Teaching is a combination of the science and the art of the preparation and delivery.
When I’ve asked kids what makes a “super teacher” in their eyes, they typically identify teachers who really LIKE them.
They don’t call it rapport, but that’s exactly what it is.
This is what I see in their classrooms:
- They add bits and pieces of joy regularly. Like they’re really liberal with their use of it. The pencil sharpening is “fun” because it’s done with purpose.
- Teach with enthusiasm. Like they’re REALLY happy to teach things like, ugh, GRAMMAR and, eek, SPELLING.
- Connect with students. Like they really like their kids. They actually talk with them – not in a “listen so that this story can be over quickly dismissive kind of way”.
I know that you have so much to do in a day – the pressures are high – the administration is riding you that the scores are never high enough.
But in spite of all of that, I have a question that I really want you to take time to think about. Like really, really think about: if someone were sitting in the balcony of your classroom and watching your performance, what would they see?
Joy is contagious and a great motivator for the teacher and students! Oh, and it has reaches far beyond just being “happy” at school…it is a BIG part of increasing those scores.
I’ve given you a list of the types of things that I see and hear in joyful classrooms. Adopt some of these as your own…
- “Tristan, let’s have your group share with us now…”
- “Stephen, remember when you told us about XYZ last week? This is like that…”
- “Good job guys! Excellent work.”
- “Yes! We got it right!”
- “I knew you could do it…”
- “Let’s watch Tabitha as she shows us…”
- “You are excellent!”
- ”I know you’re working hard…”
- “You’re tired, but you can do this!”
- “Let’s not let this work get the best of us…”
- “Thank you so much for your hard work…”
- “I am so excited to see you…”
- “Let’s try it this way and see if we get better results…”
- “Turn to your partner and tell them ‘you’re great!’”
I know there are many of our readers who have perfected the art of a joyful classroom. Visit our Facebook page right now and share your “joy tricks”. I want to learn from YOU!