When I envision myself as a teacher and how I would manage a classroom with 25 children and how I would foster community amongst them all, I can come up with 3 key aspects of my classroom management style that supports students to shine as bright as the stars.
Academic Classroom Management
Mistakes are A-Okay
Mistakes are an essential part of learning, yet they are seen so negatively amongst children in elementary schools (and even with grown-ups and professionals). My goal is to teach students to embrace that mistakes are just proof of their thinking and learning - mistakes get them closer to being experts. Mistakes in my classroom will be supported and recognized.
I plan to phrase 'mistakes' as teachable moments. Instead of, "you failed this assignment/you made so many mistakes", I want to enforce the language of, "I see you tried your hardest, let's see what we can learn from your thinking and how we can build on it/I love all the thinking I'm seeing here, let's learn more so you can become an expert." Empowering students to build on mistakes and to persevere in their thought processes will only enhance their overall academic and personal success and growth. Check out these links to learn more:
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Learning Tools
In my classroom, to ensure all students have equitable access to their learning, I will make sure students can use learning tools properly:
Check out these links to learn more:
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Social & Emotional Classroom Management
Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a powerful practice that enforces social and emotional growth in students.
Mindfulness is not simply meditation, it also the teaching that one must be thoughtful in all they do, say, and think. All of this is important for children as they navigate relationships, self-identity, academic-identity, and their purpose. My classroom will also be mindful of my students' diverse backgrounds. Check out these links to learn more:
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Positive Reinforcements of
Expected Behavior Positive reinforcement of expected behavior is part of "Responsive Classroom". Responsive Classroom is an evidence-based approach to teaching and discipline that focuses on engaging academics, positive community, effective management, and developmental awareness. (responsiveclassroom.org/about)
I plan to enforce, reward, and acknowledge positive behavior over negative behavior. Even if some students are getting loud, chatty, and displaying unexpected behavior, I will prompt expected behavior by saying, "I love how Sally is showing me her whole body listening skills and Jesse is giving me eye contact and that shows me he is ready to learn. Great role models." This encourages other students to follow expected behavior without being called out and embarrassed in front of their peers (which could lead to more unexpected behavior). |
Peaceful Break Corner
In my classroom, there will be a dedicated corner that students can either freely or be prompted to go to in order to have a mental / emotional break.
This corner will have:
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Community Building Classroom Management
Accountability
In my classroom, there will be a 50/50 split between individual accountability and whole class accountability.
For example, I do not plan to hold the whole class back when one student is distracting the line with unexpected behaviors. I will ask that student to step aside, allow for a teachable moment in accountability, and let them go out to recess. But, during teaching, if multiple students are choosing to chat and be loud and distract others from learning, I will hold the whole class accountable. Both the students who are choosing to distract and the students who are not speaking on their behalves to tell the students to stop distracting them. My students will also be accountable for their homework - whether it gets done at home or at school. They will understand that it is part of their learning. I will also hold myself accountable to my students. To their time, learning, success, personal growth, and time lines I need to make to ensure their success. |
Diversity
My classroom will embrace and acknowledge all students' diverse backgrounds. All students will feel welcomed and at home in their classroom. Read alouds will sometimes be tailored to students' backgrounds so they feel included and important.
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Class Goals
I plan to create community guidelines and class goals both academically and personally. I want these to be student created, voted for, and enforced.
Having these goals will support students in community building and growing socially and emotionally. |