366. This is the way I see my students!


One day teacher A said to a rookie teacher, "... discipline, yup, essential. For your summer camp of English, in regular classrooms in a school.
Some basic tips.
They will put you to the test.
Keep cool, do not lose your temper.
Wait for the adolescents to sit down and be quiet.
Say nothing, just gaze at them, at each of them. Tell someone or do a signal for him to sit and focus. Wave your hand, gently. Don't worry you are nervous. Be serious, you aren't their buddie.
These pieces of advice are not complete: they are some basic points.
Start one activity, a simple one. Give clear instructions. Expect from them, from one of them any response.
Soon you'll note who the high-achievers are, and the smart cookies. Accept any reply or answer, though it may be not very good. Stop talking whenever you notice any spark of disruption.
The first class is crucial.
Also the next day's one.
If one activity doesn't work and it gets into a bore, be flexible and change into the next one. Exploit the one that is working fine: that's the moment to gain them, to connect with them, to hold a nice conversation or at least a nice conducting of the class. Feel satisfied. They will adapt to your way of teaching. Keep what works, discard what doesn't work. Denounce what is wrong. Don't scream, and less to the whole group as if it would be a mass of lions. Be easy, be easy.
They see you are nervous, even shivering, but tentatively they will respect your commitment, your sincere commitment for every of them.
When you commit an error: don't care, no problem they see you are improving the class. And if this stuff I just explained to you turns out to be dreadful... Then, yes: bring your KC-47 next day, and your kevlar helmet maybe...
Oh - I'm not kidding right now: learn their names and introduce yourself." Photo from static2 elespectador com

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