Teacher Rockstar Academy

Learn more about Social Emotional Learning. Search YouTube, Edutopia, or We Are Teachers, with the following terms for videos and articles on SEL:

Social Emotional Learning, Emotion and Learning, SEL in the Classroom

Respond to the following questions:

• What are some strategies for teaching SEL?
• How do you see yourself integrating SEL into your classroom routines?
• How will you model SEL for your students?
• How does including SEL into the day communicate a teacher’s expectations of his/her students?

Watch the following video: 

Growth Mindset

After you watch the video, answer the following questions:

• Do you have a growth mindset?
• Have you ever experienced a situation in which you had a fixed mindset?
• Why do you think it is important to your students to have a growth mindset?
• How can you encourage a growth mindset in your students?
• How can you incorporate growth mindset into social emotional learning?
• How does a fixed or growth mindset communicate a teacher’s expectations of his/her students?

Create an activity that will introduce growth mindset to your students.

Here are some great kid-friendly videos available on YouTube to help you along

Power of Yet – Sesame Street
Developing a Growth Mindset! – Dr. Nagler’s Laboratory
What Growth Mindset Means for Kids | Rebecca Chang – TEDxTalks

Develop a positive classroom management system that includes individual and class motivators. Take some time to search the following websites for ideas:

Pinterest
Edutopia

Use search terms like:

• Positive Classroom Motivators
• Classroom Motivation
• Student Motivation

Then think about what motivates you as a learner. Your own learning experiences can be valuable in this process and help you connect to the system you are using.

Search Edutopia or We Are Teachers, with the following terms for videos and articles on Logical Consequences and Classroom Management.

Logical Consequences for the Classroom Consequences

Consequences in Classroom Management

After researching, develop your own list of consequences for common classroom misbehaviors. As you are working on your list, ask yourself the following questions:

• Is the consequence logical for the discrepancy?
• Will you be able to enforce this consequence with 100% consistency?
• How will you avoid overuse of the consequence?
• Are there alternatives you can employ in case the consequence does not work?
• Are your consequences in line with those required by your school?
• How do logical consequences communicate a teacher’s expectations of his/her students?

Unfortunately, there are times when the parents and the teacher do not see eye to eye. In these situations, it is important to remain professional, respectful, and calm. Remember, you are working with what is most precious to them…. their child. Emotions will be high on their part, but often, with patience and frequent communication, most issues can be resolved.

Imagine you are dealing with a parent who is upset. How will you handle it? Imagine that a parent contacts you, upset that you enforced a consequence for classroom behavior. Practice writing a response to the parent. In your response remember to be respectful, mindful you are dealing with their child, and that you stick to the facts. Many times, having a response prepared in advance can help navigate tricky situations.