Classroom Management Portfolio

Click here to view my classroom management portfolio. This was an assignment for class, but I find it very helpful to have when explaining my procedures and rules for classroom management.

This site literally rocks for new teachers

I found this site while I was looking for resources to help with my classroom management portfolio. It has different strategies that the teacher has found useful for different, yet common topics, such as parent/teacher conferences. It just gives a very user-friendly version of how to go about certain things that teachers must do and reasons why one thing works over the other. I found it very helpful and will definitely be referencing it often!

Classroom Managment Plan

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.

Attitude

My attitude towards teaching is one that I have used throughout life. If at first you don't succeed, try and try - again. I do not believe there is nothing you can do for a student. I believe if you haven't helped a child in some way, then you have failed as a teacher. This may sound harsh at first, but being the person who is in charge of developing a student's mind -socially and academically- is a high stakes job to be taken very seriously. It is the teacher's job to find a way to help a student learn or develop in some way. If I have not figured out a way to help a child reach his/her goals, I will have found several ways that do not help- and I will continue searching for the one that works. Just because a teacher gives up on a student does not mean that student's development is put on hold until the teacher re-assumes the task. The importance of attitude is high and will serve teachers well if they have the mental patience for longevity. On a lighter note, I also believe in positive attitude and our reflections in the eyes of children. It may not be easy to be positive, but it is so worth the effort and those who look to you will notice.

Expectations

I hope to provide appropriate goals for each student I have in my classroom. It is important to understand what goals are realistic for students, but also to give them the room they may need to surpass those goals. I would like for my students to have a high academic self-concept, academic achievement, and be very well rounded socially in the community.