to it for you?"

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The Humming Bird Effect Exit Reminders:

Aim for progress, not perfection when it comes to these approaches. Setting a consistent tone for your classroom while you work on your kind and firm positive discipline will set you on the journey to having an active and strong approach when it comes to managing your classroom. Your students depend on it, even if they don't know that!

[theteaching-blog1]

Setting The Tone For Your Class...

Hello!

The main inspiration comes from a deep fiery passion burning since the age of five. I wanted to teach! Little did I know at that age, I was deeply in love with managing a classroom. I looked around my room and realized I had my class.  I turned a play table into school desks, gathered an old coffee can for my sharp, quality number 2 pencils. I prepped some math problems on my whiteboard,  expected my two younger sisters to enter my pretend classroom quietly, and get to writing their names on their paper. My career took off from there. Growing up, I looked up to my father in many ways but mainly because he was an actual teacher. I was able to see the ins and outs of my future! I am a true believer that teachers must have an active approach when it comes to managing their classrooms. Your students depend on it, even if they don't know that! I wanted to share my passion with the world as I offer what classroom management tips and tricks that work for me. Side note- I am finishing my degree, and I am 85% there upon completion. I wanted to work with youth as I finish college. I have gained a lot of insight and knowledge working with youth!

Objective: Readers will be able to receive tips or tricks to add to their daily classroom management toolbox. The Hummingbird Effect (classroom management edition) will share Setting the Tone For Your Class. If you need this, you are highly encouraged to step away from your computer to get some snacks and refreshments!

Setting The Tone For Your Class

When you walk into a room full of goofy and noisy students, do they stop all nonsense and get quiet? Are you able to give a side-eye kind of look to a student laughing like a hyena, and they shut up? If you answered YES to both, then you have made it known that you set the tone! Maybe you answered no, and that is okay because the Hummingbird Effect has your teaching back!

At times, I don't feel like talking to a group of 11-12-year-olds. They are immature and think they know everything. Knowing that I can speak in front of them though with grace and spunk better than I can peers my age, says A LOT! Sure, I say a couple of prayers before they enter the room with their egos and whatnot! Once they have settled and take a seat, I IMMEDIATELY with a very firm as hell voice take roll.

Something in them shifts, and they know I am not playing. It's real crickets in that class as they say "here" with fear for what might happen next. It's the best! Then look up and smile at your kids. They don't know what to expect.  I set the tone from the moment they walked in. Am I fulfilling my theater prerequisite from college, why, of course, but sometimes acting helps the stress go away!

Next, I go over expectations and norms. I'll try to connect to their world for a little bit, get some laughs in, let them know a little something about myself. It will build a slow rapport, but your students will have an understanding of how you will run the classroom with a different light!

The Humming Bird Effect Exit Reminders:

You already have a presence for your class; at times, we need to polish up our strengths.

You are in full control, remember your “WHY”

Keep the atmosphere balanced.

SETTING THE TONE CAN BE DIFFICULT, PLEASE DON’T TAKE ANYTHING THAT YOUR STUDENTS SAY TO YOU PERSONALLY. STAND YOUR GROUND IN A HEALTHY WAY! YOU GOT THIS!

Setting the tone won’t happen over night. This is a skill that will only improve if you don’t give up on it! 

Your classroom management is going to thrive!