Introduction: Classroom management is defined as the methods and strategies an educator uses to maintain a classroom environment that is conducing

to students learning and success. According to Daniels most researchers have agreed that while only you can determine the exact variables necessary to incorporate into your classroom management plans, every plan should have these four criteria included: procedures, rules, rewards, and consequences in order to be effective (Daniels, 78). This will look different in every classroom and should reflect both the curriculum and the educators personal teaching philosophy. The key is to establish classroom management right from the beginning and to continue to implement it into your classroom and your teaching every single day. Discussion Of Classroom Management Options: Classroom management is composed of a variety of strategies and techniques and therefore will appear differently in every classroom but should reflect the content, grade level and the teacher. Classroom management should include in some form each of these four areas: procedures, rules, rewards, and consequences. Johnson outlines three prevalent theories that are seen regularly throughout our school system which are: (1) the choice theory which goes along with more of a noninterventionist approach, (2) the conflict resolution theory which reflects the interactionist theory, and (3) the assertive discipline theory which coincides with the interventionist approach to teaching and classroom management.

Noninterventionists hold the view that teachers should not impose their own rules;

that students are inherently capable of solving their own problems. Interactionists suggest that students must learn that the solution to misbehavior is a reciprocal relation between student and teacher. Where as interventionists believe that teachers must set classroom standards for conduct and give little attention to input from the students (Johnson, 123). In my opinion each hold a place within the classroom but it up to you as a teacher to decide in what degree, if at all, you use each. The way in which you choose to establish your routines and build a foundation of classroom management within your classrooms and your teaching will determine your overall classroom climate. This is not only a simple set of rules or ways for acting, but a much more holistic approach, one that involves a set of relationships and an underlying tone of sense of being and feeling (Johnson, 126).
Approach To Classroom Management: I chose to read the book Classroom Management That Works by Robert J. Marzano. Overall, I really liked the strategies that this book covered, which in my opinion was much more of an interactionist approach to classroom management. I feel that the foundation of classroom management is in the way you choose to set up your classroom. This is the environment in which you establish and implement these strategies and routines in your teaching. In the classroom layout (floor plan) that I have attached with this assignment I feel that I have created an environment that is open and engaging- one that is nonrestrictive. With placing the desks in small groups I am encouraging group participation and peer assessments. I

have also placed two tables at the front of the classroom close to the doors which are for students to pick up materials they need for that day on one table and on the other will be folders with the previous days materials and assignments for students if they were absent or misplaced their papers. This is one way of establishing a routine within the classroom and classroom management within the very first minute of class. I will also have a bell ringer at the beginning of each class, which will be either an admit slip, TPS discussion which will turn into a Sharing Whip of ideas or a quick write. This will engage students, activate their brains to begin thinking about this lesson and/or connect this lesson to prior knowledge or a previous lesson. One strategy that I really liked that Chelsea touched on in her presentation was what Sprick presented in his book Discipline in the Secondary Classroom: A Positive Approach to Classroom Management as different approaches to keeping students engaged when they may be feeling antsy or overly active with the use of music stands and objects to feel. I titled this area in my classroom as the Relaxation Station, this is a way for students to continue working but to do so in a way that may be more comfortable for them or to use this area to go when they do need a minute to relieve stress before return to work again. I created this class with the intention of it being a Special Education classroom but really could be used as any classroom for multiple content areas. The three main areas that I really connected to when reading this book and I feel are the most important in establishing classroom management are: rule and procedures, disciplinary interventions, and teacherstudent relationships. I believe first and foremost that the most important aspect of teaching is establishing and building relationships with each and every one of your

students. I also feel that in order to maintain order and foster a positive learning atmosphere for your students there must be rules and procedures in your classroom but that both teacher and students should choose them. Marzano says that at the secondary level that there should only be about 7 rules in a classroom and he also gives some great ideas for how to discuss these rules and implement them into your classroom using the students rather than just orally telling the students what they are. Last but not least discipline is also important in a classroom and is usually the most difficult to do as a teacher but Marzano outlines some useful ways in approaching these tricky situations with providing students with choice (choice theory). This provides students with an opportunity to take ownership in their actions and to discuss it and come to an agreement on what a reasonable penalty would be and a resolution and/or alternative behavior for the future is. I believe that my classroom management should be reflective of who I am as a person and what my teaching philosophy is.

Connection Between Educational Philosophy & My Approach To Classroom Management: I believe that my personal teaching philosophy is heavily rooted in my approach to classroom management and that what I plan to implement into my classroom in strategies used and routines established is reflective of my own personal beliefs. I believe that it is important for students to learn in a studentcentered environment versus direct instruction, which promotes collaboration and cooperation among students and helps to build meaningful relationships. This is visible in the way in which I choose to set up my classroom with having students sit

in groups rather than individually. It is important to provide students with a variety of opportunities to learn by incorporating the multiple intelligences and learning styles of each and every student by providing students with ways of differentiating material or modifying the way students are to complete classroom activities. I feel that I will do this by providing students with an area where they can choose to stand and complete work or by providing an area for students to just get away a relax for a moment before returning to work. Overall, I feel that the most important thing you can do as a teacher is provide students with a safe environment- one that encourages students learning and fosters success and I feel that my approach to classroom management is certainly reflective of my teaching philosophy and my goals as an educator. Conclusion: Classroom management is the foundation to establishing and maintaining a positive learning environment- one that is both engaging and encouraging for students. Although this may look differently in every classroom, the goal remains the same, which is to maintain order in a classroom so that you can provide students with the best possible learning conditions. The key to effective classroom management is to establish routine by implementing these strategies and techniques everyday into classroom. My goal as an educator is to build relationships with every one of my students and for this to be reflective in my teaching.