As this is my first year as a teacher, I want to know how to handle kids that say no always, for studies, for eating and for all the other activities. I fear other kids may also start saying no. Please advise.
First of congratulations for taking up this profession! First year is indeed a learning experience as in-class training is one of the best. You will have to take the realities into consideration when students say no for a lot of things. Many times they are just testing us and when you can reason with them, then they may give in.
How important are teachers in the development of a child in preschool?
This is a very important question. A teacher must ask herself everyday. Preschool is the age when children are very innocent and the teacher is very influential for them. Little positive impression have a great impact for lifetime.
I am taking care of children of age 5 to 6 years. I have few queries, one of which is : Using reward points in the classroom : - Does it create a wrong competitive environment among students? -Does it create a fear of failure, stress the child? - Should we do that or is it not advisable?
For the use of reward points, I would suggest that get a feel of the system being used for a few days. If the talk is positive and there is encouragement, then go on. If you see negativity then change the format.
What format will you suggest for a positive ,motivated and productive class?
A positive and productive class is created when the teacher shows a fine balance of firmness and flexibility. This is one of the most important skills a teacher must possess. The students must know what are the expectations of the teacher and when they connect well with the teacher then they are motivated to fulfill the expectations of the teacher. Show respect in all forms when dealing with a child of any age, they just sense it.
How should we acknowledge the child who is doing good? Stars and complimenting remarks sometimes suppress the slow performers, though it is encouraging for others.
The child who is doing good can be acknowledged by showcasing it in various forums like display of work, giving the child an opportunity to talk about it in front of others, sending a personal note to the child and the parents.
How to handle a child who seeks too much personal attention of the teacher?
This is one of the most popular question. The child who is an attention seeker does it for attention obviously. Once as a teacher you have identified this reality, then during class time the teacher must politely ask the child to come and meet the teacher after the class is over. This way you are giving a message that you have heard them, yet you are not wasting others time.
How to handle a child who is restless and does not sit in one place and wants to move all the time?
If the child is restless, talk to the child to understand the reason for this anxiety. If the child can articulate it then the child will feel at peace. If the child does not want to sit in one place, it could be due to sudden burst of energy, especially in very young kids. Let the energy be let out. The less you show that you are getting perturbed, the child will calm down quickly.
Sometimes the child is too affectionate toward teacher and feels that the teacher should also give equal importance to child all the time. In this class, how should a teacher make the child understand without hurting the feelings.
This is a tough one. The affection is a good thing, however you must show it equally to all.
I have few kids they are very good at activities but when comes to studies where they have to pay attention on board, it's very difficult. They just get lost somewhere. They sit politely but mind is somewhere else. In between we make a point to ask questions to them, to get their attention.
All children have different learning styles. Some who are good in activities have a natural preference of learning by doing. They are kinesthetic learners, hence listening actively may not be their choice.
Being a playgroup teacher sometimes we have to let go of what the child does in the school. How do we convey message to parents to take care of their kids. For eg- watching TV and songs which they imitate from visuals.
When you see a child imitating something which you thing must be discussed with the parents, call them seperately and talk to them about the observation. Please refrain from giving your opinion.
What are the different means of punishments that can be given by a teacher to misbehaved students.
The best punishment for misbehaviour is to make a child write about the incident on a paper. It is the best self reflection as the child is going through the same incident again and sees it from a different perspective. If the child is very young then narrate the incident. They can also be asked to draw to show how they felt at that time. It is a good means of communicating your feelings.
How do we handle classroom issues, where in students group up to trouble meek students.
This is called bullying. This must be dealt with strictly and in a mature way. Call the bully and talk straight about what was observed. Bullys are generally insecure when alone. Their power comes from the group which is around. In the same breath, talk to the other child to understand their fear and give open support for them to feel confident.
Incase students still continue to misbehave on several others, what should be done?
There is no magic pill. Arrogance can seep in as they grow up. Try to point that out when observed, so the message is clear that such things are not going to be tolerated.
My son gets good marks in subjects which are taught by teachers who are nice. Other subjects taught by strict teachers or teachers who are not nice to him he doesn't score. How do I change this?
This is a very nice example of psychology of learning ! Teachers who connect well with students are the most impactful teachers. The child becomes very receptive and automatically the child wants to learn more. They feel comfortable asking doubts and there is a free communication between the teacher and the taught. You can only talk to the teacher, if the child is fearful or else the disconnect will increase. Also check with the teacher what your child is doing to make them upset. Once the reason is known, solutions will follow.
How do I handle my daughter. She cries for small things. As a parent we try to make her understand not to cry. She is 4 years old.
She is too young. That could be her way of conveying annoyance.
Netre Kulkarni – How Teachers Should Improve Student Relationship
Netre Kulkarni is an educationist by profession. She is a qualified trained senior professional with extensive global experience of 14 years in various leadership roles.
About Netre Kulkarni
She has a certified Diploma in Educational leadership from Cambridge University, UK and has received the certificate of eligibility in Mathematics from New Jersey, USA.
Her expertise lie in dealing with issues among children as parents, removing or dealing with exam anxiety in children and parents as partners with school.
Netre Kulkarni is skilled in Requirements Analysis, Coaching, Classroom Management, Lesson Planning, and Educational Technology. She has been involved in short and long term strategic planning and management tasks.
She is responsible for quality assurance and constantly encouraging to implement new developments in the curriculum. Her key strengths are strategic planning, curriculum development, leadership and staff training , project management, decision making and adaptability. She is highly appreciated for her interpersonal skills and conflict management.
The Session
Netre Kulkarni – How Teachers Should Improve Student Relationship will be the topic where she will be taking the session at 5To15 event.