Grace Juergens

1 May 2022

Successful Classroom Management Reflection

Procedures/Structures/Routines

● As an educator, I want to emphasize the importance of procedures, structure, and

routine within my classroom. Each procedure has a specific importance in its own way.
Within my classroom, these will include morning routine, quiet/attention signals or
phrases, physical transitions, lining up, giving directions, holding ground/no arguing,
raising hands to speak, and more. For example, my current 3rd grade students have a
specific procedure for lining up to leave the classroom. This consists of a specific order,
no talking, and staying in their line. We have practiced this routine consistently and will
revisit our routine procedure throughout the year if needed. Another example, for my
current third graders, is reinforcing the structure of raising their hands to speak. My
students struggle with talking out of turn and waiting to share their thoughts. One tip I
have found beneficial is restating “raise your hand and share with me…..” before I ask a
question. This reminds students right before they answer that I expect hands to be
raised if they would like to share. If a student blurts out I respond by saying, “That’s a
great answer and I would love to call on you after you raise your hand”. This way I am
not putting the student down for sharing, but validating them for having a great answer to
the question but they must follow the expectations everyone else follows as well.

Engagement & Participation

● Student engagement is key to a successful classroom experience. Within my classroom,
I have multiple different forms of engagement and participation for students each day.
These include having a variety of lessons, collaboration with peers, movement
throughout the classroom, rigor, instruction, questioning, and group work. Each plays a
unique role in creating a positive and exciting environment for my students. For example,
my current 3rd graders are consistently collaborating with their peers. During almost
every activity or discussion I make a point to have my students have meaningful
discussions. This can range from elbow partners, to small groups or even large group
discussion. Not only is it important for students to work together and problem solve as
peers, but just short conversations after an activity can be very beneficial. Another
example is incorporating I DO, WE DO, YOU DO. Using this practice in my current
classroom is an important component to involving students in their own learning. This
strategy can be used for any subject. Not only am I able to explain and model the skill,
but then students have the opportunity for group work and independent practice.

Rapport/Connection
 ● As an educator, I pride myself in saying that the most important aspect of teaching to me
is building strong relationships with my students. For myself, this is the key to creating a
successful classroom environment. Within my classroom, this is incorporated through
warmth/kindness/friendliness, enthusiasm/energy/excitement/joy, humor/laughter,
knowledge of students personal interests, respect for students, encouragement for
students, and sensitivity/embracement to students' cultures and backgrounds. For
example, with my current 3rd grade students I start each day off with a warm smile, hug,
high five or “good morning”. I feel it is so important for my students to feel welcomed into
the classroom and know I am excited they're here today. Another aspect of rapport and
connection is encouragement of students. I make a point to recognize any
accomplishment made by my students. I always want them to know I am rooting for them
and that every accomplishment little or big is impactful. For example, celebrating
finishing a book they are reading. Although this is a small accomplishment for many, it’s
important to celebrate their hard work with excitement.

Behavior Intervention/Consequences
● Having consistent behavior intervention/consequence is an important aspect to my
overall classroom management. I have clear consequences for my students that they are
always aware of. It’s important for me to stay consistent with my consequences because
this way they are most effective. With that being said, every instance is different and I
always take that into consideration with behavior and consequences. Aspects of these
include gentle redirects, consequences that are reasonable, using a soft eyes and tone,
using a firm but also calm/compassionate voice, and not having arguments/debates in
front of other students. It can be difficult to react in the moment, but one piece I find very
important is staying calm with a firm but compassionate tone. For example, when one of
my 3rd graders blurted out an inappropriate word in front of the class, it was difficult for
me to not immediately respond with an angry tone. Instead I took a breath and
responded to the student in a soft tone stating we would have a discussion later. By not
responding in anger, I’m not immediately damaging my relationship with the student.