6/2/20 Week 7: Response to "Differences in Manners"

Excuse my Manners

     Classroom organization and management for an English as a Second Language class can be a big undertaking! You want to include representations from the different cultures your students are part of. You should include posters of the class rules and etiquette in their native languages. You also need to understand their different cultures so that you are ready. Lesson plans prepped. Transitions have been worked on. Visual aides are ready to go. Supplies? — Check! I think you are ready!

Wait! Let's double check: Are you fully prepared to present your lesson material to your students? You have a decent grasp of cultural differences but what about understanding their varying ideas of how to act and behave in public? In America we are much more relaxed and tend to be more casual about many things. Care should be taken in understanding what your students are used to, so there will be less miscues and misunderstandings.  Being prepared so that feelings are not hurt is crucial in managing your class. Manners can even be talked about and compared in class.  Let each of your students talk about their cultures.  A great way to get to know each other, and if they present to their classmates, they can take ownership of this activity and share about what their individual culture is like. Let them compare and share! What an opportunity to learn - and let them learn early, so the awkward misunderstandings and social faux pas are kept to a minimum. 

Managing your class will not be perfectly smooth, but you will be grateful to know that you can minimize the bad manners whether intentional or not, because you are leading the example in acceptance and being considerate.