Classroom management plan

Not only is the environment in the classroom important for the success of the students, but so is the
management of that classroom. I believe that running a tight ship is very important. This isn’t to say that
fun isn’t allowed in the classroom, however, I believe those fun activities must be earned. Although
being strict is something I find important, I do think that having a good connection with the students is
also critical. Being able to have that trust can only impact the student in a positive way. This will allow
the kids to feel comfortable in the classroom but also understand that there are consequences to their
actions.

Philosophical statement

I believe all children deserve a chance at a well-rounded education. Teaching to me is the most
important job there is. Learning to understand each child, incorporating different learning methods and
providing a safe learning environment are all things I strive to have in my classroom. Being able to
implement all these things will only help students succeed in all aspects not just educational. Since these
students spend about 6-7 hours of their day in a classroom, making it an enjoyable place to be in is
important. Student participation is something that I find essential for kids. Not only will it promote
better speaking skills, but students will be able to learn from each other’s input. Weather it be a small
group of 3 students or a large group of 15, being proactive with them will help them feel included. I
want the students to understand that it is okay to make mistakes and to not be afraid to admit to it. The
teachers’ attitude can really affect the student’s mood and performance which is why I will always aim
to have a positive attitude and an abundance of patience.

Room arrangement map

Art and inspirational quotes are things that I hold very dear to my heart, so having these things in my
room will be a must! I feel like a lot of people can find some sort of peace or inspiration with things like
this and I speak from experience when I say that reading positive phrases or motivational sentences
every day absolutely helps boost morale. Students should always be surrounded by encouraging words
or kind gestures. Nice soft and vibrant colors are what I enjoy decorating my room with. Nothing that is
too loud. I also think that having a room be well illuminated by natural light is great! Not only does it
make the room feel better it creates a more relaxing atmosphere for the students and they won’t get as
sleepy as they would in a dimly lit classroom. Now if the light affects the students negatively, I would
have to find a way to accommodate to their needs. In the classroom having a horseshoe table is
important. This is where I would work with about one to five students who need that one on one
assistance. I would have desks in groups of preferably four. There are cases where putting desks in
groups of 2 would work better, but that is something that will be determined as the year progresses.
Having the desks in groups will help promote cooperative learning, team building, and inclusion. The
desks will be facing the white board so when I need to teach something on the whiteboard, they will be
able to see. All classrooms have a smartboard for interactive use or video display. In front of the
smartboard will be a rug that students will be able to sit on when we have circle time, or for when I must
show them something on the smartboard. My desk would be at a corner of the room with my computer
and files. The room there will be various Items that will serve to aid the students with anything they
need. Items like wobble seats, stools, alternative seating, stress balls, glitter jars, magnifying glasses,
projector, voice magnifier etc. Manipulatives will be available to help with any lessons. Different
activities to help wit finger dexterity and motor skills, games that will help build muscle memory, help
build math, reading and writing skills, picture cards, white boards etc. A library center will also be
available as I feel reading is very important, even if its just to listen to a story or look at the pictures and
make connections that way. Retelling cards are of great use as well! As I mentioned earlier, art is
something that I feel has great importance. It is a way to express yourself and a great way to release
stress. I will have an art center where kids will be allowed to finger paint, or paint with brushes, color
with crayons or coloring pencils, draw, trace do arts and crafts and anything else art related. All these
activities are good for working their hand and muscle movements. Having a class pet such as a fish or a
class plant would be a good addition to the classroom. It will give the kids a sense of responsibility if we
can all keep each other accountable for taking care of a pet or a plant.

Classroom Procedures

I like to have a set schedule to make things run more smoothly in the classroom. Having things planned
in advanced and organized will help with transitioning from one thing to another. Having the schedule
written on a bulletin board will be a great reminder. The curriculum for each week will also be posted
next to the schedule. In the mornings bell work that is related to what is being learned will be given to
the student. This can range from worksheets, simple activities that are hands on, or practicing
something at home. I will use this time to take folders from backpacks and check for anything that may
have been sent to me by a parent and to take attendance. I don’t think homework is something I will
give out unless I see it is something that student can do and when I feel it is needed. The classwork that I
give will be graded by effort and depending on the capabilities of each student, I will grade content.
Each student will have his or her set of goals to meet. The curriculum will be based on those goals and
will work around their needs. Having structured time is important as it helps things not get out of hand,
but having unstructured time, such as free play is also important. This time will allow students to build
confidence and socialization skills. The standards held for the students are higher with the more they
know and are capable of. This will come into play when grading. Most things will be graded based on
effort, some on content but it all depends on the assignment and the performance level. For example, of
it is obvious that a student was trying hard on a task that was given to them, then they will get full
points for effort regardless of it was correct or not. Progress reports will be made to inform the parents
of how they are progressing with the goals they have set. Conducting assessments is important for this
matter. Continually checking to see if the student is learning his colors or learning how to count from
one to ten (if those were his/her goals) is crucial data. This will help me know if I can move on to the
next level. Keeping track of what colors or numbers the student learns each time an assessment is done
will help in organizing activities and figuring out what pace the student is learning at.

Classroom Rules:

The classroom rules will be posted in the classroom on big poster paper. The rules will be introduced the
first day of class to make everybody aware of what is and is not expected of them. A copy of the rules
will go be attached to the newsletter and sent to parents that first day of class. They are to sign it and
return it the within the first week. These rules will include things such as, raising your hand to ask a
question, keeping your hands and feet to yourself, be kind and respectful to others, use your manners,
make good choices, use inside voices, etc. It is important to lay down the foundation of the classroom
within the first few days of school so there are no surprises later. If the foundation is not set properly,
the rest of the things built on top will have problems later. When going over rules, it is also important
for me to go over certain hand motions or symbols I may use to grab their attention later. For example, I
would need my students to know that if I clap 3 times that means they should stop what they’re doing
and put their hands on their head.

Positive Reinforcement:

Incentives are great for teachers to give to students. Rewarding good behavior is a great way for kids to
want to keep behaving that way. Its good also because if a student sees that good behavior getting
rewarded, then odds are that the majority will follow. For example, during clean up time if the students
can get the room clean before the timer beeps, then they get a point and when they reach ten points,
they earn a special snack.