The thing that made the biggest impression on me was focusing on the individual. One of my favorite video clips was of the teacher who met each of his students at the classroom door. He shook their hand and asked each of them a question about the material they were learning about in class. I feel like the personal contact teachers have with their students makes a big difference in the learning environment. I noticed, as I walked through the halls of the elementary school I volunteered at, that teachers stood at the door to say good bye to their students at the end of every day. They would shake hands with, give hugs to, and just spend a little time with each student. I makes for a warm environment. The principal opens the front doors every morning and says hello to all the children. He has made it a point to get to know every child's name.
I enjoyed the section on classroom management and learning environments. In the classroom that I volunteered in, she uses 'bunny money' and a teacher's store in helping with classroom management. The children love it. the lowest priced item is 5 bunny money for a tootsie roll. She keeps the item costs high, but also gives out the money regularly to encourage good behavior. It seems to work well, and she gets the results she is looking for.
This was a great class for me. I learned so much and had a wonderful time in the classroom.
