No classroom is perfect. Any educator can tell you that; but our friend and Jewish educator Diane Zimmerman can help you establish routines to guide your learners.
When students push the limits (and your patience) what do you do?
Diane's number one key is to base your reminders on clearly established expectations.
When students are lacking respectful listening skills, reinforce your rules with discussion. Reminding your students to be respectful and following with a discussion helps students express their thoughts on the importance of listening while their classmates are speaking.
The teacher can then represent interactive modeling. After the discussion the teacher is setting an example of respectful listening. Ask students what it looked like; where was the teacher looking, was the teacher speaking, notice how the teacher raised her/his hand when it was their turn to speak.
Step two is to practice. During quiet learning times an educator can express gratefulness for respective listening. Taking a moment to remark, "I feel respected. What were you doing that made me feel respected?" reminds students to follow the rules and is a positive reinforcement for their actions.
Good listening skills is just one part that makes a learning space successful. For more great tips and good stories follow Diane Zimmerman's blog here.
Diane Zimmerman is the Assistant Head of Education Department at Temple Sinai in Washington D.C.
