Classroom Guidlines and Rules
Classroom Management
2010-2011 School Year
Classroom Management Plan
I believe Classroom Management is the key component in any educational setting. I believe that if students are in a safe environment, then learning can take place. This doesn’t necessarily mean punishing behavior problems but rather a combination of setting the tone in a class, preventing behavior problems with interesting and engaging curriculums and effectively including all students in the classroom so that their needs are met. Having the right environment for all students to learn is my major goal of implementing good classroom management--without it the students would not be able to learn.
Philosophical Statement
I am committed to making my classroom a safe and challenging environment and engaging my students through the curriculum as well as getting to know them and interacting with them one-on-one. I believe that meeting the needs of my students is a very crucial part of my classroom. I want them to be comfortable with the other students, as well as me, so that there can be meaningful discussions and interactions. Talking will be common place in my classroom, along with group work. I want to encourage all students to participate in class so that they can learn from each other as well as me. I want to have a democratic and equitable classroom so that students can learn. I want to be a fair as I can be, so the students trust me. I feel that I have a very patient and calm attitude with my class. I ask students about their life outside of class and feel that they respond in class even more, knowing that someone is paying attention to them. I want them to feel comfortable asking questions of me. I think my attitude towards the students is not overbearing or authoritative. I do not believe in forcing the students to do anything. I want to work with them in all circumstances so that we can achieve together and they don’t feel like I am spoon-feeding them information. I want students to be a part of their learning. I want to motivate students to learn and keep their interest by using engaging curriculum. I want to involve students in rules about the classroom as well as what curriculum they would like to study. I believe if students feel they are involved in the workings of the classroom, they will be more motivated to engage in the class and in turn, learn.
Room Arrangement
My desk is positioned in such a way that the doorway is very visible so that I may see who is coming and going at all times. A safe environment is of the utmost importance to both the students and all teachers who are working in my room.
Most Important Rule
The best rule that I have heard and I would believe to be my attitude towards classroom rules is that I need a classroom where learning takes place, and if we can respect each other then we don’t need any other "rules." I absolutely believe in keeping a safe environment where put-downs and name calling is not allowed–this also falls under respect. If I can have respect for my students as well as having them respecting each other, I believe this leads to a safe environment where learning can take place.
Classroom Procedures
I want to be consistent with my students in terms of Classroom Procedures. I always want to have the agenda on the board so they can copy it down in their notebook everyday as they walk in. Each student is required to maintain a folder will holds all of the handouts, worksheets, notes and past quizzes to be used as study material and a portfolio to be shared with me and their parents. I allow the folders to be used on every chapter exam in an effort to improve organizational skills and relieve test anxiety. At this time I do not allow any hall passes except for a rare emergency. This eliminates constant moving in and out of the classroom, unnecessary travel in the hallways and facilitates a more productive and consistent learning environment.
Encouraging All Students
The building up of each student’s self-esteem and developing a “can do” attitude is extremely important in the teaching process. While students are encouraged to read and participate in class they have a choice in whether to do so or not.
Positive Reinforcement
Instead of focusing solely on the misbehavior in the classroom, I want to focus on the good behavior and attitudes in my classroom. I will make every effort to contact parents concerning both good and bad behavior in an effort to create a connection between all parties involved. I want to acknowledge and encourage good behavior and academic success in my classroom. Involving the parents in the classroom will reinforce good behavior and learning by the students.. I think parents really appreciate positive phone calls home and it also sets up a dialogue between parents and teachers.
Conclusion
As I stated earlier, I believe Classroom Management is the key to an environment where learning can take place and students can feel safe participating. I hope to create an environment that is conducive to learning and involves all my students. I believe the most important part of classroom management is not the behavior problems but creating a good rapport with the students, encouraging them to succeed and setting high expectations for them. As well as using an engaging a curriculum, I believe you can create this environment and it will limit the behavior problems in your classroom from the start.
Madison Accelerated High School’s Grading Scale
A = 94 – 100%
B = 86 – 93 %
C = 75 – 85%
D = 65 – 74%
F = 64 % and below
