Classroom Management and Communication Plan

Randa Nasereddin May 15, 2013 EDUC 132, Dr. Hodgkinson A. Rationale and Philosophical Beliefs: Classroom management is an essential part of any teachers daily life. With a good handle on the classroom, a teacher is able to focus more on what truly matters: teaching, while still connecting with the students and having fun. This may sound easy to some people, when in reality it is not. Classroom management is the number one reason that teachers are terminated; and more than 25% of the teachers that leave the profession say it is due to misbehaving students (Hodgkinson, 2013). How students act in the classroom reflects how the teacher acts as their role model. With that said, teachers are the ones that set the tone in their classrooms, so it is crucial that they make it clear from the get-go who the boss is, and how things will run in the classroom. Classroom management is not just about following the classroom rules, but it is also getting to know your students at a much deeper level and making sure that the students are academically engaged. 40% of teachers spend more time managing their classrooms than actually teaching (Hodgkinson, 2013). I do not want to be one of those teachers. I think getting to know your students from the beginning would help reduce the amount of time spent trying to control them. The more a teacher knows her students, the more capable she is of dealing with them. Classroom management is also about knowing how to transition between activities, having withitness, knowing how to deal with multiple situations at once, and having an organized, well-paced and challenging lesson (Roskon & Neuman, 2012). I believe when teachers demonstrate withitness in the classroom, they are better able to effectively carry out the lesson. I think it is crucial for teachers to make their students aware of the fact that the teachers eyes are everywhere. With that in mind, students know that they are always being watched, which then leads to less misbehaviors. If a teacher does not make that clear, the students will take advantage of the situation and abuse the teachers rules; the students will think of the rules as suggestions not requirements, therefore the teacher will lose control. To be a successful manager of the classroom, a teacher must treat each student with dignity (Curwin, Mendler, & Mendler, 2008). When students are treated with dignity, they feel more responsible to be respectful in the classroom, towards the teacher and towards each other. I believe that one of the most important roles of the teacher is to make sure that when the students enter the classroom each day, they feel at ease and in a safe environment; they should not feel as though they are being judged or discriminated against for any reason. Having that safe environment makes for a more relaxed atmosphere, which goes back to getting to know your students, and with that, a teacher is better able to keep a handle on things in the classroom. Another thing that teachers should keep in mind is treating their students as young adults, not as children; by treating students as young adults, the teacher earns their respect, and the students are then more willing to participate in the classroom and behave (Curwin, Mendler, & Mendler, 2008). When teachers and students form a bond, then everyone has a better time at school.

Classroom Management and Communication Plan

B. Developing Student-Teacher Relationships: The school community is like a village: the principal acts as the mayor, the school officials are the senators and House of Representatives, but the ones that truly make a difference are the teachers, because they are the citizens/parents of this village. Students look up to their parents at home, and so at school, the student should view their teachers as professional role models. I think being a role model to someone is an honor. Being that someone that students look up to, come to for advice, and even rely on in certain situations would only tell the teacher one thing: he/she has succeeded in filling the shoes of a true role model. For a teacher to become that true role model to students, she must make an effort to get to know her students, to let them know that she already cares. Before getting to know the students though, I think its just as important that a teacher share some personal information with the student, just so the students would learn more about the teacher, which would help them relate to her throughout the year. A great way to start off the year is by having a quick survey at the begging of the class, where I would have the students stand up if the statements/questions being said/asked relate to them at all (and I would also participate), and some examples are: I have a pet (the students that stand have to share what that pet is, its name, and a fun fact about the pet). I am not from whatever state I teach at (the students that stand would have to share where theyre from and why they moved here). I have siblings (the students that stand would have to share how many siblings they have, and if theyre the oldest, middle or youngest child). I love swimming (the students that stand would have to share their favorite memory at a pool, ocean, or any water related activities). I can speak a different language (the students that stand would have to share what that language is, and say My name is ______ in their language). Chocolate or vanilla (vanilla-lovers stand, chocolate-lovers stay seated).

With this activity, I realize that it would take some time, and thats okay. I think its important to take the time to get to know your students, because it would only make the relationship between teacher and student that much stronger. I would also like the students to complete a take-home survey, which would tell me more about them on a deeper level. It would look like this:

Classroom Management and Communication Plan

Name (and nickname): ___________________________ Date: ________________ Period: ____ What is your dream vacation?

What is your dream job? What do you want to be when you grow up?

Your favorite. Book is: TV show is: Hobby is: Movie is: Song is: Subject/class: Why?

Where do you plan on attending college? If not, state why not.

What is your least favorite subject? Why is that?

What can I do to help make this experience a great one?

What should you do in order to succeed in this class?

Name the 3 most interesting facts about you, that you havent mentioned on here yet: 1. 2. 3.

Classroom Management and Communication Plan

Having the students share this information with me would give me a better picture of who they are, what they are like, and what to expect. I plan on starting my classroom with a fun math fact or a math joke whenever I can, just to get to students attention and keeping them interested. I feel as though sharing goofy jokes with students would show them that the teacher can also be silly, and likes to have fun just like everyone else. Being relatable is extremely important because it could allow the students to view things from the teachers perspective at times, which would get them to understand why there are certain rules in the classroom. I want to be a teacher that is remembered for the relationships I built with my students, not the strict rules that I required them to follow. I want my students to remember me in a positive way because I was able to make a difference in their lives. For teachers to truly make a difference in their students lives, they have to make an effort to connect with them, and make it known that the teacher is always there for anything. Those kinds of relationships do take time to form, so it is best for teachers to start right away because every second, action, and word spoken to these students counts, and will matter.

Classroom Management and Communication Plan

C. Establishing Classroom Rules and Procedures: Having a clear understanding of what is expected from everyone is necessary at the beginning of every school year. Students should know what to expect from the teacher, and the teacher should make it clear what she expects of the students throughout their time in her classroom. Having a set of classroom rules for high school students seems silly at first, but I understand its importance in the way that with the rules given, the students know that they have a limit, and will be held responsible for any misbehavior. A clear set of rules that represent important values in life is a key to a successful classroom (Curwin, Mendler, & Mendler, 2008). I believe that it is in everyones best interest to develop the rules as a class. When the rules are established together with the students, they feel more obligated to follow them. It is also important to revisit those rules a few times during the year, just as a reminder. A teacher should clarify her role in the classroom on the first day, just to get everyone on board. Granted, a teachers role is to teach students, but its also important to let the students know about the classroom rules, which I think defines who the teacher is. If something defines someone, then it is part of who they are, hence their role in the classroom is extremely necessary. Rules are not just made out of thin air; they should have value behind them, as I mentioned earlier. Students should always know the reason behind each classroom rule. When students know why a certain rule is to be implemented in the classroom, they are more willing to follow that rule, and are more accepting toward the consequences if a rule is broken (Curwin, Mendler, & Mendler, 2008). The rules that are set in the classroom should be enforced on everyone, regardless of who they are, their history, the teachers mood at that time, or anything else (Curwin, Mendler, & Mendler, 2008). Treating everyone equally, in that aspect, lets the students know that no matter whom, when, or why someone breaks a rule, there will be consequences. The severity of the consequences may differ from situation to situation, but the teacher should always follow through with the consequences. Creating the classroom rules and consequences may seem a bit challenging at first, but if the teacher keeps the following points in mind, then it will surely make the process a bit easier: Ensuring that the list of rules is short and simple. Avoid using donts/negative rules too much When identifying consequences for certain rules, make sure that the consequences pertain to the rule that was broken (example: rule: no gum. If a student breaks that rule, then their consequence is to help clean gum off the bottom of desks after school). Making sure that the consequence will help improve the students behavior in the long run. Make sure everyone understands the rules and is on board. Update the contract as the year goes on, and tell the students that this contract can be edited by the teacher throughout the year (Curwin, Mendler, & Mendler, 2008). The students must sign the contract, indicating that they understand it clearly, and will comply with the class rules, or otherwise deal with the necessary consequences.

Classroom Management and Communication Plan

Below, I show what my future Classroom Contract could look like, with the rules on the left, and the possible consequences for breaking the certain rules, on the left.

Classroom Management and Communication Plan

D. Classroom Layout: E. Monitoring the Classroom and Responding to Student Misbehavior:

Created using: http://classroom.4teachers.org/

The picture above displays my ideal classroom. The corner where the purple square rug is placed is where the door would be, and the whiteboard is at the front of the room behind the Kidney Table, which is where I would sit during tests. Along with having this table, I also have my desk located in the back right corner of the room, because I would be able to see most students from that corner. I have the projector in the middle of the room because thats where it would be located if it was attached to the ceiling. I decided to place a Student Table, close to my desk, in case I have a student coming in to make up a test, or when I have guests/observers over. The desks are arranged in the fashion they are in because Im a strong believer in cooperative learning. I think Lev Vygotskys Social Constructivist theory is crucial to the students learning process. I do also believe that Piagets individual constructivist theory is also important, because there are times where students just need to work individually to sort through

Classroom Management and Communication Plan

the information. I would not always arrange my room this way, as a matter of fact, during tests, I would have it arranged in the traditional way. My ideal classroom also has couches and beam bags. Some teachers are completely against this idea, but Im completely for it. I think it is nice of teachers to have that for students as a reward every once in a while. It also gives the students the idea that it is okay to come in here and relax (not during a lesson, or test of course). I also have shelves on opposite sides of the room, and by my desk. The shelves by my desk are the ones that will be used for students homework. The upper shelf would have different baskets for the various periods I have, where the students are expected to turn their homework at the beginning of each class. The lower shelf would be for late assignments, with the similar baskets laid out as the top shelf for the various periods. The shelves closest to the door would be for the make-up assignments for the various periods. The shelves next to those would be used for extra paperwork (calendar for the month, assignment sheets, extra worksheets, or any extra credit opportunities). With this classroom layout, I would easily be able to walk around the classroom, and the students are able to move their desks around comfortably, if they need to. This layout also allows me to see every student from either the kidney table, or my desk; I might have to tilt my head a little for some desks, but for the most part, I could see. With this set up, I feel as though I would have great control over my classroom, and therefore be a successful teacher. Teachers who employ effective classroom management skills feel more successful, (Sprick, Knight, Reinke & McKale, 2006). This would allow me to monitor student misbehavior more efficiently and deal with it quickly before it escalates, because of the ease of walking through the desks. With student misbehavior, if the students break any of the rules that are on our Classroom Contract, then they would have to deal with the consequence listed above, that are associated with that certain rule. The Classroom Contract would be located in the front left corner of the room, right next to the push sofa, so that it is always in plain sight. I feel as though having this classroom set up will lessen the classroom misbehaviors because the students know that I am watching, no matter what part of the room I stand in. In the case that I have misbehaving students, I will respond to the misbehavior appropriately. If a student continues misbehaving in a certain way (that is not necessarily disruptive to the class), then I will have a talk with that student during individual work time, or before/after class. I will then notify the student that if this misbehavior continues, then I will have to involve the parents/guardians. I will ask the student what he/she thinks is a good punishment for breaking the rule, if they disagree with my consequences. If I have a misbehaving student that disrupts the class, then I will give him the look. That should be the first sign for the student to straighten up a little. If that plan does not work, then I will tell the students to work individually and solve the problem on the board, during which I talk with the misbehaving student in the back quietly and understand what is going on. I will come up with a plan with the student, if he/she has special circumstances. If the student is acting up for attention, then I will tell the student that if he would like my attention, he is more than welcome to come after school to hang out with me, but during class, its only fair that my attention is spread out evenly to every student. I will make

Classroom Management and Communication Plan

it clear that I will not tolerate that kind of behavior in my class, because everyone else is trying to learn. With student misbehavior, it is going to be a little frightening to try to implement the consequences, because I do not want to be the mean teacher. I have to keep in mind that for students to grow and learn, they have to deal with the consequences of their actions. With that said, some of the behaviors that I will not tolerate in my classroom are: Interrupting someone while they are talking. Cheating. Using electronics (cellphone, iPod) without permission. Talking during a test. Taking things that are not yours. Foul language. Inappropriate contact with other people. Throwing trash on the ground. Yelling or screaming. Calling people names. Sharing inappropriate stories (dirty jokes, drug-related stories) Leaving the classroom without permission.

If a student does any of the behaviors I just listed, I will point to the poster on the wall, right next to the Classroom Contract which will be showing the different hierarchy of responses to disruptive behavior. Below is a preview of what it could look like.

Classroom Management and Communication Plan

THE LOOK A TAP ON THE DESK A TALK WITH THE STUDENT LUNCH DETENTION CONTACTING PARENT AFTER SCHOOL DETENTION SENT TO THE OFFICE IN SCHOOL SUSPENSION OUT OF SCHOOL SUSPENSION COMMUNITY SERVICE

Classroom Management and Communication Plan

F. Parents as Partners: Parent involvement is one thing that a teacher could use for her advantage. On the next page, I have attached a Welcome Letter to the parents, just to briefly introduce them to the world of Geometry, and to welcome them to my classroom. This welcome letter emphasizes to the students and the parents to stay connected with the teacher, and encourages them to ask questions, or email with comments or concerns. I feel as though having a welcome letter really informs the parent that the teacher truly cares. If the teacher took the time to write the parents a letter, then that should hint to the parents that she would really appreciate their involvement. Another way to get parents involved is to send them regular emails about their child, which, I also mentioned in my welcome letter. If the parents are involved from the get-go, they are more willing to accept the classroom rules, and possibly implement them at home. Teachers should make a point to contact the parents of every study to tell them about their childs progress: the great, the terrible, and the in-between. Parents need to stay connected; they need to hear from the teacher how the student is really doing in the class, and whether they are participating in class or not. With the combination of teacher and parent involvement in the students school life, the student is bound to succeed. The student will have support from every direction to aim him/her in the right path. Having multiple adults to look up to and go to for advice, can be extremely beneficial to the student, and will help in shaping the students mind. Not all parents are all-star parents, and we all know that. I would rather have a parent that is overbearing than a parent who does not have a care in the world. An overbearing parent might be overprotective, or wants to guide his/her child in one direction, but at least they care enough to spend the time. One way to deal with those parents is by having them explain to me what it is they want from me, to which I will respond that I will give them everything I can at the appropriate time, and that they just have to be patient. On the contrary, the parents that do not reply to any of my emails, or come to parent-teacher conferences might be hard to motivate, but I will not give up. I will contact all parents once a month with the monthly academic calendar, and the assignments for the units that will be taught that month. I will try to email all parents twice a month, informing them about their childs progress, and how the student acts in class, especially if it the act is out of character. I will make sure to email parents right away if I think there is an emergency; I will first contact them via email, but if that does not work, then I will call them and see how that goes from there. Another method that I will stay connected with the parents is by sending home quarterly newsletters about the class. Ultimately, as a teacher, I would want the parents to be involved, especially because getting them involved means that the student is be getting help at school, and possibly at home. I want my students to succeed in whatever they do, and if that means staying connected with their parents, then I will make sure to do just that.

Classroom Management and Communication Plan

Dear students and parents/guardians, I would first like to welcome you back from summer vacation! I hope you all had a lovely time off! Now that we are back, yet for another fabulous year here at Valley High School, let the real fun begin! This semester I will be teaching your child Geometry. This class will help my students learn about the basic fundamentals of Geometry, and relate what they learn in the class to the real world. Over the next couple of weeks, we will be learning about perimeter and area of various shapes. Later on, we will use what we learned about perimeter and area to help us understand volume of 3-dimensional shapes better. This is just one example of the various exciting topics that we will cover this semester in Geometry, and I will make sure to inform you of all the other topics as we progress, in my monthly emails. It is crucial that the students understand the foundation of Geometry to truly succeed in the class. Students are always encouraged to ask questions, whether it is during class, during office hours, or before and after school. I try my best to stay connected, so if you ever need help, but are unable to make any of those times listed above, you can always email me, and I will be happy to assist you that way, in the best way that I can. I encourage both the students and the parents to stay connected with me, for any questions, comments, or concerns that ever arise. I can be reached via email: Randa.nasereddin@drake.edu, or at my office number: (515) 555-5555 I look forward to another wonderful semester, and I am thrilled to have your child be a part of my classroom! Sincerely, Ms. Randa Nasereddin ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Please cut this bottom portion and bring it back to Ms. N. by the second Monday of school. Students, please sign here ______________________, indicating that you will ask questions when necessary, participate in class, and will do what is expected from you to succeed this semester. Parents, please sign here _______________________, indicating that you have received and read this welcome letter.

Classroom Management and Communication Plan

References:
Roskon, K., & Neuman, S. B. (2012, February). Classroom Management for Achieving Readers. Retrieved May 2013, from EBSCO host: http://ehis.ebscohost.com.cowlesproxy.drake.edu/ehost/detail?sid=a1573c68-a840-4ac8-82ed86e40af16890%40sessionmgr12&vid=8&hid=116&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d# db=a9h&AN=70857264

Dr. Hodgkinson. Classroom Management PowerPoint.