Professional reading - The Do's and Don'ts of teaching - 10 mistakes a rookie should avoid

Gary Rubinstein

Rules are import, especially for a new teacher. There is nothing wrong with negative rules, i.e no talking. Clarity is what is needed.

1. Don't try to teach too much in one day

Linked with having high expectations. Rushed lesson are often not received will by students and therefore need to be re-taught. Better to stretch a long lesson over two days rather than squeeze it into one.

Reflection - Do I try to fit too much into my days? At reading time there are a lot of tasks that the children are expected to get through. Quite often children do not complete all tasks. By doing this am i demonstrating that it is OK to start something and not finish? One of our class expectations is to complete work to the best of our ability. Looking forward - reduce number of tasks, emphasise high standards, celebrate students that complete work to a high standard.

2. Don't teach a lesson without a student activity

New teachers often plan chronologically - opening exercise - direct instructions - discussion - questions - student activity. As a result, the most important part of the lesson, the student activity is not adequately planned for. Start planning with this first. We can wing direct instruction. Students tune out with too much talking.

Reflection - Do I spend enough time planning my student activities so that they are interesting and engaging? When I plan I still spend a lot of time planning the direct instruction part of my lessons as I want to make sure that students are fully aware of what the learning is and what the expectations are for their learning. It also gives me confidence which comes across in my delivery. This does not mean I neglect spending time planning the student activity. Over time I anticipate the level and time spent planning direct instruction will reduce as my knowledge and confidence grows.

3. Don't send kids to the office.

Doesn't work

4. Don't allow students to shout out the answers

dominant/intelligent kids take over preventing others students the opportunity to process the question.

Reflection - Do my kids call out too much? one of our class expectations is to raise our hand before talking. I have re-enforced this more of late, allowing plenty of wait time to enable all students to have a go at the answer. Students know that it is not OK to call out answers and what will happen if they do.

5. Don't make tests too hard

obvious

6. Don't be indecisive

when a student asks a questions you have 3 seconds to pause, consider the question then answer yes or no. There is no wrong answer, only a wrong way of saying it. You can reverse bad decisions that next day, most important thing is that you are decisive about it.

Reflection - Am I decisive with my decision making? Not always. i think sometimes I come across slightly indecisive/unsure when making a decision. I will resolve to be more forceful and decisive when making a decision. Don't be rash though!

7. Don't tell a student that you are calling home.

Keep this info to yourself. Warning a student gives them the opportunity to warn the parents prior and will continue to misbehave to show their mates that they don't care. Also, if you cant cal home for whatever reason you look like you don't follow through.

I need to remember this! Next time I have a student sent to buddy class and a letter sent home I will accompany the letter with a telephone call.

8. Don't try to be a buddy.

Students need to know the line.

Reflection - Do my students know the line? do they know that I am not their friend, but their teacher?

My natural instincts are to be friendly and get to know people - its just who i am. I just need to be mindful that when I am interacting with students that they are clear what the expectations and consequences are.

9. Don't dress too casually.

10. Don't babble

Choose your words carefully - don't speak too fast.

Reflection - Sometimes I am guilty of speaking too fast. I have to remember to slow it down to ensure that my communication is clear.