When my brain begins to break down teaching into incremental levels, it is mind boggling how many skills the average teacher and support staff need in order to be successful. Of course, success can be measured by many different methods. In this case, I would like to add an item to our growing list of classroom management ideas. The one idea I have in my mind today revolves around adult proximity.
To some people, staff proximity may not seem like a big deal. To the untrained eye, where the adults position themselves within a classroom may not seem very important. For those of us who are working either within classrooms or coaching those who are, I would like to challenge us with the topic of teacher/para proximity. Where we place ourselves within a classroom setting can make or break any lesson. Classroom movement can halt discipline situations before they ever begin. It is an extremely, yet low intrusive skills that anyone can possess. Please allow me to dig a little on this.
Going back to my freshman year in high school (Which I do know does go WAAAYYY back), I had a math teacher who was not in the best of health. This individual's method of teaching was to lecture from their desk. When they completed their instructional duties, this person would allow us to come up to the teacher desk if we had any questions. This method became a daily bog down of students with Algebra books in hand waiting in line for assistance. Meanwhile, others in the class took the opportunity of a lack of teacher proximity to mess around. The class was corrected at times due to the teacher's raised voice but then the cycle continued to repeat itself time after time. During this year 14-15 of my life, it never would have occurred to me that I would be a servant in public education for 33 plus years. After all of this time, it just proves that poor examples can be lessons within themselves.
The whole notion of having the teaching staff sit and wait for students to approach the instructors is an extremely backwards approach. Yes, students should be moving at times during the classroom for the purpose of activities that require strategic movement but ah yes, the teaching staff needs to move about the room as well. This creates a situation where teacher/para movement is so engrained within your system, the students just expect it. While I was teaching, I made a point of moving around the classroom whether we were working in a direct instruction situation or small groups. This way, I was aware of not only if the students are understanding the lesson concepts but my presence continued to keep the student's behavior in check. Teaching staffs need to be alert, aware and moving throughout each lesson.
I now have the opportunity to be working with a local university, supervising student teachers. When I come into complete my first informal observation, I have typically noticed the student teachers do not move about the classrooms much. They will stand in a stationary position throughout the majority of the lessons. (At times this can be appropriate, for instance if they are using technology housed at the front of the classroom, they may need to situate themselves at the front for a portion of the lesson). I do make certain I coach the student teachers up about proximity right from the start of our journey. In all honesty, it is not their fault for not knowing this skill. This is the first time they have the opportunity in taking charge of a classroom full of students. It is my job to help guide these young teachers with skill sets to help them to feel empowered and successful.
Not only does close proximity help with classroom management but it also gives the teaching staff several opportunities to connect with students at a higher and more personal level. When you get to multiple one on one situations with your students on a daily basis, it helps to build a relationship with the kids that creates the types of bonds you will want. Teaching staff can also use these opportunities as a time to spot check to make sure the students understand what you have taught. This small act shows the students that you care for them beyond just coming into teach each day.
Trust me, staff proximity will be a difference maker you will want to use within your classroom. If you haven't tried doing this much, I challenge you to give it a shot. I think you will be pleased with your results.
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