My Classroom Management Plan
Introduction
Although classroom management differs from individual to individual, it is central in creating a balanced, and effective classroom. Teachers must choose a style through which they will demonstrate their organization, motivation, and discipline methods. The classroom management style that an individual chooses largely determines who they are as a teacher. Therefore it is of utmost importance that each teacher takes the time to create a well thought out plan to how he or she is going to manage his or her classroom. Classroom management assists teachers in creating a safe learning environment where more learning can occur. By ensuring that expectations and rules are applied consistently, teachers encourage students to reduce disruption and to more effectively make good choices for themselves. Even when students forget to make good choices for themselves however, teachers who demonstrate classroom management well, will have predetermined methods and procedures through which they are able to quickly and effectively deal with the behaviour. Therefore, classroom management is central to creating a learning atmosphere through which all students are able to learn to their maximum potential.
Personal Philosophy
I believe that managing student behaviour is a collaborative effort of the student, and all school staff, including the classroom teacher, specialist teachers, other teachers with the school, principals and administrative staff. Classroom management exists to provide a safe and optimal learning environment for all students, where success is possible. It makes certain that each student is held accountable for both their actions and their learning. I strongly believe in meeting the needs of the individual, ensuring that each student has an equal opportunity to succeed. I will strive to make my classroom a place where students know what is expected of them, setting a tone preventative of behaviour problems, and engaging students in education and maximizing the potential that classroom needs are met.
I think that time spend on management is necessary, but should be used wisely. Excessive time spent managing proves to be disruptive and therefore detrimental to its overall goal. By implementing classroom management strategies, which students know and respect, I will be able to better handle the situation quickly and effectively. There will be a greater respect in my classroom as a result of students understanding what is expected of them. Therefore I believe that it is better to spend a little bit of time establishing a management tone within my classroom, than it is to talk over and ignore whatever is going on within my classroom. Even though, ignoring the situation may at times be the management strategy that is best used, provided that the behaviour is not distracting from other students learning.
I believe that choice is also an important part of an effective classroom management system. Choice allows students to feel as if they are playing an integral role in the decisions that are being made. It allows students to take responsibility, and become an active member of the decision. Students are often more willing to cooperate when they feel that they are not simply being told what they are going to do, but are able to decide for themselves and take ownership of that decision. There is however a time and place for when choice should be used within a management system. I believe that by knowing students individually it will help me better decide when would be the appropriate time to give students choice in the matter, and when they need to be given a direct instruction about how they are to behave and what they are to do.
Classroom management is not a strategy to simply centre out the behavioural students but rather to assist them to regain focus and ensure that they themselves are learning to their maximum potential, as well as ensuring that their behaviour is not disrupting their peers either. I believe that it is foundational to recognize each student as an individual when addressing classroom management issues however, as each child is unique and therefore different management strategies may need to be used for each individual students. While one strategy may work for one student it may not work for another. Regardless, even though different strategies may be used for different students, consistency in how they are applied should still be evident. Expectations should be the same across the board, helping students to understand that there are not exceptions to the way you expect them to act within the classroom.
I desire to create a classroom in which students feel free to ask questions however. I want to be patience and calm in the way that I deal with my students. I will strive to be firm in what I expect, however not authoritarian. I want students to feel challenged within my classroom, and I want them to take ownership and responsibility for the way they respond to situations within the school. I want my students to be actively engaged in their learning. I want to motivate students to behave appropriately by allowing them to be actively involved in the rules and expectations laid out within the classroom. I believe that by allowing students to become active decision makers, they will feel more involved in the workings of the classroom, and be better motivated to learn.
I believe that classroom management is central in creating an effective learning environment, and therefore plan to create a classroom in which preventative, supportive and corrective management strategies are implemented. I will strive to help my students understand the importance that the choices they make have, for life is the sum of all your choices.
Classroom Motto
I will strive to help my students understand, and make my class motto their own, through modeling it in my classroom. I want students to understand that they are capable of accomplishing whatever they put their mind to, but I also want them to understand how their behaviour can affect the learning of others. Therefore I have chosen a class motto that I feel reflects both:
“Limits exist only in your mind.
So accept the challenge.
Together we can do it.
Learning is a team sport.”
I want my students to fully understand all that they are capable of, and just how important each choice that they make is, both to their own learning as well as their peers. I want them to understand the importance of making good choices. No mountain is too big; together they can help each other to accomplish anything. In order to act like a team, they are going to have to think like a team however. This means that each individual student is going to have to understand the impact of their choices on the classroom as a whole, and consider not only how their choice will affect themselves, but also how they will affect everyone. I want my students to understand that everything great that has been accomplished was once considered impossible, that they too are capable of this as long as they believe in themselves. I seek to create a learning environment where collaborative learning, and good choices, reflective of this motto are possible.
Prevention: Professional Practices
Create Relationships
I believe that creating relationships is one of the best ways that you can minimize student misbehaviour. By taking interest in a student, and who they are, you show that what they think and say really matters. Building a relationship also helps students to feel comfortable coming to you with questions and concerns, and also allows you the opportunity to get to know your student’s strengths and weaknesses better as well. So, by connecting with them they will be more willing to connect with you, give you respect, and work hard to complete the work you assign them. It allows each of you to better know what to expect from one another.
Encourage and Motive
I believe that motivating students to learn is very important. It is this that drives the student to reach their maximum potential. I believe in taking responsibility for motivating my students, by creating activities and assignments that engage them and thus motivate them to work hard. I also believe that it is critical to encourage students along the way. By encouraging the good efforts that students put in, I am acknowledging the hard work they do put in, and am reinforcing positive behaviour. Motivating and encouraging students will ultimately help improve learning and make it a more enjoyable process for all.
Be Prepared
I believe that being prepared is also a very important part in effective classroom management. I think it is important to take some time to get to know a new class of students. Even getting to know their names, before the beginning of the school year or as quickly as possible at the beginning of the school year can prove to be very beneficial. By knowing students names you can more effectively manage your classroom, redirecting students as necessary simply by saying their name. I also believe that setting up a few classroom rules is an important part of being prepared. I think that this is an excellent process to involve students in, allowing them to become more familiar with the rules and take ownership for them. Establishing procedures is also something very important, and comes as a part of being prepared. By establishing procedures students know what to expect and what is acceptable behaviour within the classroom. Consistency is key when enforcing rules and procedures however. Students need to know what to expect. Therefore by being prepared you are allowing students to better learn.
Be Planned
I believe that detailed plans are key in a successful classroom. Although detailed plans will not be possible for every lesson of every day, it is critical to include as much detail as possible in each plan. This ensures that each plan is well thought out. By being well planned you are also ensuring that you have enough work and activities planned for the day and that the activities you have planned are the best activities possible for teaching a student this material.
Be Organized
Being able to keep on top of your classroom is also a very important management strategy. By creating an organized space, students are easily able to find everything they need, and do not waste time looking for things. This also ensures that students are not trying to learn in a cluttered workspace, which is not conducive to learning. Organization is also key in keeping track of students progress, marks etc. By being organized you are better able to understand where each student is at, and are able to provide feedback to him or her much more effectively.
Be Clear, and Direct
When addressing students you need to be very clear with what you expect from them. Students need to know exactly what you want. They need to be able to identify when is an appropriate time to joke around and have some fun, as well as when you mean business. By being clear with your students, and laying out your expectation, you will make this easier for them. I believe that it is necessary to be very clear with what you expect from students, and set that tone very early on. It is also necessary that you be very direct with what you expect. Students need to know exactly what it they are to be doing. Keep what you are saying short and simple.
Establish a Teacher Presence
Students should know that you are the teacher and respect you for that. They should be able to tell by the way that you carry yourself that you are in control of the situation. You should also be approachable however. Therefore, you must demonstrate a balance between being available for student questions and being ready to confront misbehaviour.
Prevention: Classroom Rules and Procedures
I believe that classroom rules and routines should be collaboratively decided upon. I do not believe that it should be an exhaustive list, or else you are just asking for rules to be broken. Instead I believe that key rules should be discussed and established. Once the rules have been decided upon I think that they should be written on chart paper or Bristol board and displayed within the room. All should easily see them wherever they are displayed. I would also have each student within the class sign this rules as a visual reminder that they understand and agreed with the rules that we as a class have put in place. Routines and schedules should also be easily accessible within the classroom. I think it is important for students to know what is coming and what to expect, therefore I believe that it is a good idea to display the daily schedule on the board for students. That way students know exactly what they are to be doing next, which also helps with transitions between subjects etc.
I believe that it is very important to take time at the beginning of the year to firmly, and directly explain these rules. It is also important to continually remind students of the rules and expectations during the first few months of school. By continually reminding them during this time, they are able to better learn what is expected, making it into a habit, and minimize problems later on in the year. If this foundational step is skipped rules and routines often become obsolete within a classroom.
I will expect my students to show respect and responsibility within my classroom at all times. This is something that I will set the tone for from day one. I will also solidify my rules and regulations by modeling them myself. I want students to not only understand what the rules are by why they are important. I would also have my students discuss what the consequences for not following each of the rules they created would be. That way students are also familiar what their consequences will be if rules are not followed. Consequences will be logical and directly related to the offence however. This will ultimately help students to understand the importance of following the rules.
Conclusion
Therefore I believe that classroom management is key in creating a learning environment where students feel safe. I hope to create an inviting and supportive environment for my students where they feel free to ask questions, explore and dive into all the possibilities of learning. I believe that a large part of classroom management is creating teacher presence, where students learn to respect and trust you. I believe in building relationships with each and every individual student, in being planned, prepared and organized as well as being clear, direct, firm and fair. I believe that through implementing those techniques within my classroom I will be able to effectively manage my class, and provide them with an atmosphere that maximizes learning.
Please feel free to contact me about any of my management beliefs at any time. I would be happy to discuss them, or a specific management situation with you.
Communicating Daily Behaviour to You, the Parents
Each day your child will begin the day with five stickers in his or her pocket. Each time I give a warning a sticker will be removed from his or her pocket. At the end of each day students will place their stickers on their tracking sheet to be brought home, signed by you and returned to school. I encourage you to speak with your child if you see less than five stickers, to better understand how they lost their stickers.
Although classroom management differs from individual to individual, it is central in creating a balanced, and effective classroom. Teachers must choose a style through which they will demonstrate their organization, motivation, and discipline methods. The classroom management style that an individual chooses largely determines who they are as a teacher. Therefore it is of utmost importance that each teacher takes the time to create a well thought out plan to how he or she is going to manage his or her classroom. Classroom management assists teachers in creating a safe learning environment where more learning can occur. By ensuring that expectations and rules are applied consistently, teachers encourage students to reduce disruption and to more effectively make good choices for themselves. Even when students forget to make good choices for themselves however, teachers who demonstrate classroom management well, will have predetermined methods and procedures through which they are able to quickly and effectively deal with the behaviour. Therefore, classroom management is central to creating a learning atmosphere through which all students are able to learn to their maximum potential.
Personal Philosophy
I believe that managing student behaviour is a collaborative effort of the student, and all school staff, including the classroom teacher, specialist teachers, other teachers with the school, principals and administrative staff. Classroom management exists to provide a safe and optimal learning environment for all students, where success is possible. It makes certain that each student is held accountable for both their actions and their learning. I strongly believe in meeting the needs of the individual, ensuring that each student has an equal opportunity to succeed. I will strive to make my classroom a place where students know what is expected of them, setting a tone preventative of behaviour problems, and engaging students in education and maximizing the potential that classroom needs are met.
I think that time spend on management is necessary, but should be used wisely. Excessive time spent managing proves to be disruptive and therefore detrimental to its overall goal. By implementing classroom management strategies, which students know and respect, I will be able to better handle the situation quickly and effectively. There will be a greater respect in my classroom as a result of students understanding what is expected of them. Therefore I believe that it is better to spend a little bit of time establishing a management tone within my classroom, than it is to talk over and ignore whatever is going on within my classroom. Even though, ignoring the situation may at times be the management strategy that is best used, provided that the behaviour is not distracting from other students learning.
I believe that choice is also an important part of an effective classroom management system. Choice allows students to feel as if they are playing an integral role in the decisions that are being made. It allows students to take responsibility, and become an active member of the decision. Students are often more willing to cooperate when they feel that they are not simply being told what they are going to do, but are able to decide for themselves and take ownership of that decision. There is however a time and place for when choice should be used within a management system. I believe that by knowing students individually it will help me better decide when would be the appropriate time to give students choice in the matter, and when they need to be given a direct instruction about how they are to behave and what they are to do.
Classroom management is not a strategy to simply centre out the behavioural students but rather to assist them to regain focus and ensure that they themselves are learning to their maximum potential, as well as ensuring that their behaviour is not disrupting their peers either. I believe that it is foundational to recognize each student as an individual when addressing classroom management issues however, as each child is unique and therefore different management strategies may need to be used for each individual students. While one strategy may work for one student it may not work for another. Regardless, even though different strategies may be used for different students, consistency in how they are applied should still be evident. Expectations should be the same across the board, helping students to understand that there are not exceptions to the way you expect them to act within the classroom.
I desire to create a classroom in which students feel free to ask questions however. I want to be patience and calm in the way that I deal with my students. I will strive to be firm in what I expect, however not authoritarian. I want students to feel challenged within my classroom, and I want them to take ownership and responsibility for the way they respond to situations within the school. I want my students to be actively engaged in their learning. I want to motivate students to behave appropriately by allowing them to be actively involved in the rules and expectations laid out within the classroom. I believe that by allowing students to become active decision makers, they will feel more involved in the workings of the classroom, and be better motivated to learn.
I believe that classroom management is central in creating an effective learning environment, and therefore plan to create a classroom in which preventative, supportive and corrective management strategies are implemented. I will strive to help my students understand the importance that the choices they make have, for life is the sum of all your choices.
Classroom Motto
I will strive to help my students understand, and make my class motto their own, through modeling it in my classroom. I want students to understand that they are capable of accomplishing whatever they put their mind to, but I also want them to understand how their behaviour can affect the learning of others. Therefore I have chosen a class motto that I feel reflects both:
“Limits exist only in your mind.
So accept the challenge.
Together we can do it.
Learning is a team sport.”
I want my students to fully understand all that they are capable of, and just how important each choice that they make is, both to their own learning as well as their peers. I want them to understand the importance of making good choices. No mountain is too big; together they can help each other to accomplish anything. In order to act like a team, they are going to have to think like a team however. This means that each individual student is going to have to understand the impact of their choices on the classroom as a whole, and consider not only how their choice will affect themselves, but also how they will affect everyone. I want my students to understand that everything great that has been accomplished was once considered impossible, that they too are capable of this as long as they believe in themselves. I seek to create a learning environment where collaborative learning, and good choices, reflective of this motto are possible.
Prevention: Professional Practices
Create Relationships
I believe that creating relationships is one of the best ways that you can minimize student misbehaviour. By taking interest in a student, and who they are, you show that what they think and say really matters. Building a relationship also helps students to feel comfortable coming to you with questions and concerns, and also allows you the opportunity to get to know your student’s strengths and weaknesses better as well. So, by connecting with them they will be more willing to connect with you, give you respect, and work hard to complete the work you assign them. It allows each of you to better know what to expect from one another.
Encourage and Motive
I believe that motivating students to learn is very important. It is this that drives the student to reach their maximum potential. I believe in taking responsibility for motivating my students, by creating activities and assignments that engage them and thus motivate them to work hard. I also believe that it is critical to encourage students along the way. By encouraging the good efforts that students put in, I am acknowledging the hard work they do put in, and am reinforcing positive behaviour. Motivating and encouraging students will ultimately help improve learning and make it a more enjoyable process for all.
Be Prepared
I believe that being prepared is also a very important part in effective classroom management. I think it is important to take some time to get to know a new class of students. Even getting to know their names, before the beginning of the school year or as quickly as possible at the beginning of the school year can prove to be very beneficial. By knowing students names you can more effectively manage your classroom, redirecting students as necessary simply by saying their name. I also believe that setting up a few classroom rules is an important part of being prepared. I think that this is an excellent process to involve students in, allowing them to become more familiar with the rules and take ownership for them. Establishing procedures is also something very important, and comes as a part of being prepared. By establishing procedures students know what to expect and what is acceptable behaviour within the classroom. Consistency is key when enforcing rules and procedures however. Students need to know what to expect. Therefore by being prepared you are allowing students to better learn.
Be Planned
I believe that detailed plans are key in a successful classroom. Although detailed plans will not be possible for every lesson of every day, it is critical to include as much detail as possible in each plan. This ensures that each plan is well thought out. By being well planned you are also ensuring that you have enough work and activities planned for the day and that the activities you have planned are the best activities possible for teaching a student this material.
Be Organized
Being able to keep on top of your classroom is also a very important management strategy. By creating an organized space, students are easily able to find everything they need, and do not waste time looking for things. This also ensures that students are not trying to learn in a cluttered workspace, which is not conducive to learning. Organization is also key in keeping track of students progress, marks etc. By being organized you are better able to understand where each student is at, and are able to provide feedback to him or her much more effectively.
Be Clear, and Direct
When addressing students you need to be very clear with what you expect from them. Students need to know exactly what you want. They need to be able to identify when is an appropriate time to joke around and have some fun, as well as when you mean business. By being clear with your students, and laying out your expectation, you will make this easier for them. I believe that it is necessary to be very clear with what you expect from students, and set that tone very early on. It is also necessary that you be very direct with what you expect. Students need to know exactly what it they are to be doing. Keep what you are saying short and simple.
Establish a Teacher Presence
Students should know that you are the teacher and respect you for that. They should be able to tell by the way that you carry yourself that you are in control of the situation. You should also be approachable however. Therefore, you must demonstrate a balance between being available for student questions and being ready to confront misbehaviour.
Prevention: Classroom Rules and Procedures
I believe that classroom rules and routines should be collaboratively decided upon. I do not believe that it should be an exhaustive list, or else you are just asking for rules to be broken. Instead I believe that key rules should be discussed and established. Once the rules have been decided upon I think that they should be written on chart paper or Bristol board and displayed within the room. All should easily see them wherever they are displayed. I would also have each student within the class sign this rules as a visual reminder that they understand and agreed with the rules that we as a class have put in place. Routines and schedules should also be easily accessible within the classroom. I think it is important for students to know what is coming and what to expect, therefore I believe that it is a good idea to display the daily schedule on the board for students. That way students know exactly what they are to be doing next, which also helps with transitions between subjects etc.
I believe that it is very important to take time at the beginning of the year to firmly, and directly explain these rules. It is also important to continually remind students of the rules and expectations during the first few months of school. By continually reminding them during this time, they are able to better learn what is expected, making it into a habit, and minimize problems later on in the year. If this foundational step is skipped rules and routines often become obsolete within a classroom.
I will expect my students to show respect and responsibility within my classroom at all times. This is something that I will set the tone for from day one. I will also solidify my rules and regulations by modeling them myself. I want students to not only understand what the rules are by why they are important. I would also have my students discuss what the consequences for not following each of the rules they created would be. That way students are also familiar what their consequences will be if rules are not followed. Consequences will be logical and directly related to the offence however. This will ultimately help students to understand the importance of following the rules.
Conclusion
Therefore I believe that classroom management is key in creating a learning environment where students feel safe. I hope to create an inviting and supportive environment for my students where they feel free to ask questions, explore and dive into all the possibilities of learning. I believe that a large part of classroom management is creating teacher presence, where students learn to respect and trust you. I believe in building relationships with each and every individual student, in being planned, prepared and organized as well as being clear, direct, firm and fair. I believe that through implementing those techniques within my classroom I will be able to effectively manage my class, and provide them with an atmosphere that maximizes learning.
Please feel free to contact me about any of my management beliefs at any time. I would be happy to discuss them, or a specific management situation with you.
Communicating Daily Behaviour to You, the Parents
Each day your child will begin the day with five stickers in his or her pocket. Each time I give a warning a sticker will be removed from his or her pocket. At the end of each day students will place their stickers on their tracking sheet to be brought home, signed by you and returned to school. I encourage you to speak with your child if you see less than five stickers, to better understand how they lost their stickers.