Classroom Management

Classroom management is an important component of a classroom. Students will learn

best when they know what is expected of them and when they feel safe. While classroom
management can be a challenge, I believe that there are some easy steps to make it effective.
A classroom management plan should be proactive instead of reactive, be taught explicitly, and
promote a safe classroom environment.

The first component of my classroom management plan is to remain proactive. I am

much more interested in avoiding classroom crises than reacting to them. Being proactive when
it comes to behavior entails investigating an antecedent (what happened right before a crisis),
identifying the type of behavior, and considering the consequence (what happens right after). As
a special education teacher, I suspect crises will happen, so it will be vital for me and the team I
am working with to track and analyze this information so that we can avoid student behavior
before it starts! Another equally important aspect of being proactive is rewarding positive
behavior. This does not always have to be with tangible rewards, as verbal praise is oftentimes
just as effective! When students know that they are behaving the way they are supposed to,
they are more likely to replicate that day in and day out!

The next component of mhy plan is explicitly teaching classroom procedures. I cannot
expect students to know my classroom rules without teaching them. Even little things, like pencil
sharpening procedure, lining up procedure, or small group procedure need to be taught. On top
of being explicitly taught, students in my class will be given plenty of chances to practice these
procedures, especially early in the year.

The last major component of my classroom management plan is to promote a safe

classroom environment. When students feel safe, they are less likely to have any problem
behaviors, and when they do, it will be easier to rebuild rapport. Students in my classroom will
know that it is okay to be wrong, that we accept everybody, and that I will do my best to keep
them safe throughout their day.