As a seasoned teacher, Cynthia Darling shares her experiences and insights from her first year teaching at a charter school in New York City. She highlights the dynamic nature of middle school, where success and failure are fleeting moments that come and go rapidly throughout the day.
Darling emphasizes the importance of acknowledging students’ positive behaviors by narrating their actions and making them feel seen and appreciated. She shares how a simple phrase like “I notice…” can open up conversations and establish connections with students, fostering a sense of community and belonging.
Furthermore, she discusses the concept of building relationships with students, admitting her initial reluctance towards the term but eventually realizing that it boils down to being kind, understanding, and attentive to students’ needs and emotions. Darling also stresses the significance of not overreacting to disruptive behaviors in the classroom, drawing parallels to dog training and the need to establish authority without escalating conflicts.
She offers practical tips such as counting down from 5 to 1 to regain control of the classroom and using consequences effectively to encourage students to follow expectations. Darling also highlights the importance of finding an ally, someone who can provide support and camaraderie during the challenging first year of teaching.
Moreover, she discusses the concept of critical mass in a school environment, where gradual acceptance and understanding develop over time as teachers navigate through successes, challenges, and relationships. Darling concludes by emphasizing that a middle school classroom is not meant to be silent like a library, but rather a vibrant space filled with the sounds of learning and interaction.
In summary, Cynthia Darling’s reflections provide valuable insights and strategies for navigating the complexities of teaching middle school, emphasizing the importance of connection, positivity, and consistency in building a supportive and engaging learning environment for students.
