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Make Sure Children's Behaviour Is 'Marked' Like Maths And Science...
I guess that showing kids their behaviour's ok by covering them with ticks is out of the question - it's ok for maths and science books. Rules probably exist to say teachers can't write on the kids... reasonable I suppose.
What I want to think about is what's going on when a child's work is marked. It's letting them know what they've done right. Also you're letting it be known that you appreciate they've tried their best in their lessons and that they're able to understand the subject at a particular level. The children will know what they have to do to move to a better level of understanding in a subject.
It's equally important that children (and the teacher) know when something is wrong. It could be through making a mistake, misunderstanding a concept, not listening well enough or not making sufficient effort in class. Marking work will make sure any misconceptions can be sorted out, either with more input or consolidation exercises.
Needless to say I'm not one of these people who thinks you shouldn't mark work that's incorrect. If something's wrong it can be put right - an important lesson in life. What I don't do is mark a full page with crosses if I see a child just 'hasn't got it'. But it still has to be done over again once the child understands. I always say to the children that I'm fine with them not understanding something - that could be down to me not explaining it very well or it's just an area of work they find difficult. But don't expect me to be too happy with them if they're just not making enough effort. That's not acceptable.
So what's this to do with children's behaviour and managing children's behaviour in the classroom? Well, they need to know when their behaviour is right and also when it's wrong. You can't just assume that children understand what you want from them. You have to make it very clear and regularly reinforce your expectations. Many children, particularly the very young, when asked how they have to behave will simply say that they have to 'be good'. Their definition of good behaviour may be contrary to yours! But behaviour isn't taught as a discreet subject like maths or science. Successful behaviour management and classroom control is minute to minute throughout the day- you should always be vigilant and ready to 'mark the children's behaviour'.
Effective behaviour management isn't difficult. When you're getting the techniques right managing behaviour is really quite easy - but you have to know what to do from the outset to ensure high standards of behaviour in your classroom and school. Nothing else should do - it's too easy to lower expectations of behaviour to those demanded by some of the children - but, as seen in so many schools that's the path to chaos. Remember that it's the adults who should set the behaviour standards, not the children! Behaviour Bible tells you how...
About the Author Liz Marsden is a behaviour management expert who deals daily with potentially extreme behaviour. She trains teachers, trainee teachers and teaching assistants, increasing their skills in teaching management. Liz's highly recommended book, Behaviour Bible offers invaluable advice. Read about her daily experiences in mainstream teachings and gain further advice and insight into Liz's work.
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