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Classroom Management Plan

First grade
Beliefs about Classroom Environment:

I believe that the classroom environment should be welcoming, organized, enjoyable, and

learning oriented. These are the words that I would use to describe my future classroom. I

believe that the classroom should feel welcoming to each student. The students should feel happy

and comfortable when entering the classroom each morning. The teacher should make the

students feel welcomed by having a positive relationship with them. The classroom environment

should be built on trust and respect for both the students and the teacher. The classroom should

also be well organized. The classroom should follow a consistent routine so that the students

know what to expect daily. There should be a few basic rules for the classroom. The classroom

should also be enjoyable. There are several ways to make lessons enjoyable for the students that

will get them interacting with the lesson. I will incorporate this type of learning into my

classroom as much as I can. Last, the classroom should be learning oriented. As a teacher, it is

my job to teach students. In order to do this, I will need to understand the students and determine

where they are at. It is important to enrich the students with several learning experiences that

reaches all of their learning needs.

In order for my classroom to be welcoming, organized, enjoyable, and learning oriented,

I need to ensure that all my students basic needs are met. Abraham Maslow theorizes in his

Hierarchy of Needs theory that that before students can excel at their full potential, teachers must

ensure that their basic needs are met first (Kline). Maslow’s theory is broken down into 5

sections. These sections include: physiological needs, safety needs, Belongingness and love
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needs, esteem needs, and self-actualization needs. As a teacher, I will help my students meet all

of these needs so that they can succeed (McLeod).

I feel that I would benefit from following a three tiered model of classroom management

to help guide me. Tier 1 is where most students will fall. 80-85 percent of students will be able to

meet classroom behavior expectations when given high-quality instruction (Kratochwill). I will

be sure to start out the school year by teaching my students what is expected of them. I will guide

them in learning the appropriate behaviors of the classroom. I will also periodically remind them

throughout the year when needed. I will make the goals measurable. I will be sure to incorporate

positive behavior rewards. This can be as simple as a verbal praise or a small reward such as a

sticker or other reward. I believe that this is one of the most effective ways of increasing positive

behavior in the classroom. When a student sees the teacher praising another student for good

behavior, then it will most likely encourage them to have good behavior. Albert Bandura’s

theory theorizes that people learn through observations of other people’s behavior, attitudes, and

outcomes of those behaviors. “Most human behavior is learned observationally through

modeling: from observing others, one forms an idea of how new behaviors are performed, and on

later occasions this coded information serves as a guide for action” (Social Learning Theory).

Tier 2 is where 10-15 percent of students will fall. This tier level will need more behavior

support compared to tier 1. This can be done with small group instruction. The group can be

established by what the student needs to focus on more such as self-management, self-regulation,

and conflict resolution. These are very important skills to have as a child. Often, students have

trouble with these skills and it can greatly impact what they learn. I can check in with the student
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to see how they are doing. I can also communicate with the parents daily about their child. I can

send notes home to let them know how they are doing (Kratochwill).

Tier 3 is where 5-7 percent of students will fall. These students typically will benefit from

individualized interventions. The school will determine what needs to be done for this

student/students. The teacher, school psychologists, principals and special educators should meet

regularly to collaborate on appropriate interventions (Kratochwill).

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Philosophy of Education (graphic representation)

Teacher Teacher is
enjoys committed
working with to students
students

Learn

Positive
classroom Work
management Together
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My philosophy of education can be represented by the model shown above. There are

several things that define my philosophy of education such as that the teacher enjoys working

with students, the teacher is committed to the students, the teacher recognizes the value of

classroom management, and the teacher and students work together positively.

Everyday students have an opportunity to succeed, whether it is a simple or complex

task. I believe that all students should be given an equal opportunity and that each day is a fresh

start. When a teacher truly enjoys working with children the students are given this opportunity

every day.

I believe one of the most critical components to being committed to the students, starts

with the relationship with the students. To be a successful teacher you have to be caring,

creative, motivated, involved, dedicated, and inspiring. A successful teacher has a long-term

impact on each and every student. This includes modifications for students with special needs,

social or cultural backgrounds, language, race, and religion. It is important to understand that not

all students are the same. Good teachers are committed to their students and understand their

needs.

Classroom management is also very crucial to my philosophy of education. It is

important that the teacher develops good classroom management. A teacher with good classroom

management has a consistent routine that allows students to know what to expect on a daily

basis. I feel that a few basic rules are needed. The rules should be stated in a positive manner.

Once our classroom expectations are established, students will be able to guide themselves
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during small group and center time. Students should be able to work independently and exhibit

mutual respect and patients with their peers, especially during group work.

Last, the teacher and student must be able to work together in a positive way. This will

allow the students to successfully learn. It is important to develop a positive relationship to make

the student feel comfortable.

All of these skills reflect back upon my main goal for my student’s learning. I plan to use

all of these techniques to ensure that my students are learning and progressing. Helping all of my

students develop into proficient learners will be a goal that I continue to strive to meet in my

classroom.
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Letter of Introduction to Students

Dear First Grade Student,

Hello, my name is Ms. Durham. I will be your first grade teacher. I am so happy to have

you in my classroom for this school year. First grade is a very fun time for all students. It is a

time to explore many new things. In the classroom we will learn many new words, learn to write

sentences, be great readers, learn more about addition and subtraction, time, how to measure and

many other fun things!

On the first day of school, I will be right at the door waiting for you to enter the door of

our wonderful classroom. Our room is located on the bottom floor, room number 5. Your

classmates will be very excited to see you as well! The first day of school is approaching soon. I

am excited to see your smiling faces!

Your First Grade Teacher,

Ms. Durham
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Letter of Introduction to Parents

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Hello, my name is Summer Durham. I am your child’s first grade teacher for this

upcoming school year. I am very excited to meet them and have them in my classroom. I grew

up in this town and have lived here my entire life. I knew from an early age that I wanted to

become a teacher. It has always been a passion of mine. I began my college career at New River

Community and Technical College in Lewisburg, WV. I then transferred to Bluefield State

College in Bluefield, WV. After graduating, I received a job here at Rainelle Elementary.

I have several things planned for this school year. I will be working with your students on

many different skills. Some of the skills they have previously worked on in kindergarten but this

year we will be expanding their skills. These skills would be letter recognition and sounds, new

words, writing sentences and addition and subtraction. Some of the new skills that they will

acquire is telling time on digital and analog clocks, how to measure with utensils, learn

information about our community and state, and learn about animals and life cycles.

Rainelle Elementary has a school wide based discipline plan. It is geared towards

rewarding the students for their good behavior. Each day the student receives three baseballs.

When bad behavior occurs the student will lose a baseball. If the student loses all three baseballs

for that day, the student will receive an infraction. A copy of the infraction will be sent home for

the parent to sign. Once the student receives three infractions punishment is taken further and

there will be some sort of consequence. If the student does not lose all his/her baseballs for the
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day, they are rewarded with “Ranger Bucks”. Once a month the class will take a trip to the

“Ranger Store” and the students can purchase items from the store with their rewarded money.

August 24 will be the schools open house night starting at 6:00 PM. This is where you

and your child can come and meet with the teacher and view the classroom and school. We

encourage all families to come if it is possible.

Once again, I am very excited to meet your and your child. Do not hesitate to contact me

if there are any questions or problems. You may call the school’s phone number 304-438-5000.

Thank you.

Sincerely,

Ms. Summer Durham

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Arrival /Dismissal Procedures

Students who are dropped off or ride the bus will be dropped off at the cafeteria. The

student will then go into the cafeteria for bus hall. This is when the student will have an

opportunity to eat breakfast. The students will stay in bus hall until the morning bell at 7:45.

Students will then be dismissed to go to their classroom. The student will go straight to their

locker and put their items away. The student will bring in any homework, folders, books, etc that

are needed in class throughout the day. The teacher will be standing at the door monitoring the

students. The teacher will also greet every student when they walk into the classroom. Once

students have gotten their things and went into class, they are to give the teacher any papers or

messages. Then they will begin on their morning bell ringer quietly.

Rainelle Elementary Dismissal Procedure

At 2:30, the teacher will instruct the students to begon cleaning up their work area. The

teacher will then pass out folders that go home every day. Inside the folder will be notes,

homework, and graded work. The teacher will direct the students at 2:40 to get their things from

their lockers and come back inside the room and pack their bag. The dismissal bell will ring at

2:45. Once the dismissal bell rings the whole class will walk to the cafeteria. This is where the

students will correctly go where they are supposed to. First bus students line up, walkers line up,

and late bus students set at tables. There will be several staff members helping and guiding

students.
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Tardy/Absence Procedure
Students will be counted tardy if they arrive at school after 8:00 on a normal operating

school day. The parent or guardian must walk the child into the office and sign them in. If a

student does not arrive to school before 10:30, they will be counted absent for a half a day. If a

student is signed out after 10:30, they will be counted absent for a half of day. An absence may

be excused if there is a doctor’s excuse. Please turn it in within a two weeks of the date. If a

student is absent from school, and there is no doctor excuse provided, then they will be

considered absent.

Homework Procedure
Students will most likely be given some form of homework Monday – Thursday. The

homework will be handed out at the end of the day for students to take home and complete. The

homework assigned is for the student’s benefit. It is to strengthen their skills that they have

learned in class. If a student has any question on the homework assignment, that question may be

asked the following day. Upon returning to class the following day, the student will turn in their

homework. Modifications may be made if the student is unable to complete their homework at

home.

When a student is absent, there in class work and homework will be placed in their

folder. This allows the students to have access to their missed work the next day that they are

back in school. The student is to take the work home and complete it upon returning to class
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Procedures for Getting Students’ Attention/Getting Teacher’s Attention

Attention getting signals are crucial in the classroom. It is important to establish these

attention getters very early in the year. I would use the “if you can hear me clap twice” then the

students respond by clapping twice. I feel that this is a very beneficial attention getter. I feel that

this would be used when majority of the students are not listening or have gotten off task. When

in the classroom and just one student has gotten off task, then I would go stand beside of them

and quietly remind them of what they are supposed to be doing. I like this method because it

does not distract all the students nor does it embarrass the students by calling them out in front of

the entire class. I will also teach them the proper way to get my attention. I would teach the

students to always raise their hand. Once their hand is raised, I will call on them. I would like the

students to use this method all of the time. This method keeps the students from talking out while

other students are talking.

Lining Up /Hallway / Restroom Procedures

I would like to incorporate jobs into the classroom. for instance, I would like to have a

line leader. I would also have a lights helper. Each week the students would get a different job.

When leaving the room, whichever student is the line leader, would be in front. So I would say,

“I need my line leader.” Then I would call on the rest of the students for instance, “I need row 1

to row up”, and so forth for the rest of the rows. This will need to be practiced and reviewed until

the students understand and follow the procedure and follow directions. The students will stay in

line and remain quiet until everyone is in line. Whoever is the lights helper will be in the back of

the line so they can turn the lights out. I would really like to follow this routine every time we

leave the classroom.

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While we are at the bathroom, I will monitor the bathrooms closely. There will only be

allowed two students in at a time. The first two students will check the bathroom and make sure

it is clean. Once the students have checked the bathroom, I will sign off on a paper letting

everyone else know that when my class was there they were clean. When one student comes out

another can go in. Whoever is the last person in the bathroom, must check the bathroom. If there

is any unflushed toilets or paper in the floor or anything else, they must report it to me. I will

then prompt the students and ask them to clean it up before leaving.

While walking in the hallway it is important to stay on the correct side and stay in a sign

file line. The students must remain quiet. If the student is not being quiet in the hallway, then I

can take a baseball from them.

Bullying Procedures for Student as Victim and as Bystander

Bullying will not be tolerated in my classroom. As a teacher, it is a part of my job to

watch out for bullying. I will always encourage students to be nice to one another. I will always

encourage students to show one another respect, that everyone is different and that we need to be

accepting. I also feel that it is important to reward students for nice behavior.

If a student is being bullied in my classroom, then I will be sure to address the problem as

soon as I find out. I will get each child’s side of the story so I can gather as much information as

I can. I will talk to all students involved individually. I can also incorporate the guidance

counselor into this matter to help. The counselor can have a discussion with the entire class about

bullying. I will also have a talk to the class about bullying. I will ensure them that if they know
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that someone is being bullied that they are to tell me immediately or another school personnel if I

am not there. The counselor can also talk to the students individually. The bullies will be

punished for their actions depending upon the actions they took. I will also call their parent or

guardian to inform them. If it’s a matter that I can handle, then I will handle it in the classroom.

The student could lose a baseball or loose free time. I will also be sure to always separate the

students the most that I can. If the bullying is a serious issue, then the principle will be brought

into it. The principle can then decide if the student will be suspended, have detention, or another

consequence that is appropriate.

Classroom Rules/Discipline: Include at least 3-5 rules, rewards, consequences, type of

system, and accountability component.

Rainelle Elementary has a school wide based discipline plan. It is geared towards

rewarding the students for their good behavior. Each day the student receives three baseballs.

When bad behavior occurs the student will lose a baseball. All staff members are allowed to take

away baseballs. For example, if the student is acting up in art class, the art teacher is allowed to

take a baseball. If the student loses all three baseballs for that day, the student will receive an

infraction. A copy of the infraction will be sent home for the parent to sign. Once the student

receives three infractions punishment is taken further and there will be some sort of

consequence. If the student does not lose all his/her baseballs for the day, they are rewarded with

“Ranger Bucks”. Once a month the class will take a trip to the “Ranger Store” and the students

can purchase items from the store with their rewarded money. Every morning, the students will
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come to my desk while completing their bell ringer and will tell me how many baseballs they

had left over from the previous day. The students will then determine how much in “Ranger

Bucks” they are supposed to be rewarded with. The student will then visually see daily how their

actions affect their rewards.

Other than the school wide discipline program, the classroom will also have a clear set of

rules. The class will establish these rules on the first day of school assisted by the teacher. I will

guide the students in the right direction when creating the rules. It is very important the each and

every student follows these rules. If a student does not follow these rules, then a baseball will be

taken.

1. Listen to the teacher.

2. Raise your hand to talk and wait until the teacher calls on you.

3. Share and take turns with objects in the classroom.

4. Respect one another, the teacher, and all other school personnel.

5. Do not leave the classroom without permission from a teacher.

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Map of Classroom Set-Up

D S
o m
Smart o Center 2 / Computers a
Class
table r r
Bathroom t
b
o
a
r
Student desks d

Center 1
table
One- Learning D
on-one r
Sink / Rug
table y
storage e
Center 3 r
table a
s
e
b
Storage o
a
Teacher
r
desk Bookshelf d
Storage
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Rationale for doing so:

I positioned the smartboard and dry erase board at the very front of the room so that all

students can see it from everywhere in the classroom. I put a rug behind it. I feel that we will use

the rug quite often for story time, using the smart board, etc. I the positioned the student’s desks

behind the rug. This way they can still see the smartboard and dry erase board for instruction. I

would like to have my desks in rows. I also set up centers around the classroom. I feel that

centers a very important to have. I will use these centers a lot in the classroom for all subjects.

The students will be assigned to groups for every time we use the centers. I also included a one-

on-one teaching table. This will most likely be used when centers are being used. I will set at this

table and work with the students in each group. I will also use then when needed for

differentiation. This could be used to help small groups of students who need extra help or just

one student. The smart table can also be used as a center when necessary. I set the teachers desk

behind and off to the side from the student’s desks. This will allow me to still see all the students

at their desk. I have a book shelf for the classroom library. This will allow students to visit it and

get books to read. I added various storage cabinets for the classrooms supplies. The classroom

also has a bathroom and a sink. This will be used for emergencies only. I feel that all of these

objects are needed in a first grade classroom. The centers are very necessary for differentiating

instruction.
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First Day Script

Sample Day 1 Bellwork
Students will enter the class on the first day of school. I will instruct them to find their

desk and begin on the bell ringer. I will ask the students to write down 5 things that they want to

learn in first grade. I will then ask them to draw a picture of them at school. Paper and crayons

will be provided to the students for this task.

Detailed List of Specific Items to be Accomplished Before First Day of School

First day classroom preparation:

 Prepare classroom have all tools ready such as computers, books, smartboard

 Crayons, pencils, dry erase markers are ready for the students and working

 Have desks labeled with the student’s names

 Students name tags are created

 Bulletin board is decorated with student’s names and theme

 Alphabet and basic numbers are displayed in the room

 The word wall is designed

 Objects are labeled in the classroom

 “Ranger Bucks” reward system pocket chart

 3 Laminated baseballs will be velcro onto student’s desks

 Daily schedule will be written on dry erase board

 Class events will be posted

 Class schedule will be posted

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 Posters will be hung relating to science, reading, math, and social studies

 Students folders will be prepared

 Classroom centers will be prepared

Details on How the Teacher Will Greet Students

I will stand outside of the classroom door and greet my students individually as they enter

the classroom. I will introduce myself to each student by saying my name. I will then say

something such as “How are you?”, “Goodmorning”, “I am excited for this school year”. I will

assure the students that today is going to be a great day and we will all meet each other. I will tell

the students to go ahead and enter the classroom. I will tell them to find their seat and begin on

their bell ringer.

Description of How Procedures will be Taught (include explain, rehearse, reinforce):

As the day begins I will begin teaching the students the procedures of the classroom. for

instance, they will begin on the bell ringer. I will tell them that they will have a bell ringer every

morning. Then, when we leave the room, I will call on each row to line up. I will say “Can I have

row 1 to line up please.” I will tell the students what row they are in before doing this. I will add

in classroom jobs when I feel that the students are ready for them. We will follow our daily

routine by taking bathroom breaks, going to lunch, going to gym class, etc. Each time we

transition I will thoroughly explain to them the procedures and how important it is to follow

them.
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Description of how rules are selected/presented to students and how they will be enforced

As a class, we will come up with the classroom rules and they will be thoroughly

discussed. I will guide the students when determining the classroom rules as stated above. All

students will sign a class contract agreeing to the rules.

I will also go ahead and explain the rules of the “Ranger Rewards” to the students. All

students should already know the rules since they used this in kindergarten but they will need to

be refreshed. If there is a new student, I will explain in depth to him/her about the reward system.

I will immediately begin using this system.

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Agenda of Events for the First Day (including resource, lunch, restroom breaks, etc.)
w/Times
Time Event
7:45 am – 8:00 am Bell ringer activity
8:00 am – 9:30 am Reading instruction (Book, assignment,
activity, introduce library, introduce Ranger
Rewards, classroom rules)
9:30 am – 9:45 am Bathroom / water break
9:45 am – 11:15 am Math instruction (assignment, activity)
11:15 am – 11:45 am Lunch
11:45 am – 12:15 pm Recess
12:15 pm – 12:30 pm Bathroom / water break
12:30 pm – 1:15 pm Science instruction ( lesson )
1:15 pm – 1:45 pm Intermural (gym)
1:45 pm – 2:30 pm Social studies (talk about our school
community)
2:30 pm – 2:45 pm Clean up desks, get folders, get backpack
2:45 pm – 3:00 pm Pick-ups / first bus
3:00 pm – 3:45 pm late busses
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Bibliography
Kratochwill , T. R. (n.d.). Classroom Management. Retrieved September 7, 2017, from
http://www.apa.org/education/k12/classroom-mgmt.aspx

McLeod, S. (2007). Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs. Retrieved August 25, 2017, from
https://www.simplypsychology.org/maslow.html
Social Learning Theory (Bandura). (n.d.). Retrieved September 15, 2017, from
https://www.learning-theories.com/social-learning-theory-bandura.html