Classroom Management is very important. If you do not have basic classroom management skills, than it can be extremely difficult to complete most tasks. That being said, it is not the only important element of a productive and happy classroom environment.

My philosophy is that every student has many different strengths as well as weaknesses, that need to be recognized and embraced by the teacher accordingly. Those weaknesses should not be viewed as negative, but encouraged to be worked through, and the teacher needs to be there for full support. I understand that a teacher’s life is busy, but I do believe that demonstrating effort in this area makes all the difference to a student’s outlook on school, and on the student-teacher relationship. I believe, that if a teacher takes the time to focus on each student’s individuality, than they will end up making their job as a teacher easier. As mentioned above, classroom management is something to be considered in terms of bringing theatre into the room with younger children. In my experience so far with my grade three/four combined class, the kids get wound up when I mention that we will be playing theatre games at the end of the day. This means that I need to discover ways to keep them focused and well behaved, while they are in a space that encourages play and excitement.

I remember being a chatty and high-energy child, and the teachers who took the time to recognize my needs, and foster those needs accordingly are the teachers I remember having the strongest and most positive relationships with. For example, when I was in grade 1 and 2, I had the same teacher. She was firm, but loving, and did not tolerate my disruptive chatter. However, she gave me opportunities to apply my outgoing and strong personality, by encouraging me to use my energy in creative ways in the classroom. She could sense my love for performance, and fostered that by suggesting various presentations and reading aloud in front of the class.