Classroom Management

Just a little humor !

In my host classroom there has not been any major classroom management situations durning my field observation. I would argue that this is due to the fact that my host teacher classroom is setup in such a way to defer many situations  from arising! The classroom tables are numbered. The number represent  job listing posted on the board that the students get to do. The students were allowed to choose their own seats, in which I think helped build community in the classroom and made them feel like they have a say rather than the teacher assigning seats. Then for when the students first enter the classroom they are seated on this beautiful colorful color labeled rug, with the colors in various languages. Then the tables coupled with numbers are color coded. The supplies are very organized and stored on reachable selves for the students and get colored coordinated. The number and color labels on the tables  and supplies are how the student get the jobs of distributing and storing the supplies (which does change).

This is the beautiful rug!

Furthermore the whole school uses a behavioral plan in which anytime the teacher says “F-A-L” the students respond “C-O-N” ( the Falcon is the school's mascot). This call and response system  is a signal to them to stop, look, and listen.  And as I was reading Bertie's blog I would have to agree that our teachers has not reintegrated what the system means to our students but, then again as I stated earlier our class hasn't had any major management issues. Therefore I think that she is not reminding them because they do not need it.


Yet there is the SITUATION of the Chatter Bugs going around in our classroom.

And Mrs. Robb MANAGEMENT of the Chatter Bugs has been:

1st step say the call and response F-A-L  C-O-N.

if first step does not stop the Chatter Bugs Mrs. Robb moves to

2nd step pause and wait for the students to resume listening.

if second step does not work Mrs. Robb  moves to

3rd step of separating  the Chatter Bugs from one another.

This is the furthest that I have seen Mrs. Robb have to go with addressing the case of Chatter Bugs. However I would assume that if need Mrs. Robb has a whole plan of management skills to whip out.

Now the way I would approach classroom management in my future classroom would look very similar to how Mrs. Robb class structure has been designed. With PREVENTIVE measurements in place. My students would be involved with the making of the rules. I would also try to have the students be involved in the creation of the classroom space . There will be job listing in the classroom and the table arrangement would give students enough space for working on their project ( one of my biggest pet peeves in not having enough work area whereas you feel crowded). Also I would love to get parents, guardians, grandparent, etc  involved on the classroom management ideas as well, seeing that they have known the child and know lot about how they students response and deals with issues.  And as the sayings go: Two heads are better than one. AND It Takes a Whole Village to Raise a Child.

This is just the beginning of what my ideas are. Listed below is a link to my classroom management

board:




Pinterest


Also for those interested here is CPS (Columbia Public Schools)  student discipline section from the elementary student handbook:

B. STUDENT DISCIPLINE

It is essential that the district maintain a classroom environment that allows teachers to communicate effectively with all students in the class and allows all students in the class to learn. To assist district staff in maintaining the necessary classroom environment, the Board of Education has created a discipline code that addresses the consequences, including suspension or expulsion, for students whose conduct is prejudicial to good order and discipline in the schools or impairs the morale or good conduct of other students. The comprehensive written code of conduct of the district is composed of this policy and includes, but is not limited to, the following policies, procedures and regulations: JG-R, JGA, JGB, JGD, JGE and JGF.
Application
These policies, regulations and procedures will apply to all students in attendance in district instructional and support programs as well as at school-sponsored activities. Off-campus misconduct that adversely affects the educational climate will also be subject to these policies, regulations and procedures. Students who have been charged, convicted or pled guilty in a court of general jurisdiction for commission of a felony may be suspended in accordance with law.
The Board authorizes the immediate removal of a student upon a finding by a principal or superintendent that the student poses a threat of harm to self or others, as evidenced by the prior conduct of such student. Any such removal will be subject to the appropriate due process procedures and in accordance with law. No student may be confined in an unattended locked space except in an emergency situation while awaiting the arrival of law enforcement personnel. For the purpose of this policy, a student is unattended if no person has visual contact with the student, and a locked space is a space that the student cannot reasonably exit without assistance.
Enforcement
Building principals are responsible for the development of additional regulations and procedures regarding student conduct needed to maintain proper behavior in schools under their supervision. All such regulations and procedures shall be consistent with Board-adopted discipline policies. Teachers have the authority and responsibility to make and enforce necessary rules for the internal governance in the classroom, subject to review by the building principal. The Board expects each teacher to maintain a satisfactory standard of conduct in the classroom. All district staff are required to enforce district policies, regulations and procedures in a manner that is fair and developmentally appropriate and that considers the student and the individual circumstances involved. School personnel will counsel and assist parents and students in disciplinary situations and may encourage the use of other professional assistance. All employees of the district shall annually receive instruction related to the specific contents of the district’s discipline policy and any interpretations necessary to implement the provisions of the policy in the course of their duties including, but not limited to, approved methods of dealing with acts of school violence, disciplining students with disabilities, and instruction in the necessity and requirements for confidentiality. The administration shall emphasize, as part of the in-service training program for administrators, counselors and teachers, training in current alternative disciplinary techniques and strategies.
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Release of Information
If the superintendent believes that an incident which has occurred or situation which exists in a school is such that a general feeling of concern or insecurity is present, or may develop, among students and/or parents, notice shall be provided to parents giving appropriate information about the incident or situation and the action taken by school personnel. In cases which may be of concern to individuals, persons who inquire about an incident or situation in the schools will be given appropriate information and informed of the action taken by school personnel. Information shall not be revealed which would violate any state or federal law or which would violate or threaten to violate the legal rights of individuals.