Creating a Culture for Learning
Classroom Management
My approach to classroom management is based on building relationships and creating a safe environment where students strive to be the best person they can be – academically and personally. I believe mutual respect in the classroom, positive relationships with students, and a solid classroom management plan are the keys to solving discipline problems before they begin. My high expectations and consistent procedures keep disruptions to a minimum. For example, students know they are expected to come to class on time, sit in their assigned seat, and begin the Do Now. We have procedures for moving into groups, exiting the class, checking grades, asking questions, picking up absent work, etc. This past year I did experience more discipline issues as most of the students I taught were at-risk students. I use proximity, ask students quietly to stop their disruptive behavior, and found myself asking students to step in the hall. In the hall I would give them a couple of minutes to think or calm down and then speak with them about their behavior. Part of mutual respect is listening and asking questions to get to the bottom of an issue in the classroom. We would discuss the issue and I would explain why it is important that they cease the behaviors - sometimes out of respect for me, my materials, or other students in the classroom. If students continue their misbehavior they are given a form where they describe the behavior and explain what they will do different next time. At this point I call home and speak to their parent/guardian to keep them in the loop regarding the issue and get feedback from them about what works at home. All behavior forms and phone calls home were recorded in PowerSchool. Oftentimes conversation, reflection, and parent contacts solve behavior issues in the classroom. Click on the pictures below to get a closer look!
My approach to classroom management is based on building relationships and creating a safe environment where students strive to be the best person they can be – academically and personally. I believe mutual respect in the classroom, positive relationships with students, and a solid classroom management plan are the keys to solving discipline problems before they begin. My high expectations and consistent procedures keep disruptions to a minimum. For example, students know they are expected to come to class on time, sit in their assigned seat, and begin the Do Now. We have procedures for moving into groups, exiting the class, checking grades, asking questions, picking up absent work, etc. This past year I did experience more discipline issues as most of the students I taught were at-risk students. I use proximity, ask students quietly to stop their disruptive behavior, and found myself asking students to step in the hall. In the hall I would give them a couple of minutes to think or calm down and then speak with them about their behavior. Part of mutual respect is listening and asking questions to get to the bottom of an issue in the classroom. We would discuss the issue and I would explain why it is important that they cease the behaviors - sometimes out of respect for me, my materials, or other students in the classroom. If students continue their misbehavior they are given a form where they describe the behavior and explain what they will do different next time. At this point I call home and speak to their parent/guardian to keep them in the loop regarding the issue and get feedback from them about what works at home. All behavior forms and phone calls home were recorded in PowerSchool. Oftentimes conversation, reflection, and parent contacts solve behavior issues in the classroom. Click on the pictures below to get a closer look!