First Week Plan

By Lauren Wagner
Spring 2015
Group Instruction/Younghee

Rules & Expectations

1. Co-created vs. Pre-made Rules
For my classroom I would like to start with a premade list. I would
introduce it at the beginning of the week. I would prompt the students
that by the end of the week we would re-visit the Rules and turn
them into Agreements. We would go one-by one and discuss themasking Should we keep them, or change them? and Is there
anything we should add?
2. The Rules
In Our Classroom:
We Are Kind
We Are Honest
We Give Compliments
We Laugh A LOT!
We Make Mistakes
We Have Big Dreams
We Are Peaceful
We Work Hard
We Are Family
http://d75822.medialib.glogster.com/kcsmith2/media/21/218f563fe979b62
3d8d5ad7b87135258449a52b0/classroomrulescolored.jpg
3. Enforcement Strategies: Positive and Negative Behavior
-Having the agreements visible.
-Holding myself accountable.
-Checking in with the students asking, Do we remember our
agreements?
- If a student breaks an agreement: have one-on-one discussions with the
rule-breaking students. Maybe, if issue continues, re-visiting the
agreements as a class.
- Good behavior will hopefully be met with intrinsic wealth. It is not in my
education philosophy to be behaviorist, and provide material motivation
for my students. But if I chose to in certain situations, I would create a
student-generated reward. If there were a period of time where all of the
students did not break any of the rules, they would be met with the reward
of their choosing. I would like them to think of rewards that give back.
Some activity they could do that would help others.
4. Classroom Philosophy
My classroom philosophy is constructivist in nature. I think that the more
group work and peer instruction, the better the students will retain the
information. That is why I would like the classroom agreements to reflect
that philosophy. I want to emphasize the importance of getting along with
their peers and being good people in society. I dont necessarily want my
classroom agreements to be classroom management tools- I would rather
them guidelines to live by.
5. Seeking Outside Help

In my classroom I will seek outside help when it is needed. I would like to

try and solve all of the students problems myself and as a class, but I
know there will be times that will be beyond my control. In those instances
I will call upon the guidance counselor, resource room teacher, and
parents. Anytime a student needs more help than me and his/her
classmates can give them will be met with outside support.

Procedures
http://www.educationoasis.com/instruction/cm/routines.htm
1. Entering the classroom
http://steveandcat.net/mrswalker/images/pictures/back-to-school
%20stuff/when%20you%20arrive1.jpg
https://s-media-cacheak0.pinimg.com/236x/50/7b/7a/507b7a8f8970c8f213592d7d561c6490.
jpg

2. Beginning work:
http://www.internet4classrooms.com/brain_teasers.htm
I would like to begin the day with a daily question. The question will be
posted on the board, and the students will begin the day trying to
answer it. It will be a way for the students to get their mind ready to
work that day. It doesnt have to stick to one subject. It can be math,
reading, social studies, etc. The question will also specify if it can be
answered solo, partners or in a group.
3. Roll Call/Lunch Count/ Tardies

To take roll, I would have a magnetic board by the door. Each student
will have a their own magnet with a picture and their name on it. As
they come in, they will take their name and move it to a different part
of the board. Each day there will be a different way in which to
categorize their names. For example: What kind of shoes are your
wearing today?
4. Absences/Make-up procedures
All students will be able to make-up work due to absences. Each
student will have a buddy who will collect work for their partner if they
are absent. The work can be made-up either at home or in class.
https://s-media-cacheak0.pinimg.com/236x/2e/36/42/2e3642f4949a14fdad861ac0d02c4ccb.
jpg
https://s-media-cacheak0.pinimg.com/236x/72/0f/a5/720fa51ea4c07dbdc9ac2332e3d7a46b.
jpg

5. Teacher's attention signal

Many different attention-getting methods could be used here.

https://s-media-cacheak0.pinimg.com/236x/c3/9c/8b/c39c8bbfa1eb23a5b444acb5c6dca2c6.j
pg

6. Assignments/ Passing in Homework

There will be a specific place to turn in assignments that will be
divided by subject.
https://s-media-cacheak0.pinimg.com/236x/79/c2/68/79c2688b81e22a067562ab15303013fd.jpg
http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/sites/default/files/posts/u24/images/first
15_ladmanhwbins.jpg

7. Getting supplies
Students will have assigned roles in their table groups, and one will be
to get supplies.
8. Procedures for using/carrying/handling equipment

Students will carry equipment with two hands, walk slowly, and treat it
with respect.
9. Getting into groups
Many different strategies can be used here. Below are some ideas.
http://achpernt.com.au/app/webroot/uploaded_files/media/fun_ways_to
_group_students.pdf

10.

Working in groups

http://in1.ccio.co/KE/c/iE/42713896435985468GQ3gh7DIc.jpg
https://s-media-cacheak0.pinimg.com/236x/4e/16/85/4e16859e1fad1e40d75a7f5c976
1008b.jpg

11.

Independent work
Work can be done at their desk, or wherever they are most
comfortable in the classroom.
http://msrados.weebly.com/uploads/3/0/1/3/30130079/9501090.jpg?
705

http://www.chatt.hdsb.ca/~dostalc/0A60212C00009092.4/26092011_31350_4.jpg

12.

Working at a center

This will be similar to group work.

13.

Restroom

Many different procedures can be used here. I will have a pass of some
kind and specify when it is an appropriate time to use the restroom.
http://thecornerstoneforteachers.com/free-resources/routines-andprocedures/bathroom-hall-water

14.

How to head papers

Students will head their papers with their name, date, and assignment
name.
http://www.dailyteachingtools.com/images/paper-heading21528766.jpg

15.

Getting help

Students will ask their peers for help before coming to the teacher. In a
cooperative classroom, it is good to help one another; if someone
needs help with directions or reading an assignment, help him or her if
you are able; if someone needs help with understanding the problem,
tell him or her to ask me for help; never put down another student who
asks for help.
http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/article/30-classroom-procedureshead-behavior-problems

16.

Finishing work early

If you finish an assignment, first work on any unfinished assignments

that are in the front pocket of your work notebook; when you finish
those, you may choose to do your classroom job, read a book, write a
story, illustrate a book, make up math problems, work on a research
project, peer-tutor someone who needs your help, or create a song
about what the class is studying.
http://www.scholastic.com/teachers/article/30-classroom-procedureshead-behavior-problems

17.

Classroom Jobs

I would like my students to have jobs that they choose every at the
beginning of each month. Another good reference for this is how Rafe
Esquith has jobs in this classroom- see Teach Like Your Hair In On
Fire.
https://s-media-cacheak0.pinimg.com/236x/0e/1d/02/0e1d02b86904fe1906f0bf24cbf45557.j
pg

18.

Organizing materials

Materials will be clearly marked and go back where they are found.
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/ebJLgZUB4L4/ThihhZFvFMI/AAAAAAAACf0/cBXuc-hqExY/s1600/Picture
%2B4.png
https://s-media-cacheak0.pinimg.com/236x/9c/06/5d/9c065db4effc100d685dd8240e997e63.jpg

19.

Homework

Homework will be given on a need-basis. There will also be time given

in class to work on homework. There will also be specific places to turn
in homework. At the end of the week, students will be given self
reflections on their homework, and how they did.
http://wiki.bssd.org/images_up/b/b7/Reflection_sheet.png

Assessments & Feedback

1. Self/Peer-Evaluation & Interest Surveys

I chose to combine evaluations with interest surveys. I think
interest surveys will be a great way to not only get to know my
students but also tool to drive instruction with. Interest surveys will
allow me to see what each student is interested in outside of the
classroom, which in turn will allow me to base some of my lessons
and instruction in an way that interests them, and honors them by
acknowledging them as individuals. Interest surveys can be used
both at the beginning of the year with broad questions to get to
know students, and they can also be used more specifically, in
reference to certain subject matter. I believe that basing parts of
lessons on the interest of my students will provide an intrinsic
motivation for them, because they will already by interested in the
subject matter on a personal level.
Self and Peer-Evaluations will provide a conclusive and rigorous
ending to any lesson. I chose to pair it with interest surveys,
because both ask the student to be their own advocate with their
work. Evaluations allow students to think critically and honestly
about their own work, as well as their peers. These evaluations also
help the students to become more democratic members of society
as it asks them to be more ethical in their decisions.
Resources Used:
http://183qcomputertech.weebly.com/uploads/3/6/1/7/3617854/430
2984_orig.png
https://s-media-cacheak0.pinimg.com/originals/86/ab/ec/86abecf750126494423b7a52eb8
0e216.jpg
https://sarahbsd.files.wordpress.com/2013/11/kindergarten-interestsurvey-pg-2.jpg

2. Exhibitions/Demonstrations/Portfolios & Multiple

Intelligences
I chose to combine project-based assessments with multiple
intelligences. I believe that these three forms of assessments are
based in the multiple intelligences. They allow each student to
shine, and do not limit them in terms of creativity and only touching
on one intelligence. Using multiple intelligence quizzes will allow my
to really understand how best my students learn. From the quizzes I
can then tailor my instruction and assessments to their needs and
make sure that they succeed. Understanding my students
intelligences will also allow the instruction to be more
developmentally appropriate and intrinsically motivating for the
students. If they are working on a project that allows them to feel
good about themselves while doing it, then I can in turn know that
they will succeed later in life.
I want to use exhibitions, demonstrations, and portfolios fairly
often in my instruction. I believe that they are a great way to asses
students work in terms of measuring their growth and abilities. I
also believe that these forms of evaluations are more
developmentally appropriate because it allows the students to do
only what they are capable of while also allowing them to push
themselves and their zone of proximal development.
Resources Used:
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/N7uFAGPgOhQ/T9VSl5irveI/AAAAAAAABQg/RZ27R7Buor4/s1600/6.p
ng
https://engp.files.wordpress.com/2012/03/f2e-english-portfoliocovers-_page_12.jpg
http://kita.no.sapo.pt/portfolio_worm.jpg
http://printables.scholastic.com/content/stores/printables/priv/04/97
80439590204-001.pdf
https://www.pinterest.com/explore/multiple-intelligences-survey/

3. Rubrics & Learning Styles

I chose to pair rubrics with learning styles. I believe that knowing
my students learning styles is similar to knowing their
intelligences. Even though we all learn in many different ways, most
of us have one way that is dominate. Finding out my students
learning style at the beginning of the year will help with lesson
planning exponentially. I also believe that it will help with the types
of assessments I use as well. Not only will teaching to different
learning styles encourage more student involvement, but also
honor and acknowledge them as people and individuals.
I believe that rubrics are a great assessment tool because they
allow for many aspects of a project to be looked at and reflected on.
They also give the students reference for what is expected of them
and their work. Rubrics can also be a great way to include different
learning style requirements into a project. Writing rubrics from a
positive point of view can also be motivating for students who might
find projects overwhelming, and encourage more engagement.
Resources Used:
https://mcdn1.teacherspayteachers.com/thumbitem/Writing-Rubric-forPersonal-NarrativesStories/original-376080-1.jpg
http://morevietnamese.com/wp-content/uploads/3types.jpg
stetsonassociates.com/wp-content/.../11/Learning-Inventory-Elem.doc

Community Building Activities

Who I am, and who I want the students to see: I believe more and
more that I need to be completely myself in all situations. I think that a
lot of times teachers are almost acting when they are in front of their
students. I think that its fun to be dramatic, and silly some times, and
I intend on bringing that side of me into the classroom. However, I
really enjoy how students respond to me when I am being completely
myself and genuine. I always in vision kids as being all knowing
when it comes to people, and they can tell when you are not being
yourself. I want them to know that I am warm, compassionate, loving,
funny, silly, and also willing to learn along with them. And I want the
activities I do with them to reflect that.

The Toilet Paper Game

"For an icebreaker to be used with any grade. Throw out a role of toilet paper
and tell the students to take as much as they need. (Don't tell them what it's
for). After everyone has taken some, have them tear the toilet paper at the
perforations. For each square of paper in their possession, they have to share
one fact about themselves."
http://www.edutopia.org/blog/back-to-school-strategy-buildingcommunity-anne-shaw
http://www.teach-nology.com/ideas/ice_breakers/
http://www.peacefirst.org/digitalactivitycenter/files/can_i_see_your_smi
le.pdf
Activities:
Alligators
Nature Walk
Questions
Pictionary Telephone
Can I See Your Smile?

Self-Evaluation & Reflection

From this project I learned that there is a lot on planning that goes into
every day on teaching and instruction. I also learned that having
preconceived ideas and philosophies will help me as a future teacher, not
only on the first day of school, but throughout the entire year. I learned that I
have many good ideas about what I want to bring into the classroom. I also
learned that its sometimes more important to have a good intent behind a
project, than the project itself. I thought the act of finding examples of things
I wanted to use in the classroom worked really well. There is so much
information out there for teachers, and not being afraid to look for things
and ask for help with benefit me in the future. When guiding my students its
important for me to know who they are, what they like to do and how they
learn best. When it comes to what approach works best for me, I think its
actually a combination of both. I like the idea of having a democratic based
classroom while still teaching and acknowledging the whole child. Both
strategies connect with my philosophy and who I am as a teacher. I learned
that group instruction isnt as scary as I originally thought. I realized that I
am naturally very organized when it comes to group instruction and
classroom management. And that remaining calm and centered is important
for me to be a more present teacher. I think that is a by-product of how I set

up my classroom and the environment I create through the type of

instruction I give.