Chapter 4: The Learning Environment: Planning and Managing the Classroom

        In chapter four, it emphasizes getting to know your students as people.  I completely agree with this.  I think the most effective way for a teacher to connect with their students is by simply getting to know them.  From this connection, a great working relationship can develop between the teacher and their students.  I believe this occurs because when the teacher attempts to get to know the students, the students feel like they are less of just someone sitting in a desk and more of a person.  The individual attention that the teacher gives when trying to get to know the students also shows that they care by taking interest. 

        The book advises a few ways to accomplish this. 

1.       Quickly learn and use student names

2.       Classroom sharing during the first week

3.       One-on-one conferences with students

These are just a few ways that the book suggests to make your students feel more comfortable and begin to develop a strong relationship with.  I really like the first one because right away the students will feel as if their own identity is starting to be established in the classroom.  The second piece of advice is great because not only will the teacher get to know the student more in depth, but the other students will also get to know their peers.  One-on-one conferences with students really top it off because here the student and teacher can create a deeper connection, and the teacher can simply focus all of their attention on one student, instead of multiple. 

Overall, if you want to create a communal feeling within your classroom where people know and can work well with anyone else, these are some steps to take to create this environment.