home language
E.G.
I always enjoy it when the video resource is from a classroom. I remember watching another video about Robert Recio’s class for my Early Literacy course—he is such an awesome teacher, and it is so fun to watch his example! He obviously really cares about the kids. I love how he takes the time to treat them with respect as individuals, builds strong, trust-based relationships with them, and creates a “family” atmosphere within the classroom. For my post I will focus on how he models responding to the children as individuals, as well as how he uses positive discipline.
Mr. Recio modeled responding to the children respectfully as individuals by taking an interest in their interests and needs, speaking the children’s home language, and taking the time to read their cues and find the causes of their behavior. Mr. Recio talked about how he consciously takes an active interest in the children’s interests, and how he uses this as a tool to get to know them and build strong relationships. He also greets every single child and their parents in Spanish or English, depending on their home language. In doing so, he helps the parent feel more comfortable in the classroom environment, encourages them to open up, and shows the child that their home language is valued at school, too. Again, this adds to a strong foundation of trust in his relationships with the kids. One of the most important things he does in the classroom is acknowledging that “there’s always a reason” behind challenging behavior (Laureate Education, n.d.). Having true respect for the children involves understanding this, tuning into children’s feelings, and seeking out the root causes of challenging behavior. Mr. Recio demonstrated this through his interactions with Damien, whom he noticed had appeared tired when he entered the classroom that morning.
Mr. Recio demonstrates positive discipline through giving the children meaningful explanations for rules and limits, modeling, and consistency in enforcing fair consequences. During circle time, Mr. Recio used lots of repetition while reminding the children to raise their hands. He also talked about explaining the reason for this rule (it’s hard to hear when everyone talks at once), and modeling it with the assistant teacher. Patience and consistency were key to his enforcing rules. Mr. Recio also demonstrated consistency in his use of fair consequences. During circle, he reminded the children of consequences from the day before, without singling out any particular child. Later, when Damien was yelling at his friend in the block center, Mr. Recio showed took the time to respectfully talk to him about his behavior, showing warmth while reminding him of the classroom boundaries. He also helped Damien practice empathy by asking him to consider how his behavior made his friends feel.
It was very clear to see in the video how the relationship of trust that Mr. Recio has built with each child really impacts the children’s behavior and the way they listen to him. This solid foundation made it easier for him to lovingly help the children maintain and meet high, yet reasonable, expectations for their behavior.
V.P
I love the way Mr. Recio classroom is setup. He greets each parent as the children walk in. Using the photos to check the kids in is a very creative way in taking attendence. Recio appears as though each treats every child as his own, and receives indiviual attention when needed. He lets the kids help setup for different activites, and really get them involved. He really has the students intrigued. That’s a very good aspect to have a teacher for any grade. When children are enjoying what they are learning, it’s easy to get them to become more focused on the subject that is being discussed.
