Jan's Thoughts and Resources
on Classroom Management

 
   Building classroom community is my number one priority.  To me, it isn't something that you do when you have some extra time. It isn't an activity that you do once a week. To me, building community is a priority--not an "add-on" or an extra. I agree with the belief that children learn best when they feel safe.  I believe that children learn best when they feel that the learning experiences are relevant to their lives and when they feel comfortable taking risks as learners.  I think they learn best when they feel as if they are part of a community in which everyone is accepted and in which individuality is encouraged.

 
    In college, I was required to read about The Responsive Classroom, and I believe in this philosophy.  I think that when you work hard to create a community of learners, behavior problems go down and the level of student engagement goes up.  I have not been able to attend a RC workshop yet, but it's on the top of my list for this summer. In addition, I do not use textbooks as the curriculum for science and social studies; I believe in a student-centered, literature-based approach.  This is more work for me, but the results are worth the time spent preparing lessons and gathering materials.  I try hard to connect every lesson with their lives in some way.

 
My Suggestions for 
Behavior Management

1. BE FAIR AND CONSISTENT AT ALL TIMES. MAKE SURE THAT YOU DON'T HAVE ANY "TEACHER'S PETS."

2. FOLLOW THROUGH!  IF YOU SAY YOU ARE GOING TO  DO _____, THEN YOU'D BETTER DO IT! 

3. PROVIDE A STUDENT-CENTERED LEARNING ENVIRONMENT IN WHICH STUDENTS CAN BECOME ENGAGED IN THE LEARNING PROCESS. YOU WILL FIND THAT YOUR NUMBER OF BEHAVIOR PROBLEMS GOES DOWN AS THE LEVEL OF STUDENT ENGAGEMENT GOES UP.

4. BE A ROLE MODEL. WORK TOGETHER TO SOLVE CONFLICTS.  BE PATIENT.  HAVE A SENSE OF HUMOR.  MODEL A POSITIVE ATTITUDE TOWARDS SCHOOL AND LEARNING. 

5. BE YOURSELF! DON'T BE AFRAID TO LET THEM KNOW THAT YOU CARE!

6. WORK HARD TO DEVELOP A POSITIVE HOME/SCHOOL RELATIONSHIP!

 
I try to build classroom community in the following ways:
 
  • Teasing, name-calling, and so on are forbidden.  We work on using kind words at all times.  I express to the children that we might not all be best friends, but we are all friends.  We think about the words we say before we say them.  We work on disagreeing in a way that is not hurtful to others.
  • I treat my students with respect and courtesy, and I expect the same from them.
  • Class officers are elected and have real responsibilities.
  • I encourage interaction among the students, and I provide opportunities for "peer teaching" on a daily basis.
  • Every child has a job. (They can be relieved of their duty in extreme circumstances.)  There are fun and "not-so-fun" jobs that need to be done each day.  The jobs change weekly.
  • Children work together to solve their own conflicts by using "I Messages."
  • Children have input when it comes to the curriculum.  (I usually provide appropriate choices, and I let them make the decision.)
  • Students are given choices as much as possible and are encouraged to really "think" throughout the day.
  • My lessons are student-centered rather than teacher-centered.  I try to keep students as actively involved as possible.  Even the most traditional lessons can become engaging when a child is teaching!  Note:  Some of my units are posted online.
  • We have "share time" on a daily basis.  This is a five minute period in which a child shares something from home, a story they have written, or an experience with the class.  He/she takes questions and comments from the class.  (Children sign up in advance.)
  • We have "story time" everyday after share time.  While I read aloud from a novel, the children must be quiet.  However, they can draw, color, write, or work on missing work at their desks as I read.  They cherish this time for themselves.
  • I hold private behavior conferences on an as-needed basis. I never embarrass my students by putting their names on the board.  (See class rules.)  In addition, the children can schedule appointments with me to discuss private issues that concern them.  I usually do these conferences at lunch. 
  • I let the children really "know" me.  If you asked one of my students to tell you about me, they would say that I love cheese, movies, and dogs.  They would also tell you that I don't like unkind words, lying, and bananas. They know that I really want to be there, and I think that is half the battle!
  • I am silly!  We can laugh and joke together as a family while meeting our academic goads.  I am learning, too!
  • They don't have to ask permission to go to the bathroom.  As long as we are not in the middle of a lesson, they know that they can go without asking.  If they abuse the privilege, they lose it.  Then, they have to raise their hand for everything.  They usually work hard to be responsible. (Of course, I am able to do this because I have a bathroom and water fountain in my room.)
  • I try to never use the words "My Classroom."  It's OUR classroom.  I AM the authority figure in the room, but I also want to be seen as part of the classroom family.

 
Classroom Community and Discipline Links
My "Lunch Bunch" Behavior System
Class Rules, Interventions, and Consequences
Jan's Resources for Teachers


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