Classroom Management Philosophy and Plan 1

Running head: CLASSROOM MANGEMENT PHILOSOPHY AND PLAN

Classroom Management Philosophy and Plan EED 480 NB Shanan Conder October 30, 2010

Classroom Management Philosophy and Plan 2

Section 1 The classroom management plan of my mentor teacher is balanced and smoothly run. My mentor teacher does a fine job of keeping her classroom lively and engaging while keeping order. I am inspired by the fact that students are not restricted to the point they lose their excitement about what they are learning. At the same time their excitement is not allowed to impede the learning of their classmates.

Section 2 My plan for smooth transitions between managing instruction and behavior includes a respectful dialogue between my students and I that continues throughout the day. Continually and consistently positive behaviors will be praised and negative behaviors will be redirected. Instruction will not be completely halted for each and every misbehavior, rather most minor misbehaviors will be addressed and instruction will immediately continue. In the event that major misbehaviors occur it may be necessary to stop instruction. Instruction will be given to the class to continue an activity while I am addressing the misbehaving student in the hallway. Section 3 My Personal Classroom Management Plan A classroom management plan that includes clearly stated policies, teacher modeling, student involvement, and self-accountability, will create an environment that students can learn effectively. (Wong, 1998) This essay outlines my personal classroom plan as well as strategies that specify how I will present and conduct myself, the

Classroom Management Philosophy and Plan 3 behavioral goals for my students, the classroom conditions I will provide, how I will help students conduct themselves appropriately, and how I will intervene when misbehavior occurs. Professional Approach My professional approach to classroom management integrates consistent organization with clearly stated behavior expectations; using proven methods that research has shown effective for monitoring student behavior. In my classroom my students will be presented with concise learning objectives. They will be made aware of the learning goals each day and be given the tools and motivation needed to achieve those goals. A very high importance will be placed on teacher modeling of behavior standards and classroom procedures from the very beginning of the school year. It is my goal to guide my students by example, requiring the highest standards from myself first before asking my students to follow suit. Through attention to detail I will tailor my classroom management plan to meet my students needs with the awareness that small changes can make a big difference in the classroom. Strategies like appropriate student seating, student access to learning materials, and well-orchestrated transitions will be used to encourage fewer discipline issues in the classroom. (Charles, 2008) A teachers professional approach plays an important role in the effectiveness of her teaching and classroom management. In order for a teacher to be an effective leader to her students she must put forth an image appropriate to her role as an educator. The professionalism of a teacher is demonstrated in the respect she shows to others, her creation and application of classroom policies, her positive outlook in all situations, and the pride she takes in her performance as a teacher. A teacher should strive to conduct herself as a professional at all times. The teacher should dress in an appropriate manner

Classroom Management Philosophy and Plan 4 consistent with her leadership role and daily activity requirements. The teacher should protect the privacy of her students keeping sensitive classroom information in confidence. The teacher should respect the parents of her students involving them where appropriate. The teacher should be an advocate for the safety and education of her students. The teacher should avoid comparing students to one another with the knowledge that each student is uniquely special. The teacher should be flexible, ever ready to adapt, in order to give her students an effective learning experience. (Charles, 2008)

Behavioral Goals The Behavioral goals in my classroom management plan ultimately lead to student self-management of behavior. Each step in my behavior management program is designed to redirect student choices until students are able to manage their own behavior with little redirection from the teacher. Once a student can self-manage their behavior, they are likely to take ownership of their choices and are more likely to demonstrate desired behavioral outcomes. In order to create policies and procedures, it is necessary for the teacher to take into consideration all the needs of the students in the classroom. The following list is a summary of student and teacher needs that are considered by the teacher when setting behavioral expectations.

Student Needs in The Classroom: Students need to be respected and allowed to contribute to the learning community in their own unique way. Students need motivation to learn the value of life-long learning.

Classroom Management Philosophy and Plan 5 Students need a safe learning environment where participation is encouraged and diversity is celebrated. Students need curriculum that is delivered in such a way as to meet their learning needs while helping them apply information authentically to real-life experiences. Students need to be taught how to function in a structured system of discipline policies, and procedures. Students need to feel comfortable raising questions, analyzing information, and exploring concepts while performing hands-on activities at appropriate times.

Teacher Needs in the Classroom: Teachers need a working environment that is organized and provides the resources needed to present information to students. Teachers need respect. Teachers need students willing to participate and ready to learn. Teachers need a working environment where students are accepted and engaged in the learning environment.

Classroom Conditions and Rules Wong and Wong assert that teachers must introduce and begin modeling acceptable classroom behavior from the very first day of the school. From the beginning of the school year students in my classroom will be informed about classroom expectations. Consistent routines will be established early on. During the first weeks of the school year, a significant amount of time will be put into establishing classroom policies and procedures in order to organize the classroom environment and engage

Classroom Management Philosophy and Plan 6 students in the curriculum. This practice will allow students to learn the system and work comfortably within in it with confidence that the environment they are learning in is ordered. When students do not feel confident that their environment is orderly they are more likely to display behaviors that are unwanted. When setting classroom policies and procedures I will begin with a foundation of classroom policies that are geared toward student needs, and aligned with my teaching philosophy. Building upon that foundation, students will be included in setting additional classroom rules they feel will promote a successful classroom environment. Including students in setting some classroom policies allows them the opportunity to put rules in place that are relevant to their own ideas of an ideal classroom. My foundational classroom policies align with the following rules. (Wong, 1998)

Classroom Rules Students are expected to be respectful, and treating others with kindness, the way they expect to be treated. Students are expected to consistently do their best. Students are expected to use a respectful indoor voice while in the classroom. Students are expected to listen to and follow directions. Students are expected to make smart, safe choices.

Rewards for good behavior

Classroom Management Philosophy and Plan 7 Students have the opportunity to earn classroom dollars when they successfully follow classroom rules. A classroom store will be set up where students can purchase items with the classroom dollars at the end of the month. In addition, students will receive coupons daily and they will be able to enter a drawing that will be held every Friday.

Consequences for Misbehavior The first time a misbehavior happens the student will be given a warning. The second offense on the same day will result in the student receiving an oops card on their desk. A fourth offense on the same day will result in a visit with the principal and a note to the parents. Continuing behavior will result in a conference and an individual behavior plan agreed upon by student and parent.

Implementation of Class Rules and Interventions Once classroom rules are established and discussed with students, they will be recorded in a behavioral contract and signed by each student. A large format of the contract will be posted to remind students about classroom expectations throughout the year. Students will then be introduced to the behavior monitoring procedures, awards, and consequences. The behavior monitoring procedures are put into place to positively reinforce desired behaviors. Students will be explained that they are ultimately responsible for self-monitoring their behavior and will be made aware of the consequences that will be applied when poor choices are made. (Marzano, 2003)

Classroom Management Philosophy and Plan 8 At times when a student struggles to self-monitor their behavior it may be necessary to adjust their environment in order to give them a better chance for success. Behavior interventions may include customized behavior contracts, establishing individual learning goals which can be tracked and monitored, involving parents in the classroom management strategy, and removing distractions or temptations that encourage the student to misbehave. Often a simple change that modifies a students environment makes a difference. (Marzano, 2003)

Introducing Students to Classroom Management System The most important and effective way to introduce students to a classroom management system is for the teacher to model the desired behaviors herself. Good leadership in a teacher makes it possible for students to follow the example they see everyday. The key to modeling appropriate behavior is to do it early and often. Students will have confidence in a classroom management system when they see evidence of it working, first through their teachers leadership, and then through their classmates responses. (Gardner, 1991) My classroom management system will be introduced from the first day of school and reiterated throughout the year. Students will be clearly explained the procedures and policies and the reasons why the policies are important. Students will discuss what the classroom might be like if it did not have such policies and how the policies protect them. Students will be kindly reminded of the classroom expectations at every opportunity. Students will be caught doing good whenever possible as a positive way to reinforce classroom policies. (Marzano, 2003)

Classroom Management Philosophy and Plan 9

Classroom Arrangement

Classroom Management Philosophy and Plan 10

Letter To Parents Regarding Discipline Dear Parents: Let me welcome you and your child to my class. As your child's teacher, I am looking forward to working with you. Together, we can make this a great year. In order to carry out the programs of the district and school, it is important that we have good classroom discipline. Therefore, I am using this method to inform my parents and students of the rules and consequences we will use throughout the school year. These rules and consequences can be found below. Please take a few minutes from your busy schedule to discuss the need for good discipline with your child. Also, please sign the copy provided and return it to me via your child. Your help and assistance are greatly appreciated. Rules: Students are expected to be respectful, and treating others with kindness, the way they expect to be treated. Students are expected to consistently do their best. Students are expected to use a respectful indoor voice while in the classroom. Students are expected to listen to and follow directions. Students are expected to make smart, safe choices.

Positive consequences for students and teams who show good performance: Students have the opportunity to earn classroom dollars when they successfully follow classroom rules. A classroom store will be set up where students can purchase items with the classroom dollars at the end of the month. In addition, students will receive coupons daily and they will be able to enter a drawing that will be held every Friday. Negative consequences for students who do not follow the above rules: The first time misbehavior happens the student will be given a warning. The second offense on the same day will result in the student receiving an oops card on their desk. A fourth offense on the same day will result in a visit with the principal and a note to the parents. Continuing behavior will result in a conference and an individual behavior plan agreed upon by student and parent. Please return to me by:______________________ Student signature:__________________________ Parent signature:___________________________

Classroom Management Philosophy and Plan 11

Letter To Students Regarding Discipline Dear Students: Welcome to my class! We are going to have a wonderful year together. It is important that we have good classroom discipline so that we can be the best learners we can be. In this letter you will find our classroom rules and discipline plan. Please read it so that you will understand the expectations of our class. Rules: Students are expected to be respectful, and treating others with kindness, the way they expect to be treated. Students are expected to consistently do their best. Students are expected to use a respectful indoor voice while in the classroom. Students are expected to listen to and follow directions. Students are expected to make smart, safe choices.

Positive consequences for students and teams who show good performance: Students have the opportunity to earn classroom dollars when they successfully follow classroom rules. A classroom store will be set up where students can purchase items with the classroom dollars at the end of the month. In addition, students will receive coupons daily and they will be able to enter a drawing that will be held every Friday. Negative consequences for students who do not follow the above rules: The first time misbehavior happens the student will be given a warning. The second offense on the same day will result in the student receiving an oops card on their desk. A fourth offense on the same day will result in a visit with the principal and a note to the parents. Continuing behavior will result in a conference and an individual behavior plan agreed upon by student and parent. Please return to me by:______________________ Student signature:__________________________

Classroom Management Philosophy and Plan 12

Letter To Administration Regarding Discipline Dear Administrator: I am looking forward to serving our school district once again as a kindergarten teacher. Together, we can make this a great year. In order to carry out the programs of the district and school, I have designed a classroom management plan that I believe accomplishes that purpose. This letter is an informative tool that details my classroom management plan including the rules and consequences I will use throughout the school year. Rules: Students are expected to be respectful, and treating others with kindness, the way they expect to be treated. Students are expected to consistently do their best. Students are expected to use a respectful indoor voice while in the classroom. Students are expected to listen to and follow directions. Students are expected to make smart, safe choices.

Positive consequences for students and teams who show good performance: Students have the opportunity to earn classroom dollars when they successfully follow classroom rules. A classroom store will be set up where students can purchase items with the classroom dollars at the end of the month. In addition, students will receive coupons daily and they will be able to enter a drawing that will be held every Friday. Negative consequences for students who do not follow the above rules: The first time misbehavior happens the student will be given a warning. The second offense on the same day will result in the student receiving an oops card on their desk. A fourth offense on the same day will result in a visit with the principal and a note to the parents. Continuing behavior will result in a conference and an individual behavior plan agreed upon by student and parent.

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References Charles, C.M. (2008). Building Classroom Discipline. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc. Gardner, H. (1991). The unschooled Mind: How children think and how Schools should Teach. New York: Basic Books. Marzano, R.J. & Marzano, J.S. (2003). The Key to Classroom Management. Educational Leadership. 61(1), 6-18. Wong, H. & Wong, R. (1998). The First Days of School. Mountain View, California: Harry K. Wong Publications Inc.