Classroom Management Essay

Introduction This paper will present the importance of setting standards within the classroom. Transitioning is one the most important part of planning. Without a classroom management students will not understand the role that they play within the classroom community. I believe the one of the most important details in the development of lesson planning is implementing effective transitioning to minimize behavior problems. Students need to in a positive and encouraging environment for them to succeed and setting high expectations for them. Establishment of rules The purpose of setting classroom rules is to create a safe yet challenging environment. I believe that educators should strive daily to meet the needs of students spiritually, socially and mentally. The theoretical foundation applied by an educator is like a roadmap that enables the students to arrive at their intended educational expectations. An educator’s theoretical foundation should be precise, integrated and complete. Such a model should consider each aspect of students being. When God created man, He made man in His own image. Man is a spiritual being, who possesses a soul that lives inside a body. And yes, having an established prevention class makes it all possible. Gaining students trust and respect is a very critical first step in creatinine a positive learning environment. 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. I believe that students should be a part of creating the classroom rules because they will be more likely to comply. By creating the rules they will have a personal and moral connection. In kindergarten the students learned the school rules and of course they would have to be implemented throughout their school career as a student. The first grade daily rules will be posted at the appropriate eye level so that students have easy access to the rules. The rules will be posted and consistently followed throughout the school year. I will discuss the rules, consequences, and rewards with the class daily. It is imperative that I set the expectations of the classroom immediately. This will be ongoing practice throughout the school year. I will also encourage the parents to go over the classroom expectations at home. As we begin to create the classroom rules, I will model/discuss with the students what a good classroom rule looks like. For example creating mini lesson that include possible scenario’s along with consequences as a result of the unwarranted behaviors. This way they understand what is expected of them when creating the rules. I will explain to the students that I will develop the first five of the six classroom rules. I will write all the rules of the board and in a student centered discussion ask why they think this rule is important. The first rule is to follow directions the first time that they are given. Second, listen when others are talking at all times. Third, raise your hand and wait to be called on before responding. Fourth, work quietly and do not disturb others. Fifth, you must keep our hands to yourself at all times. Each day student’s will have a chance to earn â€Å"smile sticks. † Smile sticks can easily be earned whenever a student is displaying appropriate behavior by: following directions, walking quietly in the hallway, helping others, etc. At the end of each week, smile sticks are counted and each student with 8 or more sticks will get a chance to pull from the treasure chest. Parents will be notified daily of positive and negative experiences. Daily Routine On the second day of school will go over the rules discussed on the first day and revisit the class tour. On this day, I will go over the morning routine that is displayed daily within the classroom. The students will be asked to come in and immediately select their breakfast and begin to eat. The students as well as parents will receive information on the time breakfast is served, and the amount of time provided to students. Next, I will discuss and model the appropriate items to bring into the classroom from the lockers located within the classrooms. I will next discuss the importance of attendance and being tardy to school. Then I will discuss/model and teach appropriate procedures for sharpening pencils, restroom, and turning in assignments. Parents will receive a welcome letter that tells about me. The parents’ will also receive a school handbook and classroom expectations. Setting daily routines is important for all grade level students but especially lower L students. On the third day we will get to know each other and I will provide an assignment â€Å"getting to know me† the students will take this assignment home for homework. This sheet will allow them to go home and complete with their parents and come to school ready to share. I will store the assignment within their file so that I can always use it as a reference guide. The classroom tour Each day within the first week of school it is important that students get comfortable with their new environment. We will take a classroom tour and learn where all resources and materials are within the classroom. Once we have gone through a tour and I explained as well the demographics of things, we will do a quick assessment. I will choose a student by pulling Popsicle sticks randomly. An example of this assessment is to simply ask questions. For example: â€Å"If I need to find my writing journal, where would I go to retain it? † This exercise would give students moving about within the classroom and getting comfortable and familiar with the placement of various tools and resources. Transitions Students often find it difficult to transitions between assignments and changes class periods. I have witnessed difficulties at all age levels and it is a task that must be made smooth by all teachers. According to Kellough & Jarolimek, smooth transitions can be facilitated by implementing structured activities that help students make these transitions. Transitions are less trouble when teachers plan them carefully during their preactive phase of instruction and write them into their lesson plan. (Kellough & Jarolimek, 2013) A significant stumbling block to the flow of instruction is in attention to transitions between activities, lessons, subjects, or class periods. It is here that teachers are likely to feel that they are less effective in maintaining the flow of instruction. Effective transitions are structured to move students from one activity to another, both physically and cognitively. The goal of smooth transitions is to ensure that all students have the materials and mind-sets they need for a new activity The start of the day students will begin their bell work assignment on a daily basis. Once bell-work is completed then students will begin journal writing based on a selected topic. During transition periods the student will be able to earn table points. The table with the most points at the end of the week have to opportunity to pick a prize from the treasure box. The transition procedure will be explained throughout the school year. Once we complete the lesson the students have two minutes to prepare for the table point game. Preparation includes putting away their current supplies and sitting as an effective leader and finally pause. The table that is prepared in this manner first, gets an opportunity to answer the first question in the point game. With this activity I am able to assess the students’ knowledge of the prior lesson as well engage them in a fun activity. Using transitions as a tool to help maintain the flow of instruction will ensure meaning instruction. During the transition for lunch, I will set clear and concise directions through-out our daily interactions. Twenty minutes before lunch the students will wrap up their math lesson and collect reading material from their baskets (DEAR). Students will begin to line up once their table is called and will proceed to the lunchroom. Conclusion Today most classrooms suffer do to a lack of effective planning in the area of classroom management. A classroom prevention plan is imperative to having a successful year and students reaching the goals set forth by educators. I believe that if students are a part of creating the classroom rules, they will be less likely to fall short of following the rules. On the first day of school first graders are for of energy, nervous and anxious of what’s to come ahead. Parents are standing in the door way afraid to say goodbye but excited for the journey that their first grader is about to embark on. Establishing a structured environment in the beginning and allowing the parent and students to have access to clear rules and expectation is the recipe for a successful school year! References Van Brummelen, H. (2009). Walking with God in the Classroom: Christian Approaches to Teaching and Learning. Colorado Springs, CO: Purposeful Design Publications. Kellough, R. D. , & Jarolimek J. (2005). Teaching and learning K-8: a guide to methods and resources (9th ed. ). New York: Macmillan.