by Rosemary Brittain
Rosemary Brittain spent more than twenty-eight years as an administrator in higher education. Since leaving the academic environment, she has transferred her skills to freelance writing and editing. She also substitute teaches and tutors, primarily in reading and language arts. Rosemary holds an MBA from Pepperdine University and a Liberal Arts degree from West Los Angeles College. For more information stop by Rosemary’s website.
I substitute taught for a second grade teacher once who taught me six very valuable words,”I’m looking for my best students.” Addressing a rather chaotic class, she did not yell over the din, but spoke in a normal, upbeat tone. Her words instantly transformed the classroom.
When I walked into Ms. Order’s classroom at 11:00 a.m. (15 minutes before she was due to leave), I heard her say these six little words to a group of second graders who were transitioning from one subject to the next. The children were moving about the room, putting things away, picking things up, talking, sharpening pencils, and generally being noisy. Their teacher stood at the front of the room and cheerfully said, “I’m looking for my best students.” Within a matter of moments, the room fell completely silent. Students took their seats quietly, sat up straight with hands folded on top their desks, and gave the teacher their full attention. I was stunned.
Obviously, the teacher had used this tactic many times in the past, because the children knew the drill well. However, I found that it works even if the children do not know the drill. I have used these six little words when substituting for elementary PE teachers, art and music teachers, and all elementary grades pre-K through fifth. The key is to explain up front what “best students” look like. I usually write my expectations on the board when I arrive. They read something like this:
Ms. Brittain’s Best Students:
- Stay on task.
- Work quietly.
- Complete all assigned work.
- Raise their hand to speak.
- Raise their hand to leave their seat.
Sometimes I have rewards for my best students, such as colorful new pencils or cute erasers, but not necessarily. I always tell them about the special note I leave for their teacher listing all of my best students (and I do). I find that students really want to be labeled “best student,” and they strive to be on the “best students'” list.
So, when faced with an unruly classroom, try saying, “I’m looking for my best students,” in your most cheerful voice, and see what happens. As long as you have explained what your “best students” look like, these six little words could transform your classroom.