113: Classroom Management-Withitness & Emotional Objectivity, part 2

This is a conclusion of a two part series concerning withitness and emotional objectivity. Click here to check out part one. Good classroom management requires the teacher to become emotionally objective. This doesn't mean that you don't connect with the kids, but it does mean that you get control of the part of you that might start believeing that everything the kid does is to get under your skin. Too often adults working with kids can easily get fixated on the idea that a kid does everything at or toward the teacher. For example, not getting his homework done, failing to be on time to class, getting into arguments with other students, or simply not following classroom procedures. This type of thinking can drive you batty. It ultimately can drive some adults to the point to be angry at the world, see every student behavior as an issue and become completely grumpy about every misbehavior.  As a result, the teacher may actually develop what appears to be a grudge against one particular student. You know what I mean. If a name is going to be called, it's Evan's or Rita's. Even if he was quiet at that time of the class, one little seemingly touch or move across the line and whammo!!  Evan! Rita!  His or her name is announced. Hmmm...This is not good. At this point the teacher may need to have an attitude adjustment. Simply speaking it is time to watch something funny. Talk with another adult who can make you laugh or seek guidance in dealing with the issues that are causing you pain in the upcoming class. One of my favorite ways of adjusting my focus is to watch something funny like an episode of Gilligan's Island or Home Improvement and even Last Man Standing. It is important that each class have us at our best. No one is perfect. So when there are those aspects of kid's behaviors that get you twisted and torn or wanting to avoid dealing with the issues (which is just as bad as getting angry) find that tool that will help you calm yourself.  I often play soccer with the kids at lunch or after school. I also play my trumpet with the marching band. Each of these tools work like a charm. I start seeing kids back as a kids instead of accidents waiting to happen or trouble in the making. My all time way to get myself refocused was by taking a ride in the golf cart/ Nothing like a few minutes of fresh air to readjust your attitude.  Keep in mind that classroom management requires the teacher to not only be in tune with what the kids are doing (withitness) but to also become emotionally objective so that every little thing doesn't start bothering you. Letting go of any and all negative feelings you may have developed about a kid and how she will act in class today is a must so that every day or class is a new chance. Additional Resources: Emotional Objectivity PDF The Mental Set PDF Sample from Classroom Management That Works Additional info from Classroom Management That Works Amazon page for Classroom Management That Works Length: 18:03