How do you effectively balance discipline with an engaging and enjoyable learning environment?
I am currently a High School Senior looking for a degree in music education. I am very excited to help guide the new generation! I love babysitting my neighbors and work as a camp counselor, however, I find that it is hard to find a balance between having fun and being disciplined. If I play too much into the fun, they get out of control and then refuse to listen to me. But if I am too harsh on them they end up not having any fun at all. I want to know how current teachers find this balance?
3 answers
Doran’s Answer
I taught elementary music for two years. When I started teaching, my superiors told me to be very mean at least for the first week of the school year. This way the students know you mean business from the start and will be less likely to fool around. As the year progresses you can ease off some in your discipline. Remember to reward good behavior of your student(s) in front of the whole class. This way your students know how to get positive attention instead of negative attention.
Good luck with your teaching goals. Influencing young minds positively is a rewarding experience for both you and your students.
Sincerely,
Doran