I have been working with three different teachers for my service learning hours. They all do things a little different but they all made their kids feel welcome. Some things I noted was they stood by their door in the morning and greeted their students by name as they came into the class room. Sometimes asking how their morning was or how an event went the night before. Something personal to show they know who they are and what they are doing. Another example is during a test the 6th grade teacher knew the kids that got over whelmed with to much reading or all the problems on the math test so she was ready with a paper to cover most of the paper so they would not get anxiety.
In the 6th grade class she made it about their behavior. When they were ready to start they would show her. However if it was taking to long there was a consequence like the time would come out of their recess. Another example was getting ready to go to lunch they could leave when they were quiet. She was very patience with them and didn't get angry or yell she just waited on them to make the choice.
In the 3rd grade I went into they are more structured and had a more set routine. During transitions she would tell them class in 2 minutes we will be moving on to math so lets finish up reading. So the kids were mentally prepared to move on. I know some kids don't do well with change but if you give them warning they can prepare themselves and not have a melt down. In my daycare we have a very structured day. We eat breakfast, go to school, play, do a project, read stories, pick up kids, eat lunch, movie time, play, snack, go home, We do the same thing every day in that order so the kids know what is coming next and when mommy comes.
I do choices all the time with my preschool kids. I took the love and logic classes (twice now) a few years ago and they taught me the importance of choices. I give choices I can live with and I give the kids as many as I can. This should stop the power struggles and when I need something done it should be less of a battle. Some examples in my classroom is do you want to go down to the toy room to play or stay up stairs and play with the babies? Would you like to sit by Susie or Sarah? Would you like the red mat or blue mat? Pick a blanket? Pick the movie? Then when I need them to do something they are much happier about it.
A positive class room idea I noticed were table parties. In third grade she allowed the kids to earn good behavior points but it had to be all four kids behaving to get the point. Then when the points were earned she would send a note home and then the kids could bring a treat to share with their table group. And then you could earn class points and go up against the teacher. The winner got extra recess or something cleaned in the classroom..
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