Module 11 Reading and Response

​Classroom management includes:

• creating routines​

• establishing rules

• managing paperwork

• making schedules

• arranging the room

Classroom management is goal-oriented, with the understanding that the most important piece is teachers building relationships with students. ​Ultimately, you will need to formulate a management approach (style) that is compatible with your personality.

• Engaged: Students are involved in their work and know what is expected of them

• Time management: Time is used wisely, students are not disruptive

• Purposeful work: Students are working toward a common goal

​3 to 5 rules for appropriate behavior seem to be the ideal numbers. How these rules are established depends on grade level, the teacher’s philosophy of classroom management, and what is considered acceptable behavior in the school.

• Content: planning the physical environment, deciding on daily procedures and instruction

• Conduct: rules and guidelines for student behavior

• Covenant: managing relationships, developing strong communication skills

​•Forming: beginning of the year - students are learning roles and procedures. 

•Storming: early in year - students begin to test the limits and distance themselves from rules. 

•Norming: middle of year - most behavior struggles have been addressed. 

Performing: mid to late year - students are showing self-reliance and self-discipline.

​Adjourning: end of year - students move forward with an understanding of expectations in a classroom setting.

​At the start of the school year, teachers must make time for establishing relationships. The goal is to ensure all students feel a sense of belonging through trust, connection, and understanding. For students with learning or behavioral problems, developing positive relationships provides a sense of protection and safety that helps them stay focused on learning.

• Greet students by name

• Make one personal comment to them each day.

• Note individual efforts as you build relationships with the students.

​•Encourage parents to spend time in your classroom

•Chat with parents when they pick up their children

•Invite parents to bring spouse or other family members

•Call a parent you haven’t met

•Give your contact info

​Think about some of the teaching strategies from the last module:

• ​project based learning?

• ​whole brain learning?

​Why wouldn't traditional classroom rules work with some of these strategies?