A repost:
Kristen ND Wolf shares:
I too have struggled with classroom management, like we all have. The Invisibles have been my saving grace. They naturally build a sense of community and respect. I love how Tina suggested going slow at first and being patient with yourself. I also need to remember this! Sometimes I jump in too quickly. This year has been better for me than any other. Things are truly starting to click like never before. Two things I do to build relationships and to get student & parent buy-in:
1. I write postcards to students and send these home. This has been HUGE! Sometimes the parents see the cards first and get to read your positive messages about that individual and they know their child is with a teacher who cares deeply. Before I know it, I have parents who tell their children to come to me with their problems at school, because they know their child feels safe with me and I will address their issues in a respectful way. They know they are able to make mistakes with me and learn from them. That is my aim….
2. I have started having lunch with one or two students everyday, when time allows. It helps me to focus on those few and build my relationship with them, and then it catches like wildfire. If they know they can talk honestly to an adult in the school, they will always have my back inside and out of class.
I try to build my relationships first, and then add things in. It takes time, which is so very precious. I follow many of the guidelines and principles of Dr. Gordon Neufeld and his developmental psychology strategies. He has worked with adjudicated youth and left a lasting impression in his field in Canada. Many think that Dr. Neufeld appears weak or spineless, yet it is in the work of our relationships where our greatest power resides.
I love the old Chinese proverb “Don’t mistake my mercy for weakness.”
Here is a link to Dr. Neufeld:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UlMkWJY5T_w&t=6s