Every now and then situations arise that require us to take a moment to decide which course of action is required. How many times have we said to ourselves: "why did I do/say that? "
The following is a short list regarding DO's and DON'Ts that may provide some guidance in some situations.
WRITTEN COMMENTS:
DO: DON'T:
- ensure that the school administrator - write anything in haste
has seen and okay'd notes home that could be subject to
to parents, misinterpretation
re: entire class
re: sensitive issues
- utilize, factual comments rather - threaten, use negatives
than interpretations,
hearsay - "be tactful"
- write notes when you are calm rather - communicate in written
than in the "heat of the moment" form when a verbal
discussion would suffice
- keep copies of communications sent
- be wary of grammatical structures
and spelling
VERBAL COMMENTS:
DO: DON'T:
- calm - swear
- positive - threaten
- professional - intimidate
- non-judgemental - sarcasm
- non-racial - use personal attack
- reflective - yell
- restate or "rephrase" to increase - demean
understanding - use "isms"
- be polite - use the "past"
- be receptive - trivialize
- be open, honest, fair - use slanderous language
- think before you speak, take a - say things you will regret later
deep breath
- empathize
TOUCHING:
DO: DON'T:
- be trained where necessary:
Section 19 (C I P)
(Crisis Intervention Prevention)
- age appropriate
- real/perceived abuse
- make it appropriate for the safety of
yourself and others
- reduce risk
- be sensitive to cultural adversity
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The following publications and podcasts are a joint project of ETFO and OISE, summarizing current research findings relevant to teaching in elementary schools. Each issue, written by university researchers, focuses on a body of research within a particular domain.
The following 4 – 7 minute podcasts / publications can be found at:
http://www.etfo.ca/resources/eresources/researchforteachers/pages/default.aspx
· Parent Engagement
· Formative Assessment to Support Student Learning
· School-Based Family Literacy Intervention Programs
· Why the Arts Matter
· Prevent Bullying by Promoting Healthy Relationships
· Managing Teacher-Student Relationships: A Minimalist Approach
· Teaching English Language Learners
· Equity, Social Justice and the Inclusive Classroom
· Using Digital Technologies to Support Literacy Instruction
ETFO THAMES VALLEY OCCASIONAL TEACHERS' LOCAL
