Another important strategy of classroom management is to be clear and consistent about the expectations you have for your students. I feel it is important to keep these expectations to a minimum so that they may be easily understood and can also be posted within the classroom as a reminder of what is expected and what the consequences are if the expectations are not met.

 

I also believe it is important to provide students with responsibilities within the classroom. Giving students various jobs within the classroom setting will promote self-esteem as well as providing students with a sense of ownership and respect for the classroom, the tools and materials and accountability to their fellow classmates.

 

I feel that in creating successful classroom management it is essential to recognize and reward students for their positive behavior. I also feel that when behavioral expectations are not met that it is crucial that the issue be dealt with immediately, yet discreetly in order to maintain the student’s dignity.

 

Some rules that I would like to include in my classroom are:

• Be Respectful: Every student has the right to a safe and secure classroom; you do not have the right to impede or jeopardize that in any way. Be respectful of yourself, your environment, your fellow classmates, and your teacher. Treat others the way you want to be treated.

• Be Responsible: The Oxford Dictionary defines responsible in this way: "Liable to be called into account. 2 morally accountable for one’s action, capable of rational conduct." Act rationally; choose wisely. Recognize your own role in building a fun and productive community of learners. Understand there will be consequences, both good and bad, for your actions.

• Be Safe: Think about where you are and whom you are with. We must guarantee against harm or injury to another. Think. Ask yourself is it worth it? Would I want this done to me? I will not tolerate, nor should you, any behavior that takes away from the safety of this classroom, nor will the school.

• Be Cooperative: Time and again you will be asked to do something that you may not like or think is worthless. Be mature; work through it. You may find that "getting there" is half the fun. Our world demands that you work well with others.

• Be a Worker: Do your job! Challenge yourself to be productive. You are here; use your time wisely.

• Be Willing: Most importantly, be willing to try, be willing to imagine, be willing to fail and learn from mistakes, be willing to be you!

 Consequences:

• Verbal warning (first few offenses).

• Written reflection statement on their negative behavior.

• Contact parents/guardian (continued offenses).

 

Ultimately, I believe that for a classroom management plan to be effective, I myself, must be effective.

 

“If educators fail to realize the importance of creating an environment where students feel they belong, where they are safe, where their voice is respected and they encouraged to learn, then little else is of value- the educator will struggle to actively and meaningfully engage students in the process of learning. When students are not involved and believe the educator doesn’t care, they are more likely to misbehave.”

                                                                                                            -Mary Roberts

It is my responsibility to know and adapt my teaching to my students, to inspire and engage, to vary instruction and involve students in the process. It is my responsibility to manage the classroom and to remember, that I am there for them, to teach, to guide and support who they are today and who they will become in the future.