Effective Management #1: The Warm Demander
“Don’t smile until Winter Break!” I remember hearing this when I first started teaching. Good advice? Not so much. I would say, though, that it’s a lot easier to start off with classroom control then to try to get it back after the class is out of control. Been there, done that. So...about that word...Control. Have you ever seen an out of control classroom? What about a classroom that isn’t out of control? What’s the difference? Is it important? Do we seek control for compliance or do we seek an environment that supports learning and growth? A few years ago, I heard the term, “Warm Demander”. As I read about it, and thought about it, the concept made sense. So, what’s a warm demander? One author, Lisa Delpit wrote that warm demanders "expect a great deal of their students, convince them of their own brilliance, and help them to reach their potential in a disciplined and structured environment." A warm demander combines warmth with high expectations. Strong relationships are built in the classroom, and as a result, students aim to work hard and meet those expectations. What does it come down to? High expectations and high relationships. The old saying: "People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care." Students won’t care until they know we care. |
So, how does this happen? Here are a few tips:
- Build rapport and trust. Do you know your students well? Do they know you? Do you understand where they are coming from?
- Add warmth. Smile, Add in some humor when appropriate.
- Check your tone. Do you vary your voice? Does your tone demonstrate respect? My dad always said, “Lowest voice wins”. Is your voice competing with student voices?
- Say what you mean. If you ask for attention, then expect it. If you want them at the carpet in 10 seconds, then count 10 seconds and not 1 Mississippi, Mississippi, Mississippi, Mississippi, Mississippi, 2 Mississippi, Mississippi, Mississippi, Mississippi, 3 Mississippi, you get the point. Kids learn very quickly if you actually mean what you say.
- Hold high expectations. If they don’t get it the first time, keep practicing.
- Be consistent. This is probably one of THE hardest things to do as a teacher, but one of the most important. Kids need predictability. It also establishes trust.
- Believe that all student can learn and support them in believing this themselves. Growth Mindset is a great framework for supporting students.
- Listen. We teachers can talk a whole lot more than we listen. Stop and listen to what your students are saying.
- Be proactive and react less. Anticipate potential problems and problem solve ahead of time, and bring students into the problem solving and thinking.
- Evaluate the structure of your environment. Is it supporting the learning of your students? Is it supporting your expectations? What might you tweak to make things run smoother?
For Further Reading:
https://www.edutopia.org/blog/warm-demander-equity-approach-matt-alexander
Listening to Urban Kids: School Reform and the Teachers They Want By Bruce L. Wilson and Dick Corbett
https://www.edutopia.org/blog/warm-demander-equity-approach-matt-alexander
Listening to Urban Kids: School Reform and the Teachers They Want By Bruce L. Wilson and Dick Corbett