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Holding court
Classroom presence is hard to define, but one thing that
successful teachers mention time and again is the use of non-verbal
techniques.
Body language, facial expression, eye contact and tone of
voice can all help a teacher to establish control and, in turn, a healthy
learning environment. If you want to sharpen up your presence in the classroom,
these ideas may help. But remember, whatever you try needs to feel natural for
you.
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Year 4 NQT Sharon Whitchurch, from Birmingham, uses a
tambourine to attract attention and get a message across. "I bang it
whenever I want the children to stop doing something," she explains
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Cath Walsh from Nottinghamshire uses a relatively quiet
speaking voice to create a calm atmosphere and high concentration. "If I
want their attention," she explains "I say, 'Are you
listening?' in a singsong rhythm - and the children immediately
respond, 'Yes we are.' I also often use a thumbs-up sign to convey
approval, rather than saying anything."
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Naheed Rafiq-Craske from west London says: "I start
counting down from 20 when I want everyone to get ready for a whole-class
activity. They're usually ready before I reach zero."
Top tips
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A calm, relaxed facial expression that breaks into a
smile when appropriate says you're in control
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Be at your door to greet your pupils as they come in.
Make eye contact with each one of them
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Be clear about how pupils attract your attention when
they are working. Do they come to you one at a time, or do you go to them? Both
work well
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Use names frequently through each lesson
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Develop clear routines for pupils to follow
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Stand as much as is practical. Be visible
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Try and use inclusive language when talking. For
example, say: "We learned", "In our classroom" or "We
worked on". This places you alongside pupils, not apart from them
Words: Elizabeth Holmes
FURTHER INFORMATION
This content was published in January 2005 and may not reflect current policy
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