Classroom Management

Classroom management is the glue holding learning together.

But HOW exactly do we maintain a consistent, well balanced portion of glue- without occasionally spilling over?...

Classroom Managment Plan

Frog management
There are several factors to consider when forming a classroom management plan that I am aware of currently. This post may change throughout time because I am always looking for better ideas and new ways to manage things. This is basic groundwork for what I believe to be important in managing one's classroom.

The Classroom Atmosphere or a Philosophy of the Classroom:

The classroom would be an atmosphere of trust and exploration for students. Specific and purposeful instruction matched with appropriate and challenging content will be the main goal for the teacher and students. Using such things as modeling, explicit instruction, seamless transitions, and other instruments of guided lessons will lay the foundation for an organized environment. The classroom is a place where children will learn not only from instruction but also from social interaction as well. I want my students to be well rounded socially as well as academically, so I think these should go hand in hand. Work ethic, diplomacy, benefits of involvement, and problem solving are just a few of the social tools that will be emphasized. The overall philosophy of the classroom will be based on a community structure where everyone is a part of something bigger than the individual.

Establishing Roles:

Although the classroom will be based on a community structure, it is important that the students understand the meaning and purpose of roles, as well as what roles he or she may play. Instructors are there to provide up to date, accurate information to students in a way that each one can comprehend. Teachers are also there to provide guidance and modeling for student conduct as well as managing these functions. Students also have roles. They are there to benefit from the educational environment in order to excel academically and develop the accepted social skills needed to succeed in the world. Students will follow the reinforced guidelines specified by the teacher in order to remain focused on knowledge being presented to them. Parents play an extremely important role in recognition and application of concepts learned at school. Joint efforts by instructors and parents will help students to adapt, conquer, and succeed successfully. Administrative duties include but are not limited to: management of the school facility to ensure a safe and productive school environment, while administrating school funds, implementation of federal programs, and desirable community involvement.
Establishing Rules:

Having established roles, it is important to provide a clear format for daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly procedures. The rules will be discussed at the beginning of the year and placed visibly somewhere in the classroom for the rest of the year. Rules will be reinforced consistently and focus will stay mainly on rewarding positive behaviors. Certain consequences for negative behaviors will be specified, implemented consistently, and explained consistently so students will begin to comprehend the reason for having rules. Primary rules will include respecting one's neighbor(s), being a good listener, trying one's best, being honest, and following any other school rules. Other rules would include but are not limited to: raising one's hand before speaking, taking turns and sharing with others, keeping one's hands to themselves, etc. *It is important to consider different cultural backgrounds when implementing rules. There will be a systematic way for the students and teacher to keep track of conduct based on behaviors throughout the school day and a weekly report will be sent home to parents informing them of these records.

Preparation and Maintenance of Lesson Plans:

Let's just get it out there- teachers must be organized and well prepared to conduct a smooth running classroom. This includes having detailed weekly lesson plans which describe what students will be directed to do throughout each day. Lesson plans will include but are not limited to transition periods, daily activities, lessons, small group and large group instruction periods, and daily goals. I would also include the specific goals of students with IEP's and a time during the day to work individually with the students on these goals. Remembering what students may or may not accomplish during the day would not be the most reasonable way of recording evaluations. Having a system for class and individual goals would be more reasonable and would be a part of the daily routine so that evaluations are detailed and accurate.

Classroom management plans are there to create a structured environment so that students can focus on learning without having to worry about being in complete control of their environment. They should be adapted constantly and teachers should always be looking for better ways to obtain a positive learning environment while still having a plan and as many prepared answers to "what if's" as possible. I think experience will influence the overall management of a classroom in the long run.


2 comments:

  1. HI, I like your blog. Really helpful.

    I like your examples for classroom rules. At my current school in South Korea, we do not have classroom rules or standards and it is so frustrating. Nothing is implemented or consistent. I am wanting to suggest some rules/standards for my classes. I teach all ELLs, so I would like to have them involved in developing the rules as a class, but especially my younger students do not have the fluency to brainstorm and collaborate ideas for classroom rules. In my case, I'd probably need a co-teacher to translate from English to Korean.

    I also think it is important to establish the roles in the class, individual roles and community roles. I think my students would be more motivated if they know and understand their role in the classroom. Also, I think the classroom disruptions will decrease.

    Thanks for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
  2. I agree that it is crucial to have roles, rules, and procedures in place in order to manage a classroom effectively. However, it is easier said than done. There is a lot to manage. To make it easier, I created a free web-based tool to help myself and other teachers manage classrooms. The URL is http://www.SharpClass.com and I invite you to check it out. Regardless, thanks again for posting this article to help me and other teachers out!

    ReplyDelete

Intentions of this Blog

My intentions with writing this blog are to provide an electronic outlook on my philosophy of teaching to the educational community as well as creating a place where I can gather and relay useful teaching tools and related information that I find important.

About Me...

Hello.
My name is Dillon McRae Rogers and I am currently a student at the University of South Alabama. I am majoring in Regular and Special Education for Elementary units K-6. I love school. I really enjoy being a student as well as teaching. I have had experience coaching several youth soccer teams and have played at the college level as well. I was born and raised in Mobile, Alabama and attended public schools from middle school onward. I really enjoy working with children and am very personable. I hope to gain a position as an effective educator in a Mobile County Public School when I graduate in 2012.