Classroom Management Plan th 5 Grade

Children are like flowers. If you do not tend them carefully, they will grow wild. Source Unknown

Amanda Davis 09/28/04

Table of Contents
Part I: Classroom Organization........................................................................................................4 A. Physical please see Appendix A for the diagram of the below referenced items................4 B. Operational..............................................................................................................................7 1. Center Procedures:...............................................................................................................7 2. Attendance and Lunch Procedures:.....................................................................................7 3. Record Keeping:..................................................................................................................8 4. New Student Procedures:.....................................................................................................8 5. Classroom Cleaning Procedures:.........................................................................................9 6. Displaying Student Work:....................................................................................................9 Part II: Disciplinary Policies and Professional Ethics...................................................................10 A. General Rules........................................................................................................................10 B. Negative Consequences/Penalties:........................................................................................12 C. Positive Consequences/Rewards:..........................................................................................14 D. Expectations for all Students:...............................................................................................16 E. Personal and Professional Ethics:..........................................................................................16 1. For the student:..................................................................................................................16 2. For every teacher:..............................................................................................................16 Part III: Classroom Routines and Procedures:...............................................................................18 A. Student Sharing - Presenting:................................................................................................18 B. Room Helpers:.......................................................................................................................18 C. Homework and Paper Collection:.........................................................................................19 D. Free Time:.............................................................................................................................19 E. Newsletter/Announcements:..................................................................................................20 F. Bathroom and Drinking Fountain:.........................................................................................20 G. Dismissals recess, lunch, specials, end of day:..................................................................21 H. Field Trips:............................................................................................................................21 I. Differentiation Policy:............................................................................................................22 J. Parental Communication:.......................................................................................................23 1. Parent Conferences:...........................................................................................................23 Resources................................................................................................................25 ........................................................................................................................................................25 Appendix A....................................................................................................................................26

Part I: Classroom Organization

A. Physical please see Appendix A for the diagram of the below referenced items
Depending on the class and their needs as well as the behavior of the students, table pods for the students will be used because they are a great way to create a sense of classroom community. These pods also help facilitate group discussions and can be quickly utilized during group lessons. These are fluid and changing pods based on the students needs and personalities. In my classroom (see Appendix A), the pods are set up to be in the center of the room facing a blackboard, which is equipped with roll-up maps of the world and a projector screen, as well as access to an overhead projector. In the front of the room, I have placed my desk,, not only because it provides me with a great vantage point to view the entire classroom, but it also allows for easy access to the materials that may be needed for lessons throughout the day. At my desk, I have a trashcan and a computer as well as a bulletin board (all bulletin boards are denoted as light green in color) and a filing cabinet. The bulletin board behind my desk is to display some of my personal items for example, diploma, teaching credential, and personal paraphernalia about myself. I want the students and all visitors to know about me and my personal qualifications. In-front of my desk is the phone/intercom system as well as another bulletin board. I wanted the phone/intercom system easily accessible to both myself and my students. The bulletin board in-front of my desk is for our class calendar and any related class activities that the class might have on an on-going basis this board may be used during rug time. Also in-front of my desk is the guided reading table. This table may also be used for student conferences, benchmarking, etc, and is placed towards the front of the room so that I may see and
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manage the rest of the class while working with groups (all tables are denoted as pink and may be used by students during various small group work). In-front of the table is the class designated rug area and blackboard. This area will be used to teach minilessons, read-alouds, student theatrical events, etc. Next to the rug area, is the computer station, where three computers are available to students during centers. Towards the back of the classroom is the teacher storage area, as well as class supplies.

In addition to the computer work area, there is a History center, a Science center, a Reading and Writing center and a Reading corner. Each center is equipped with a table and chairs, as well as bulletin boards which will have focused material posted, relating to that specific subject area. The History center will have a globe and accessible maps for students to browse through. The Science center will have bug catchers, plants and other science related paraphernalia. The Reading and Writing center will have paper, pens, pencils, markers, etc, appropriate to the lesson and tasks at hand. Also, please note that in the Reading and Writing center, there are three tables and a trash can that will be readily available to students to use not only during centers, but also for other group related work throughout my lessons. The Reading corner is equipped with bookshelves with a variety of books in many genres and at various reading levels. Also in the Reading corner, there are a combination of comfortable chairs and beanbags in order to make the area extremely inviting and comfortable. The door is in the back corner, and next to the door is the sink with a drinking fountain and an attendance table. I wanted to make sure that the sink and drinking fountain were out of the way and not distracting to other students when they are in use. The attendance table consists of a pencil sharpener along with two cans: one for sharpened pencils, and another for dull pencils.

Also at this table, students will each have a cubby hole where their homework is stored, allowing them to pick it up on the way out. Additionally, students names have been placed on popsicle sticks, so that students may take their name and place it in a hot or cold lunch can on the way in. From the lunch count, we will determine who is absent. Next to the sink, the TV/VCR have been stored in order to keep them out of view this will not be a permanent fixture in my class. These viewing tools will be shared with a number of other teachers. In my class, there are two windows (denoted by a light yellow color). The class was organized so that the windows were placed to the side of the class because I did not want students to become distracted by looking out of them during lessons. Lockers and cubbies for book bags and jackets are centrally located outside of the classroom. Students will place their personal items not needed during the day in their lockers prior to entering the classroom. The restrooms are also centrally located outside of the classroom. My classroom design is flexible and will change in order to accommodate a variety of factors that may arise during the year.

B. Operational
1. Center Procedures: During each school day, the class has and will be able to rely upon a specific routine, in which the students will know what subject is next and what they should be doing at all times. The students will know the order of the subjects ahead of time because they will be posted on the wall for each given day. Additionally, each student will know what they should be working on for each subject, because we will not only have gone over each task, but I will have written them down on the board to help remind them of the items they need to work on during a given period of time. This also includes centers. Not only will the students know when centers are scheduled by looking at the subjects chart, but the individual centers will be listed in a pocket chart with a list of to do items for that center. Students will know which person is in what center by looking at the chart each center will have a group of names listed above it. These names will be rotated on a weekly basis.

2. Attendance and Lunch Procedures: Attendance count, as well as lunch count and the type of lunch, i.e. hot or cold, will be done at the attendance table. At the attendance table, there will be three cups 1) one can will contain all students names on a popsicle stick, 2) one can will have Hot Lunch written on it, and 3) one can will have Cold Lunch written on it. As students walk in each morning, they will take their name on a popsicle stick and place it in either the Hot or Cold lunch can. The students who still have popsicle sticks left in the original can are the absent students (I will confirm that the names left in the can are the students who are actually absent and just did not forget to move their name).

3. Record Keeping: Depending on the school and the schools policies, each assignment will be recorded by subject, student name, date and actual assignment. A three-line grade book is preferred where attendance, assignment grade and cumulative scores will be noted. If not available, a computer program will be used to calculate student record details accordingly so that they are available at a moments notice. Percentage points will be entered in for grades the letter value for each percent will be dictated by the school. For particular subjects, examples of work will be kept in a binder located at my desk, organized by student, in order to keep an accurate benchmark of the students progress. 4. New Student Procedures: Depending on where I teach and what the schools policies are, prior to the first day of school I will have sent a letter to each of my students and their parents welcoming them to the new school year and to my class. I will express my sincere excitement at having their child in my classroom and will tell them a little bit about myself. A list of materials needed for the school year will be included so that there will be no surprise. If I have any dates in regards to open houses, conferences, etc, these will be sent as well. I will also explain the importance of these events and will discuss my homework, grading, disciplinary and classroom procedures. In this letter, I will also invite them to call me with any questions or concerns and will let them know that volunteers are welcome in my class. Each student will be personally greeted by me as they enter the door, and I will endeavor to know their names as quickly as possible. I feel this is extremely important in making any student feel welcome. I will also inform them that they have assigned seating there names will be placed on each desk. A fun and interesting first assignment will be on their desks as well so that they will have something to work on immediately.

After the students have found their seats, I will introduce myself and share a bit about myself. Basic procedures will be explained and demonstrated such as seating assignments, which they would have just completed upon entering the door. We will also go over what they need to be doing each day when they enter the classroom the daily assignment. I will explain where this will be located each day so they know exactly where to find it and can begin it immediately. Basic class and safety rules will also be given and explained and then posted. Each person will sign the rules so that I know they agree with and understand them. More classroom procedures will be taught on the following days and as needed. Each procedure will be taught and practiced so they become routine. For additional new students that enter the classroom throughout the year, I will give them a folder of all of the items that were passed out and reviewed during the first days of school. I will make it a point to call them be name as well, and I will make time to acclimate them to the room and the class procedures individually on their first day. If I know that a student will be coming to my class ahead of time, I will call their home, if possible, and depending on the schools policy, try and visit their home in order to make them feel welcome at a new school. 5. Classroom Cleaning Procedures: During the first few days of school, my expectations of how I want the class, as well as students desks, to look will be conveyed. I will explain that at the end of the day, desks need to be neat and clean nothing should be left on the desks, and nothing should be falling out. Additionally, students should be able to find their books, papers, pens, etc., quickly, and therefore it is their responsibility to maintain some semblance of order inside of their desks in order to do so. 6. Displaying Student Work:

Certain activities and work products of students will be displayed throughout the room. Students will know when this will be done and which assignments will be chosen ahead of time. I believe a classroom should not only reflect a learning environment, but it should also be a reflection of the students inside it, and therefore I think it is very important to have students work displayed. This also helps students take ownership of the classroom and makes them feel more comfortable with their surroundings. Students are also proud of the work they do and will want to show it off to others.

We would be wasting a great opportunity if we failed to use our curriculum as a vehicle for developing values and ethical awareness - Cummings

Part II: Disciplinary Policies and Professional Ethics

A. General Rules
Classroom rules will be posted in the classroom before the first day of school there will be no more than 5 rules. If possible, prior to the first day of school, all fifth grade teachers will meet, along with those teachers teaching specials to fifth graders, to discuss the general rules. We will decide at that time if it is possible to share the same rules across classrooms in order to maintain consistency wherever our students go. On the first day of school, these rules will be clearly communicated both verbally and in writing. A copy of these rules will also be given to each student so that they can keep it with them. We will discuss how and why the rules were created. The following general rules will be posted in the classroom: General Rules

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Respect others Raise your hand and wait for permission to speak Stay in your seat unless you have permission to do otherwise Eyes front when the teacher is talking Change tasks quickly and quietly

The rules will be explained and modeled whenever possible. The class will discuss why rules are needed and each student will enter into a contract by signing his/her name to the rule paper that will be posted on the wall. By signing their name, they will be saying that they agree and understand the rules and will adhere to them. We will then discuss the district and school-wide rules and policies, which will also be posted. Some schools have decided to make line basics and body basics a school-wide policy implementation. If this is the case for my school, these will be discussed and agreed upon. A hard copy will be given to them as well so that each student can keep them in his/her notebook. Changes to the above rules will be made as required in order to accommodate new rules or updates to meet the needs of the school and its students.

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B. Negative Consequences/Penalties:
Consequences to breaking the above rules will be posted as well, so that each student knows what is expected of him/her. Consequences will also be explained so that each student understands what each rule means and why it was created. A pocket chart will be hung on the wall so that each student has access to it. On the chart, each students name will be displayed within a yellow circle. As they decide to break a rule, they will be asked to move their name over. The first time they have to move their name over, their name will be placed under a yellow circle, indicating a warning. The second time they are asked to move their name, their name will be placed under a black circle and they will have a timeout. During their timeout, they will sit away from the group with their head down. The third and last time they are asked to move their name over, their name goes under a red circle. This means that they will be moved to another class where they will have to fill out a Character Counts sheet, explaining what they did wrong, and how they may change their behavior for the future. The student will then sign the paper and take it home to their parents for them to sign. When consequences are explained to the class, it will also be explained that certain behaviors will result in an automatic note/call home to parents. For example, behaviors such as disrespect to the teacher, fighting in and off of the playground will have consequences. Repeated offenses as well as major infractions, such as fighting or cheating, will be escalated to the principal. School and district policies for these types of matters will be discussed and followed in addition to the class rules. Issues will be dealt with first in the classroom when at all possible prior to being sent to the office. The office will be considered as a last resort unless, as mentioned previously, the student has repeatedly negated rules, committed major infractions, or has violated any school and district rules that require an office visit with principal involvement.

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Issues such as tardiness and absences will be addressed using the schools policy. In most cases, after a warning, the student will begin to serve detention time for the amount of time missed during a class due to tardiness. Class work will be done during this time. Additionally, if students are not completing work and are disrupting others, they will not only be subject to the above consequences, but will be required to stay inside the classroom during recess and lunch break in order to complete their classroom assignments and homework. All late homework results in a note to the parents and in some cases a call to the parents inquiring as to the students tardiness or forgetfulness. The above disciplinary policies will be applied equally to all students. Infractions will be reviewed on an individual basis to determine the severity of the situation and consequences will be matched to each situation accordingly. Additionally, other consequences can and will be used in order to ensure a safe and productive environment for every student. Each consequence will be measured to suit the infraction and each student will know that the consequence was the result of his/her choice they chose to break the rules and they know that consequences will follow. Lessons will not be interrupted to penalize students. They will know the policies and procedures and will know what to do. Additionally, a copy of all classroom policies will be given to the office ahead of time. I will have discussed my policies with them, and the policies that are posted and adhered to in my room will be those that the administration and I have agreed upon. A copy of the district, school and classroom rules will be given to parents at conferences or open house. If a parent cannot attend, a copy will be sent home.

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C. Positive Consequences/Rewards:
In my class, positive rewards will be used often because I feel that they are extremely effective in encouraging correct behavior, while at the same time, also discouraging those behaviors that are not desirable. Rewards, coupled with all of the above, can be effective. The reward system will be posted and explained as well. Rewards will be earned, not just given. Rewards will be given in three different ways on an individual basis, a group basis, and a class basis. Individual rewards will be given to those that complete and turn in their homework in a timely fashion, as well as for other classroom tasks completed readily. Group rewards will be given for things like orderliness, timeliness, following directions, etc., and class rewards will be given, for example, when all are following directions, when no one was asked to move their name, when all were quiet and doing their work as asked. For the class reward system, I will have a class point system where the students will work together to meet the goal, or total number of points specified by me. They will earn points by some of the above mentioned examples. Once the total goal has been met, we will decide as a class, what they want to do. Examples of some rewards are as follows: free class time for 30 minutes on Friday, a pajama party, lunch and games in the classroom, a

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movie, bowling, etc. Other rewards, such as treats or small trinkets will also be given to individuals and groups. The reward system will be modified based on the needs of the students and what is earned will change based on the action deserving of positive rewards.

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D. Expectations for all Students:

I have high expectations for all students regardless of their ability levels and backgrounds. Each student can and will succeed!

E. Personal and Professional Ethics:

1. For the student: I will behave in the same manner that I expect my students to behave in. I will model and set an example so that each student knows that I stand behind what I say. 2. For every teacher: Lounge gossip, or any other type of gossip will not be reinforced. If a colleague and I do not agree personally or professional, or both, mutual respect will still be maintained. Someones beliefs or feelings about me, or my beliefs about them, will not get in the way of my professional working relationship with that person or my class. In addition, I will stand behind what my principal believes and will support him/her in any way possible. In the event that there is a disagreement about a particular strategy or view, I will voice my opinion, when necessary, in a professional manner, and will respect and adhere to the decisions being made.

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Part III: Classroom Routines and Procedures:

Become the lesson you would teach. Leonard Roy Frank Since classroom procedures allow many different activities to efficiently occur at the same time, the following are a list of procedures and their descriptions that will be used during the school year. Procedures will be explained and modeled in order for them to become routine so that each person will know what to do when they are required to carry out a procedure.

A. Student Sharing - Presenting:

A couple of times a week, students will be encouraged to share with the rest of the class a project or writing sample that they are working on or have completed. These will take place in our rug area. Prior to the class first sharing experience, the procedure for sharing will be discussed with them. The general class rules will apply during this situation and we will discuss how they apply. For example, each student is to be respectful of one another there should be no laughing or crude comments to anyone, particularly those students who are presenting. The same class consequences apply during this situation as well. I will ensured that sharing time is a comfortable and safe environment in which students can share their work.

B. Room Helpers:
As mentioned previously, there will always be a daily routine in which subjects are taught. This routine will also be posted daily. For most subjects, helpers will be chosen to distribute or collect particular assignments. Additional helpers will also be chosen for specific classroom jobs. The jobs that occur continuously throughout the year will be posted in a pocket chart. Clothes pins will be used with the name of the students who have been selected to do a particular job. The students who have been chosen to be a particular room helper will keep their respective

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jobs for the remainder of the week. On Mondays, the names of the students will be rotated. Helpers will be used for the following items: pencil sharpening, changing the date, paper passer and collector, lunch count and attendance, line leader, etc. Classroom jobs will be changed according to need.

C. Homework and Paper Collection:

On the morning after homework is given, students will be taught that homework is to be turned in as they enter the classroom, and placed in the designated homework bin. If the homework is not in the bin, it will be counted as late. Each time an assignment is late or not turned in, a note or phone call will be made to the parents/guardian. The first few times a student forgets, they will be reminded, but then they will be expected to remember on their own. After two late homework assignments, the student will not be able to partake in the class reward once the point goal has been reached. I will continue to remind them of this, because I want every student to be able to attend or take part in the class reward. Paper collection, as mentioned previously, will be done by the class helpers for that particular job and subject. For some assignments however, students will be instructed to turn in their own work in the designated bin for that assignment or subject. The passing out of papers will be done by the room helper with this job for the week. He or she will assist me when I need something to be passed out.

D. Free Time:
As mentioned above, the daily subject schedule and class routine will be posted. Students should know what they need to be working on at all times. When a student is finished working on a particular subject or project during a given period of time, a list will have been written on the board listing the items that need to be completed. If that list has been completed, and depending on the subject area for that time period, the student can either work

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on that subjects center or can have independent reading time with a book previously chosen. For example, if during Math, Science, or Social Studies, the centers for that particular subject will be available to them (no more than three-five students at one center during any given time). If time is left during Language Arts or Literacy, they will be required to read independently for the remaining period of time.

E. Newsletter/Announcements:
Announcements will be made at the beginning of each week and the students will be reminded periodically throughout the week as an event draws near. Additionally, each week, a newsletter will go home to parents letting them know about the upcoming events for the school as well as the class. This newsletter will also highlight any particular special projects that occurred the week prior or that will be occurring, and will also be used to recognize students birthdays, accomplishments, etc. I want to make sure that parents are well informed and that I communicate class and school news where appropriate. This newsletter will also give parents my school number as well as my e-mail address so that I may be easily contacted if they have any questions, concerns or comments.

F. Bathroom and Drinking Fountain:

Students will be instructed as well as expected to remember to use the restroom and drinking fountain prior to entering the classroom first thing in the morning, from recess or from lunch. Bathroom passes will be available for emergency uses only, i.e. vomiting, illness, medical reasons, etc. Classroom lessons should not be interrupted to use the bathroom or drinking fountain unless it is an emergency. The words Bathroom Pass will be written on a large item for all to see and so that the students will not loose the pass.

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G. Dismissals recess, lunch, specials, end of day:

The times, as well as the order of events for recess, lunch, specials and the end of the day are posted on the wall of the class. When it is time for any of the above, tables, groups, or individuals, will be dismissed to stand in one line towards the door, displaying that they are ready to leave the room for their next destination. They will have demonstrated that they are ready when each student is facing forward, not talking, with their hands to themselves. Once this has been accomplished, the line leader for that week will lead them to their next destination I will follow. During this time, all those individuals who are not conducting themselves as they should be for this procedure will be noted on a designated clipboard that will follow them to other classes, i.e. specials. The teacher for specials will use the clipboard to make note of any disruptions during their class and will give the clipboard back to me so that I can be aware of them and can respond accordingly. The students will know that even though it may be time to leave the classroom, either for the day, to go to another class or for breaks, they are not to leave their seats until they are instructed to do so. We will practice this, so that they remember the procedure. They will understand that the bell or clock-time will not dismiss them.

H. Field Trips:
One month prior to a field trip, the weekly newsletter will contain information about the upcoming field trip when, where, and how. This will give parents the opportunity to speak to me if they have any concerns or questions. Two weeks prior to a field trip, a note will be sent home to the parents of each student in my class. This note will contain the specifics about the field trip and will require a parent signature. The student will need to have this note signed and returned to me no later than two days prior to going on the field trip. This will be necessary in order to address any logistical issues including head count and space availability. If individual funding is needed for the student, a deadline of one
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week prior to the event will be given for both the signature and the money. All district, school and classroom rules apply during the field trip. The students are representing the school, and therefore are a reflection of their school and should be on their best behavior. The newsletter will address field trip procedures; to name a few, the students will need to: dress appropriately (follow school dress codes), follow directions, be polite and respectful of others and others property. All procedures will be discussed prior to the event as well as on the day of the event to ensure proper communication and convey expectations for all students.

I. Differentiation Policy:
Students with special needs or disabilities will be assisted according to their needs. Some students will have peer buddies that will help clarify directions and assist in some tasks. These peer buddies will be fluid and flexible and will depend on the area of need as well as the project. Special accommodations and tasks will be created to meet student needs. For example, if a student has a medical need to either use the restroom frequently or to drink often, time and opportunity will be created to do so. If a student speaks Spanish, and there is another Spanish speaking student in the class, they may be peer grouped together in order to help one another understand assignments. However, at no time will one student be responsible for another. The responsibility of learning as well as the safety of each student is my responsibility as well as the responsibility of outside assistance where possible and necessary. Additionally, those students who are considered gifted or talented in specific areas, will have differentiated instruction in order to ensure that they are intellectual challenged. These students will not necessarily be required to do additional work, but work that is better suited to meeting their needs and to teach them in areas beyond what they currently know.

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The level of assistance or challenge for a particular student will occur on a project-by-project basis. A students IEP will also be reflected in the type of instruction that is given.

J. Parental Communication:
As mentioned previously, a weekly class newsletter will be sent home to the parents or guardians in order to inform them of the weeks events as well as any previous and future events. Dates for conferences, field trips, special class requirements, list of supplies needed, etc, will be posted in these newsletters in advance in order for the parents or guardians to respond in a timely manner or to raise any concerns, questions or comments. My contact information will be included in these newsletters as well. 1. Parent Conferences: Parent conferences are prepared for throughout the year as part of my everyday tasks. The three line grade-book system will allow me to record accurate and quick information on each student and in each subject. Additionally, a notebook or file will be kept on each student, demonstrating various projects as well as various benchmarks. Each parent/guardian will be able to see their childs items in order to see how their child has progressed, as well as what areas they need to continue to work on. The parent/guardian will also be able to see when the child was absent, what assignments were missed, etc. Also, in each
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students file, I will have the name and phone number of the parent/guardian so that I may address them by name. As mentioned previously, the dates for Back to School Night and parent conferences will be communicated in the weekly newsletter. Additional modes of communication will also be created for those parents who cannot read the newsletter. During the time that a communication has been sent out about the conferences, parents will be invited to contact me with any questions, concerns, comments, or if they are looking for specific information for when we meet. This will ensure that I am able to answer any specific questions they might have. Education has for its object the formation of character. Herbert Spencer

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Resources

Cummings, C. B. (2002). Winning Strategies for Classroom Management (1st ed.). Virginia: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development. Education Cartoons for Teachers. (n.d.). Cartoons for textbooks, school newsletter, and other education projects. Retrieved September 28, 2004, from http://www.borg.com/~rjgtoons/edu.html Wong, H.K., & Wong, R. T. (2001). The First Days of School (2nd ed.). Mountain View: Harry K. Wong Publications, Inc.
*Cartoons were found on the Education for Teachers website referenced above.

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Appendix A
File cabinet Teacher desk w/computer Trash Blackboard w/roll-up maps Bulletin Board Overhead projector Desks and Students Reading Corner

Phone/ Intercom Guided Reading Table Blackboard

Reading and Wri

Rug area

Computer work area

5th Grade Amanda Davis

TV/VCR Window Pencil Sharpener/ Attendance Globe Teacher Storage History Center Science Center

Sink/ drinking fountain