Observation Days

Observation days are a part of our curriculum where we go to a school in our area and observe a class for one day a week. We have the opportunity to see various grade levels and different teachers within the same grade level. So far I have witnessed two grade five teachers, a grade one teacher and a special needs teacher. The two grade five teachers I have witnessed have two totally different classroom management techniques. One yells and is very stern, she had a little control over her classroom; the kids did not seemed to be bothered by her. However, the other raises her voice but is firm and although she has a bigger class with more difficult students she has a lot more control. The grade one teacher has an amazing amount of classroom management. Her voice is low (to the point where I found it difficult to hear her!) but she has complete control and the attention of her students at all times. For grade ones they are extremely well behaved - they sat in their seats for 15 minutes doing work without talking to each other. When she speaks they listen, and she never raises her voice. I had commented on how good they were and she replied by saying that they were not like this when they came to grade one. She has developed excellent classroom management. From her I took numerous little tips on how to manage my classroom!