Classroom Presence
The foundation of effective classroom management
As teachers we are constantly striving to improve our classroom management, our behaviour management and the organisation of our busy and stressful work lives. But, if we are hindered by our invisibility cloak – the lack of real, strong and useful presence in front of the pupils, how is any of this ever possible?
Classroom Presence and therefore the management of the class and its behaviour go hand in hand. Many teachers express consternation at the idea of performing, insisting that they are not there to entertain. Well, in most cases you have an audience of thirty and so by default you are a performer and would do well to learn from the techniques employed by such professions.
Teachers of all experience levels can benefit from attending a class but here are a few simple starter ideas:
Pause for thought
Take time, your time to organise your thoughts in the classroom. Meter your energy and come across as calm and collected. Think of yourself as a storyteller and that you have a secret to tell through your teaching.
Open up
Be aware of your posture. You don’t have to be physically large to appear strong and commanding in the classroom. Relax your knees, open up your chest and speak clearly from your belly.
Breathe
Consciously slow your breathing down. Take slow deep breaths and use this to remain calm in the most stressful situation – even conflict.
Delegate
All leaders have delegates. Allow the pupils to take ownership of some of the delivery of the material under your guidance. This is an effective way of building strong supportive relationships with the class.
Wear their shoes
Are they bored? It goes without saying but never let the class become bored. Shake them up by delivering in a teaching style that pulls you out of your comfort zone and wakes them up.
Classroom Presence is not something you can achieve overnight and these steps above may not seem directly related at first. Try them. It can’t hurt, and besides all of them are designed to make your life easier!
Contact us to find out how our presence training could help you further.
