My 100th Post: My Teacher Checklist

1. When students ask me for something, am I saying “no” for a good reason or because it is automatic and I don’t question why I say it anymore?

2. Do I ask as many students as I can what they did the night before or what they ate for lunch to help build relationships?

3. Do I ask them in a respectful way when I want them to do something or just give orders?

4. Do I threaten them with a consequence when they don’t do what I ask or do I have a conversation with them to find out the problem?

5. Do I reward them with a treat when they do what I want or do I celebrate with the class unconditionally. (Ex. Having a pizza party with no strings attached)

6. Do I teach them about intrinsic and extrinsic motivation?

7. Do I ask their opinion and accept their input about the physical set up of the class or do I set up the class?

8. Do I offer students a choice on how to meet a learning outcome or does everybody do the same thing?

9. Am I patient?

10. Is my classroom competitive or is it set up for collaboration?

11. Do I know what my students do for fun?

12. Do I know what they are good at outside of school?

13. Do I know how many brothers and sisters they have?

14. Am I meeting the needs of my students every day?-->> Survival, Fun, Freedom, Belonging, Success.

15. Am I recognizing the strength of each student instead of just a few with awards?

16. Am I informing the parents of my students with good news about their child?