I told them my motto on the first day I taught: "Sometimes we're serious and sometimes we have fun, but we always learn and we always get the job done."
I've had to pull that out a couple times lately, because they forget sometimes we have to be "serious." 5th graders REALLY like to "goof off" and play games with each other often. Sometimes it's hilarious and funny and I go with it, but other times we really just have to get our work done!
On my drive home today, I was thinking of good ideas for more positive reinforcement. I don't want to get caught up and keep saying, "Don't do this! Don't do that! Don't touch that! Quit licking your desk!" I know in my heart it's not the best way to teach and manage a classroom, but it's SO easy to fall into... I think I did just that today. Felt like I was walking around and constantly POLICING everyone making sure they were staying on task instead of helping them LEARN. I thought the system I had set up would help the KIDS do that for each other... but it doesn't seem to be working.
Anyway, my goal is ultimately for the kids to learn, not necessarily stay on task, but that is a big part! If they are doing the activity I asked them to do, they should be learning. But I know it's a big job when you have a class full of different types of learners. I'm working on trying to hit a variety of learning styles!
And my goal is not necessarily for them to like me, although I really want them to. I know they already do, but I have to watch and make sure they don't use that to THEIR advantage :)
In closing, I'm trying to live by my own personal teaching motto: "They don't care how much you know until they know how much you care."
And I care about them, I do. A lot.
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