Creating a Positive Atmosphere (Ch 2)

Teacher Characteristics

What were some of the qualities of your favorite teacher from your K-12 experiences (list 4 in your notes).– Instructor examples from file

Positive Characteristics of Teachers

“Withitness” Anticipate problems Good planners/teachers Enthusiastic/enjoyed teaching Used authoritative style - balances permissive and

militaristic styles– Don’t be on the extreme– Why? Easier to start strict and loosen up (make friends

along the way) Are liked by their students but are always the teacher

and not a friend. Care about students

Teacher Actions

Mistakes-OK-Here-Zone– Learning does involve mistakes.– IT’S normal-an important part of learning.

The “yet” intervention (Stillman, Strategies)– When a students “I can’t,” add “yet” on the end.– Tell them to try the skill 37 times and if it can’t be

done, then accept that the student can’t do it yet.

Positive Aspects of PE Programs

What, besides the teacher, made physical a positive atmosphere when you were a K-12 student?

Learning namesBe Persistent

Do attendance Greet and dismiss by name Use names when addressing Name tags (reusable) Label a photograph (get permission) Brief note/description in attendance roster Adjective with name (Blue-eyed Brian) Check names during assessments/assignments Past yearbooks Squads/assigned location grid Games with names (i.e. tag & tell teacher your name) Practice visualization student faces later

Selection of Activities

Use non-elimination games Avoid high pressure, low activity games

– Relays Use cooperative activities (balance

cooperation vs competition) Forming groups/partners

– NEVER use captain to pick teams in front of the others

Positive strategies Catch being good (K-4/5) Publicize photos (get permission) Tell a story Have a student repeat what they did in front of the

class Stress the affective (initiation, focus, closure)

– Character education– Honesty, compassion, responsibility, tolerance, cooperation,

sportsmanship Post records (fitness, coop) FUN Play music Mottos (100% effort)

More on “Catch Being Good” Secret Student - Draw a name from a pile of

paper scraps containing all the student's names.  Keep this name a secret.  The students know (from you having told them) that this selected person will be watched to determine if they have behaved well and are deserving of the reward. 

The Sticker Chart - Make a large chart table consisting of anywhere from 20 to 100 boxes/spaces.

From: behavior advisor

More on “Catch Being Good” The Raffle Ticket System - Award cut-up

pieces of paper to kids who are on task, answer questions, etc.  Don't be stingy.  There will only be one drawing at the end of the period or day...thus only one prize given away

Name on the Board – Kids who behaved properly that day.

More on “Catch Being Good” Bell system -  Use a kitchen timer.  Tell

the students that you will be evaluating their behavior at the very moment that the bell sounds.  Set the timer for any time between one minute and twenty minutes (shorter times for classes that misbehave more often).  Do not let the students see the timer. 

Positive Gymnasium

Non-naked gym – how could you make a gymnasium more educational and inviting?– Posters– Pictures of students/activities– Wall/floor art– Wall Postings (Text)

Play music

Building Rapport Get to know your students as soon as possible Smile when appropriate and have a good sense

of humor Demonstrate concern for students Have fun; show your personality (within reason) Relate to students in and out of classroom (say

hi in the hallway) Get to know their world (ask questions about

their weekend etc)

Building Rapport Build your "rep" by communicating and showing

concern for the welfare of your students. – When they ask: "Why did you call my parents?"   or

"Why did you give me detention?" – Answer with "Because I care about you.“ or "Because I

know you're capable of so much more." Use your expressive and receptive humor.  See

the humor in situations and create joy for your youngsters.

ALWAYS remember though, you are the teacher, not their friend

Setting Up for Success

Help them respond correctly in class.  Give hints and cues so that they are successful in front of others. – Leading questions

Recognize effort, not correctness.  If a kid is giving us his/her best, we should be happy.

Point out the progress made over time.  Kids need to see that they have learned.

Challenges to a Positive Environment

Car question

Equity

Question– Reflect on your own teaching. Do you tend

to favor any groups of children?– What are some possible groupings?

Equity

Possible answers:– skill level, physical attractiveness, gender,

behavior, SES, race?

Positive Atmosphere Checklist– Worksheet

Examining Some of Your Beliefs and Values

Goals of PE

Role of a PE Teacher

Student Learning

Grading & Assessment

Behavior Management

Checklist 2.1 (p. 32)

Am I Tuned In? Anticipate Adapt Modify

Am I Enthusiastic? How does your teaching style influence

other’s enthusiasm levels? The power of Attitude…

Am I Flexible? Adapt and Adopt Adjustments…

Am I personable? How well do you know your students? Names? Positive comments!