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Learning Styles

Maybe the most difficult aspect of teaching is having the ability to teach in different ways to make sure that all different types of learners understand the subject. There are three main types of learners: visual, aural, and kinesthetic.

Visual learners use images and techniques to remember concepts and ideas. Visual learners tend to learn best when using graphs, concept maps, illustrations.

Aural learners learn best when information is given orally. Aural learners like to hear lectures, speeches, and discussions. They also have a hard time comprehending what they read when they are in silence, background noise is needed in order to understand written work.

Kinesthetic learners learn by experiencing what they are supposed to learn. Kinesthetic learners like to do activities and usually discover things on their own when actively participating. They usually do well with chemistry experiments, sports, and acting.

Since children learn very differently, it is important that teachers also teach in different ways. A lesson can be split up into different parts so each child has an opportunity for learn. For example, you could do an activity, write down the information you learned, and then have a discussion about the topic. By doing so, you present the information kinesthetically, visually, and aurally.

Classroom Management Techniques

Elementary school students may not always be perfectly well behaved or on-task, but having some classroom rules or routines that show children what is expected of them is helpful. There are many ways that a teacher can incorporate these classroom management techniques into the normal day without taking too much time away from the lesson.

Signals, both visual or verbal, are probably the easiest ways to get childrens attention. In order to achieve this, the signal must be discussed with the students on the first day so they know what to expect and what they should do when the signal is given. When a signal is given, students should be quiet, listening, and have their eyes on the teacher. For example, when the students get too loud or off task, you could simply turn off the lights. As long as students know what this means they should settle down. Some other signals include putting your hand in the air, ringing a bell, or saying something like "1-2-3 eyes on me!" Once students get used to the signal, they will naturally respond by being quiet.

Rewards and Consequences is a very effective classroom management technique. When students show positive or negative behavior they either get a reward or a consequence. It is best when you have a set of classroom rules prepared to give them guidelines. The stop light technique is becoming increasingly more popular for younger children. For this, teachers make a stop light and give each student a clothespin or magnet with their name on it with each student starting on green. When they break a rule, they move their name to yellow, and if they do it again, to red. There are then consequences for those who are on red, or rewards for those who are on green. This can be modified for older grades by putting their name on the board if they break a rule and then check marks everytime they get in trouble, three strikes and you're out. Sticker charts to reward good behavior can be used for younger children.

Some rewards could be: a prize, extra recess time, time on the computer, or free time.

Some consequences could be: time out, no recess, call home, or Principal's office.

These ideas and others can be found at http://www.k6edu.com/.

How to Create a Lesson Plan

Lesson plans are a major part of teaching and will be encountered by every teacher. Being able to write an effective lesson plan contributes to a well-organized learning activity. There are ten major steps that are needed to create a lesson plan, according to www.thelessonplanspage.com.

1. First, you have to figure out what topic or lesson you want to teach. You should use your state standards to help develop an appropriate lesson for the grade and subject you are teaching. When you have your lesson topic, you should make a clear title for your lesson plan.

2. Based on your topic, develop clear objectives for your lesson. These should include what you would like your students to learn from this topic, or what they should be able to do after you teach them the lesson.

3. What materials do you need for this lesson? Be specific so if someone else needs to do this lesson they will know exactly what is required. Also, make sure you include EVERYTHING that is needed, even writing utensils, etc.

4. You can also include an introduction into the lesson to get the children excited about the topic. This can be a discussion or a short activity that leads into the lesson activity.

5. Next, you will write out the activity step-by-step. These steps need to be detailed, and should include what the teacher will say or ask and how the students should respond.

6. Students should now have time to practice the concept on their own or with a partner. By doing so, they will master the concept before the assessment phase.

7. Give the lesson some closure by relating what they have learned back to their own life or the introductory discussion that was done before the activity.

8. Now, students should be assessed on the lesson to see if the objectives were reached or not. These evaluations can come in many different forms, but all need to be able to measure students' knowledge of the topic.

9. Make sure to make accomodations for students with learning disabilities or special needs. This should be done on an individual basis so there are specific adaptations for specific students.

10. Show how the lesson could be connected to another subject. For example, how could a Math lesson help teach Art or Music? Doing so will make your lesson plan even more valuable.

www.thelessonplanspage.com has many great resources for teachers. There are tons of pre-made lesson plans and other resources that would be helpful for any teacher.

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