Introduction
The following are some strategies and tools I have used and can/will be altered depending on the students:
Student Expectations
● Students are expected to come to school ready to learn
● Be respectful to teachers, students, and other staff
● Follow classroom procedures and school rules
● Stay in your seat when directions are given
● Participate in group activity lessons
● Keep desk/drawer area clean and organized
● Have things in order and organized in WIP (work in progress) folder
● Be independent and patient when the teacher is busy with another student
● Raise your hand before speaking
Classroom Management Strategies and Tools
One or more of the following teacher responses may be utilized during the day to help fulfill student's expectations (these are just a few of my frequently used strategies)
● Positive reinforcement such as verbal praise or rewards (students can receive a cube, sticker, fun eraser, coins, etc. for good behavior)
● “Call and answer” for example teacher: “eyes on me” students: “1,2,3”
● Visuals
● Verbal reminders to stay focused
● Redirecting to positive behavior
● Student Feedback such as mini-conference with students about work
● Accommodating separate workspace for students who need it
● Supplying whiteboards and dividers for each student during certain subjects
● Seating arrangement change
● Practicing routines and expectations
● Fidgets
● Student drawers
● Student mailboxes
● First, then, done work Bins
● Cube System
● WIP folder
● Whiteboards
● Work Checklist
● Dividers
● Daily Schedule
Behavior
The teacher should hold the students to high expectations in the classroom. I will do this by setting the standard, setting expectations, and encouraging them to be more independent during their day depending on the classroom environment. During the day I will give explicit instructions for the students to follow. These will be step-by-step directions that will be explained in great detail so the students always know what they are expected to do and what to do next.
I like the concept of having “morning work” whether it's a quick worksheet to refresh students on academics or a coloring page. Students should start their day with a low-stress activity to get their brains stimulated.
I also like the idea of a “what can I do next?” bin and an ”all done” bin. These indicate what needs to be done first second and then what they can do when they're done. The students always have something they could be working on. If students have finished everything they can read or play with a fidget if needed until I give them their next direction or task. This would be modified depending on the grade level and classroom.
The students also have a WIP folder which stands for “work in progress”. This is kept in their personal drawer and can be used to work on during downtime or when finished with that day's assignment. This helps students organize and keep track of assignments they haven’t finished from a day or two prior. Again, this would be adjusted as needed for specific classrooms.
I will make corrections or check-in their work placed in the “all done” bin and call back individual students to the back table to discuss changes or tell them they need to take a second look. Once corrected I will either collect it back or tell them to put it in their mailbox to take home.
Cube system - this system is used to promote positive behavior in the classroom. Positive reinforcement is a big part of their management plan in the classroom. When I see students demonstrating good behavior or nice work the student can be awarded a cube. This cube can be saved or spent on Fridays. The cubes are worth one. I will have a cube store with prizes worth from 5- to 45 cubes. Students can choose to spend their cubes or save them for a bigger prize. This is just one classroom strategy I have experience with and feel comfortable implementing. This system also works with coins.
Choice time/Free time - this is essentially the student’s recess time. This time is only about 15-20 minutes long. This time is given towards the end of the day to the students that have gotten all of their work done. Students can play with toys or something they brought from home as long as its school appropriate. The students that don’t finish their work by this time of the day will finish it during this time. The students may join the rest of the class when they are done. This system will be altered depending on the type of class.
Rules for the hall - the students will be held to a certain expectation when they walk through the halls. They are to have their eyes forward, mouths closed, hands and feet to themselves, and arms by their sides. If they do not do this the teacher will stop and wait until they are ready or talk separately to that student. These expectations will be altered for different types of classes.