Classroom Management
Class Rules
It’s important to establish clear and consistent rules from the very beginning of the school year. On the first day, I collaborate with students to decide on the appropriate classroom rules. Allowing students to have a say in these rules will hold them accountable for their actions. Students will create a poster with the classroom rules and will sign the poster like a contract. It’s important that the poster is always visual to serve as a reminder. I will guide students to include the following
- Be Respectful
- Be Responsible
- Listen Carefully and Follow Directions
- Treat others as you would like to be treated.
Routines are important for young learners. I will post a daily morning assignments, such as, daily oral language, daily math, and calendar math. I want my students to be accountable for their work so they critique their assignments. Morning work is discussed and reviewed. After morning work has been discussed and corrected. Work is stored in its assigned folder label for daily oral language, daily math or calendar math. Then, I asked students to take out their homework. I move around the room checking each student homework. Homework must be neat and completed in order to receive a check plus. Students are expected to show their work in math, spell their spelling words correctly, and write the sentences in grammar. It is important for my students to know what I expect and how they can be successful in my class. I have my schedule posted under a clock. This way students will know what will come next. I will also establish and model procedures and routines that will be performed on a daily basis. I will also ask students to demonstrate these procedures to show me that they fully understand them. For example, upon walking into the classroom, students will be taught to do the following:
- Use the restroom before entering the classroom in the morning
- Use the lunch bulletin board to select lunch choice
- Select a book for silent reading
- Begin morning work quietly
Attention signal
To attain student’s attention quickly and effectively, a consistent attention signal should be used. To gain the attention of my students, I will use a clapping technique. I will clap a rhythm and my students will clap it back to me. They will know that as soon as they are done clapping, their eyes should be on me. This is a simple signal, so it’s perfect for the elementary level. I also like that it appeals to, visual, and kinesthetic learners. It is quick and effective and lets students get out an extra bit of energy before I begin instructions.
Classroom Jobs
I will assign each child a number. Jobs will be selected day by day by pulling popsicle sticks. This method is a great way to eliminate discrimination.
The students will realize quite quickly that he or she could be chosen based on the odds.
Behavioral Management
Students will have a pack of 5 cards which will be displayed in the pocket chart that has been placed in a prominent position within the classroom. The cards should be labeled in the following manner and placed in the pockets of the chart (5 cards per student) so that the writing can still be read:
Green – Draw a large, smiling face at the top with the words “You are doing great!” written underneath.
Yellow – The word “Caution” should be written at the top, with the words “You have my warning” written below.
Red – The word “Stop” should be written at the top, with the words “Your parent(s) will be notified” written below.
Purple – The words “Lose Privileges” should be written at the top, with a list of potential privileges to be lost written below. These privileges may include a loss of recess time or an inability to participate in special classroom activities like a good behavior reward party.
Orange – The words “Severe Clause” should be written at the top, with the words “Go to Principal” and “Parent(s) will be phoned immediately” written below.
Students begin each day with their green card at the front of the pack. Since the cards are prominently displayed, your students will be well-aware of the fact that they are "doing great." The first time a disruption occurs, the child should be given a verbal reminder of whatever negative behavior they are exhibiting, the classroom rule that corresponds, and the positive behavior you would like him/her to exhibit instead. The student will be told what the next step will be if they choose to continue the negative behavior. At the end of the day students who pulled a card goes home with a note. On Friday any student who has not pulled a card gets to participate in fun Friday. On fun Friday, students can go outside for additional recess, computer lab, or play board games with friends. I will alternate activities depending on the weather and age of the students.