Classroom Management Plan

Introduction Each day that I spend in the classroom presents new challenges. Every situation and each different child requires an individualized response from me as the teacher. Nevertheless, a formal, written classroom management plan supported by research is an invaluable starting point when dealing with the ever-changing features of a classroom. When I am able to anticipate problems before they occur, I can avoid them and allow my classroom to function smoothly. In most cases, if the day is organized and planned well, the discipline policies are not an issue. Classroom Management Goals Provide a productive, safe environment conducive to learning Promote self-respect, responsibility, and empathy in my students Spark enthusiasm for learning Classroom Procedures We will essentially follow the same routine every day, so students will know what to expect, thereby minimizing disruptive behaviors. I feel the two most important routines in elementary school occur when the students walk in the door and when it is time to leave at the end of the day. These two times can be very chaotic if not managed properly. Morning Routine 1. Unpack backpacks and hang up 2. Choose lunch 3. Turn in homework 4. Begin DOL and any other instructions written on board.

Because the students can begin the DOL independently, I am free to take attendance, respond to any notes or problems from students or parents, and insure that all of the homework is turned in. Meanwhile, the students are actively learning and there is little wasted time in the morning. Exiting Routine 1. 2:25 The Boards and Floors person erases the board and checks the floors to ensure that each student has picked up their work area. 2. 2:30 Bus riders are allowed to begin packing up to go home. Once these students are packed, they line up at the door to be dismissed. 3. 2:35 Bus Riders are dismissed. Car riders and extendedday students begin to pack up to go home. Once they are packed, they line up at the door and wait to be dismissed. 4. 2:40 Final dismissal. There are many more routine procedures throughout the day including bathroom time, break time, and lunchtime. In another attempt to establish routine, I always tell my students what the schedule is for the day immediately after DOL. This is especially important if there is a special or different event that day. If the students know what to expect, they are less likely to misbehave. Physical Arrangement of the Classroom I will arrange the students desks into groups for two reasons: this arrangement frees up the maximum amount of space in the rest of the classroom and, this arrangement provides more working spaces when the students perform group work. My classroom will contain a library, several centers (writing, math). In addition, I will utilize many different teaching strategies in a day and I will need easy movement of supplies and students in the room. The students may be joining me on the floor one moment and moving around during a dance break the next. Having the student desks in groups

provides the space needed for daily classroom activities. In addition, I will have my students working in groups at least once a day. Groups of desks provide a good meeting place for students who need to work together. My desk will be in a corner of the room facing out towards the rest of the classroom. From this spot, I can easily see the entire classroom as well as the hall outside of the classroom. However, I do not plan on spending much time at my desk during the day. I plan on strolling through the classroom answering questions and helping students stay on task. Incentives In my classroom, school will be considered each students job. Just as I am expected to show up to my job each day, prepared and ready to work, I expect each student to come to school prepared and ready to work. If a student does just that, he or she gets paid for his or her efforts. Every student has the opportunity to earn $5 a day for executing his job. On Fridays, I open the classroom store. The store contains such valuable items as: candy = $15, mechanical pencils = $25, test freebies = $50, computer passes = $50, kindergarten reader passes = $50, cans of soda = $100, and out-to-lunch passes = $250. Students can either spend their paycheck right away, or save it in their checking account to buy a more expensive item later. I think this incentive program has plenty of virtue. It is logical to fifth grade students. They get to experience the concept of working to earn money. In addition, students often comment on how hard it is to save money for the more expensive items. What a great welcome into the real world!! I can empathize with their troubles. Attention Signal Give me Five I put up my hand showing five fingers, one at a time, where each finger represents one aspect of the students attention.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

Face Me Mouth closed Ears listening Eyes watching Hands quiet

In five seconds, the class is quiet and students are ready to listen. I will hang a poster reminding students exactly what they need to do when the teachers hand goes up. Classroom Rules and Consequence About a year ago, I read on the Internet about a school-wide discipline plan called C.H.A.M.P.S. Each letter stands for a goal area: "C" is for classroom behavior, "H" is for homework completion, "A" stands for accepting responsibility, "M" is for mealtime interactions, "P" is for playground behavior, and "S" refers to showing respect for oneself, one's peers, and adults. As is the case with most discipline plans, C.H.A.M.P.S. came with not only rules, but also consequences. Their consequences were a bit different than the one I plan on implementing in my classroom. There will be four colors which represent different levels of discipline, each student will start the day on green. If they are given a warning they move their clip to yellow and get an Oops note sent home explaining why they were moved to yellow. If they get another warning, they move to orange. When they get on orange they not only get an oops note they will get written up in the behavior book (If you are written up five times, the book is sent to the principal), and a phone call to a parent.. Lastly, if they receive another warning, they move to red, which results in a trip to the principals office immediately and a phone call home. Everyday there will be a sheet in the students take-home binder that has a spot to mark whether they were moved to yellow, orange, red, or remained on green. This is so parents can see how their child behaved each day.