4 answers
Natalie
Student
Ely, Minnesota
5
Questions
Asked
489 views
How do I become a good Elementary teacher?
How do I become a good Elementary teacher? What are some techniques to help the kids view you as a fun teacher?
4 answers
Jerry Tingstad
Professor/middle school teacher/48 years
95
Answers
New York, New York
Updated
Jerry’s Answer
Ely MN. Have I answered you prior to this or are you another from that area interested in elementary education? As I was growing up I spent my summers in the Cook area and spent time in Ely.
At any rate, I admire you for your desire to work with the smaller/younger end of the population.
A few suggestions:
1. Choose a decent school of education. If you wish to stay in the state, University of Minnesota would probably have a decent department of education. Not sure where UMD is at at the moment. But pieces of paper mean a lot.
2. Take your practice teaching seriously and make sure your supervisor(s) take the time to answer your questions. I assume you will have many if you're serious. And, in my opinion, your questions should relate to student motivation. Your supervisor's evaluation also means a lot.
3. Be careful of the latest educational "theory". Much of this relates to journal writing and presentations at conferences. And for some, paid consulting. I wouldn't argue with it, just take it for what it is and move on in your university education. Your practice teaching and consulting with your supervisor(s) are, in most cases, more important. And your own experiences with the students.
4. And now to the crux of teaching. Again in my opinion. Being a "fun teacher" is not really going to help students (at any age) develop educationally. Students have to respect their teacher. If you can manage that, then they will want you to respect them. And for you to respect them it will take them on an educational journey of hard work and academic production. And they will grow. And you letting them know how well they are doing will encourage them to move on and on. (There will always be some who will not buy into the "program". Under normal conditions the rest of the class will take care of them. If that doesn't work out, make sure you have a professional to help you.) I've had countless students tell me that I made them grow further than they ever thought possible. No. They developed themselves and went further than they ever thought they could go. All I did was set the conditions for them to develop for themselves. An educational adventure.
5. Take a day now and again to do something different. In the area of fun. A contest?
6. Computers and laptops to a minimum if any. Books and paper. There are numerous articles out there at the moment regarding electronics.
7. And last. Beginning the first day of class tell your charges that you're all in this together. It's not YOU and THEM. You're all ONE. If you can convince them of that in the first two weeks you're on your way. All of you, But if you can't convince them within the first weeks, you will have to look forward to a struggle. If all you want to be is a "fun teacher" it's not gong to work. In my opinion.
At any rate, I admire you for your desire to work with the smaller/younger end of the population.
A few suggestions:
1. Choose a decent school of education. If you wish to stay in the state, University of Minnesota would probably have a decent department of education. Not sure where UMD is at at the moment. But pieces of paper mean a lot.
2. Take your practice teaching seriously and make sure your supervisor(s) take the time to answer your questions. I assume you will have many if you're serious. And, in my opinion, your questions should relate to student motivation. Your supervisor's evaluation also means a lot.
3. Be careful of the latest educational "theory". Much of this relates to journal writing and presentations at conferences. And for some, paid consulting. I wouldn't argue with it, just take it for what it is and move on in your university education. Your practice teaching and consulting with your supervisor(s) are, in most cases, more important. And your own experiences with the students.
4. And now to the crux of teaching. Again in my opinion. Being a "fun teacher" is not really going to help students (at any age) develop educationally. Students have to respect their teacher. If you can manage that, then they will want you to respect them. And for you to respect them it will take them on an educational journey of hard work and academic production. And they will grow. And you letting them know how well they are doing will encourage them to move on and on. (There will always be some who will not buy into the "program". Under normal conditions the rest of the class will take care of them. If that doesn't work out, make sure you have a professional to help you.) I've had countless students tell me that I made them grow further than they ever thought possible. No. They developed themselves and went further than they ever thought they could go. All I did was set the conditions for them to develop for themselves. An educational adventure.
5. Take a day now and again to do something different. In the area of fun. A contest?
6. Computers and laptops to a minimum if any. Books and paper. There are numerous articles out there at the moment regarding electronics.
7. And last. Beginning the first day of class tell your charges that you're all in this together. It's not YOU and THEM. You're all ONE. If you can convince them of that in the first two weeks you're on your way. All of you, But if you can't convince them within the first weeks, you will have to look forward to a struggle. If all you want to be is a "fun teacher" it's not gong to work. In my opinion.
Thanks SO much!
Natalie
Raphael Gamon
private chef
2
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Raphael’s Answer
To any questions about “how do I become good…” my go-to response is right in the questions. Become good at it.
If you want to become efficient you study and adapt the techniques that others do… if you want to become successful, you work hard and long and earn a great salary…
But if you wanna be good you have to be happy with what you do, not just copy others or do it for money: you become good because you love what you do.
From that perspective anyone in your elementary class will love to learn from you. A few even will strive to be happy as you and that’s how you become good!
If you want to become efficient you study and adapt the techniques that others do… if you want to become successful, you work hard and long and earn a great salary…
But if you wanna be good you have to be happy with what you do, not just copy others or do it for money: you become good because you love what you do.
From that perspective anyone in your elementary class will love to learn from you. A few even will strive to be happy as you and that’s how you become good!
Your advice was so helpful!
Natalie
Gemanah Rubenstein
Licensed Massage Therapist
3
Answers
Austin, Texas
Updated
Gemanah’s Answer
Hi there!
It's fantastic that you're striving to be a fun-loving educator, aiming to make learning an enjoyable and easy experience for the little ones. Children are naturally intuitive and live in the present moment, qualities that we should emulate as adults. To transform yourself into a fun teacher, try to be genuine, engage with current trends like popular TV shows to decorate your classroom and initiate engaging conversations. Explore and master new games that you can introduce and play with them. Be fully present, let your imagination run wild, and foster a sense of creativity. As adults, we often lose touch with our playful side, so reconnecting with that carefree spirit and not taking life too seriously can help you become a more enjoyable figure. Enhancing your storytelling skills can also be a game-changer. Children adore adventures, and if you can turn every lesson into an exciting journey, you've got the magic key!
It's fantastic that you're striving to be a fun-loving educator, aiming to make learning an enjoyable and easy experience for the little ones. Children are naturally intuitive and live in the present moment, qualities that we should emulate as adults. To transform yourself into a fun teacher, try to be genuine, engage with current trends like popular TV shows to decorate your classroom and initiate engaging conversations. Explore and master new games that you can introduce and play with them. Be fully present, let your imagination run wild, and foster a sense of creativity. As adults, we often lose touch with our playful side, so reconnecting with that carefree spirit and not taking life too seriously can help you become a more enjoyable figure. Enhancing your storytelling skills can also be a game-changer. Children adore adventures, and if you can turn every lesson into an exciting journey, you've got the magic key!
This is great advice! Thank you!
Natalie
Amy Aguilar
Administration, Program Development, and Coaching
2
Answers
Houston, Texas
Updated
Amy’s Answer
Hello Natalie,
Embarking on the path of education is like setting sail on a voyage of discovery and personal growth. Your first year may feel like you're swimming against the tide, striving to stay afloat while fulfilling your responsibilities as a teacher. But remember, it's okay not to have all the answers or to match the expertise of a seasoned teacher. Don't be shy to ask questions or seek a mentor if you haven't been assigned one.
Your key mission is to foster a strong bond with your students and their parents or guardians. This isn't an overnight process, but a journey. Discover ways to resonate with your students and their parents. You could use surveys to understand their interests and preferences, and consistently provide feedback throughout the year, especially at the end of each grading cycle.
When imparting knowledge, incorporate activities that encourage interaction and teamwork. At the end of each lesson, ask your students about their learnings, their favorite parts, and any areas they'd like to revisit. This collaborative approach reinforces their sense of belonging and active participation in their learning journey.
Involve parents by offering tutorials, like in math, to aid them in assisting their children with homework, or invite them to join in on planned activities. Make it a point to call each parent, acknowledging and celebrating their child's unique qualities or achievements.
In my three decades of teaching and administration, I've found that establishing an authentic, consistent, and trustworthy connection with both students and parents is the cornerstone of a vibrant, safe learning environment where every student can thrive.
Reflect on the teachers who had a significant impact on your life. What set them apart from the rest? By being a transformative influence in your students' lives, you're paying tribute to those who shaped your own journey. Remember, you're not just a teacher, but a difference-maker. Keep shining!
Embarking on the path of education is like setting sail on a voyage of discovery and personal growth. Your first year may feel like you're swimming against the tide, striving to stay afloat while fulfilling your responsibilities as a teacher. But remember, it's okay not to have all the answers or to match the expertise of a seasoned teacher. Don't be shy to ask questions or seek a mentor if you haven't been assigned one.
Your key mission is to foster a strong bond with your students and their parents or guardians. This isn't an overnight process, but a journey. Discover ways to resonate with your students and their parents. You could use surveys to understand their interests and preferences, and consistently provide feedback throughout the year, especially at the end of each grading cycle.
When imparting knowledge, incorporate activities that encourage interaction and teamwork. At the end of each lesson, ask your students about their learnings, their favorite parts, and any areas they'd like to revisit. This collaborative approach reinforces their sense of belonging and active participation in their learning journey.
Involve parents by offering tutorials, like in math, to aid them in assisting their children with homework, or invite them to join in on planned activities. Make it a point to call each parent, acknowledging and celebrating their child's unique qualities or achievements.
In my three decades of teaching and administration, I've found that establishing an authentic, consistent, and trustworthy connection with both students and parents is the cornerstone of a vibrant, safe learning environment where every student can thrive.
Reflect on the teachers who had a significant impact on your life. What set them apart from the rest? By being a transformative influence in your students' lives, you're paying tribute to those who shaped your own journey. Remember, you're not just a teacher, but a difference-maker. Keep shining!
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