Classroom Rules
Be respectful of others and property
Follow directions
Be safe
Be responsible
Classroom Management
My classroom management style is to implement a student centered approach that allows students to take responsibility for their actions and to create an optimal environment for learning for all students by implementing the following techniques:
Provide a learning contract at the beginning of the year. This is a contract that the class will assist in developing that states the classroom rules, procedures, and behaviors that will be expected throughout the year. All of the students will sign it and hang it on the wall to refer to. This provides the students with a sense of responsibility for their actions.
Provide a behavior management plan that allows for students to improve behavior through redirection and positive reinforcement. By acknowledging good classroom citizenship, students are more likely to model these positive behaviors. This can also be successfully reinforced through a variety of approaches such as filling up a jar of marbles in the classroom when a student demonstrated good behavior or through a ticket/reward system where the class participates in a raffle at the end of the month. This acknowledges their good behavior while also encouraging the students to redirect other students’ behaviors. The main behavior system in place is the color chart. Each parent is provided with a contract to read and sign which defines the colors and system. Each day your child will fill in their color and this should be checked on a daily basis.
I have also incorporated a three step approach to monitor behaviors in the classroom. The first time a student behaves inappropriately, they are pulled aside and warned discreetly. The second time is a firm reminder of their inappropriate behavior. Lastly, they will be dismissed from the activity or room if necessary.
It is also important to be proactive with classroom management. If students are going to be using manipulatives or learning tools that may be distracting during a lesson, they can be provided ahead of time to experiment with in order to have an easier transition into lessons. I may also offer time at the end of the day for students to explore/experiment with new learning tools if their work is completed during a lesson.
"Treat people as if they were what they ought to be and you help them become what they are capable of becoming." -- Goethe