Last week, one of my coworkers recommended that I look into Wong’s First Days of School. She described the book, because we would like to have a similar guide for using Honorable Character in your classroom (good idea?).
One of the things that struck me in Wong’s Classroom Management chapter was the importance of greeting your children as they enter the classroom.
Once when subbing for a 2nd grade teacher, I found myself frustrated that I could not commend the students by name. I felt lost because I could not, in three minutes, memorize every students’ name. What kind of authority could I have or respect did I deserve, in that situation?
Today, I read an article about a small resurgance of “traditional” schools in Arizona. The reporter explained how the setup of these schools is similar to the style of the 1950s: students sit in rows,rather than groups; they demonstrate knowledge via tests instead of projects. These schools are meant to be considered alternatives for parents inclined to enroll students in a private or parochial school.
But what caught my eye about these schools was one task that a few administrators have pursued: greeting every student by name.
I love The First Days of School, and I think greeting students by name is important, no matter how traditional or non-traditional the classroom is. The book Teaching Outside the Box has some great insight on names.
Cassi,
Thanks for the book recommendation – I will definitely check it out. Even outside the classroom, names are valuable. Possibly one reason why Starbucks is known for its friendly environment, because everyone seems to know your name?