Classroom Management

Classroom Management Sharing practices for the 1P classroom

Classroom Management = KEY “In a study reviewing 11,000 pieces of research that spanned 50 years, three researchers determined that there are 28 factors that influence student learning and these have been rank ordered. The most important factor governing student learning is Classroom Management.” - Wong & Wong, 1998

Set your expectations concerning behavior – on the FIRST DAY • Teachers who set limits give students a sense of security as to how far they can go. • School must be a safe and protected environment where students can come to learn without fear.

Who is in charge? • You, the classroom teacher, be in charge but DO NOT be the dictator • They DO NOT need another friend, they need a TEACHER who will help and guide them

MY FIRST DAY • I am completely prepared with all my TOOLS • I control classroom access • I have a seating plan • I have 5 simple expectations • I have a bathroom policy and a hall pass • I can’t wait to meet them all (but my insides are a jumbled mess!)

Controlling Student Access to the Classroom can HELP Why ? • Entering the classroom is the first “activity” of every class. • Managing it is a teacher’s first management task • It sets the tone for the remaining 75 minutes

Try this • - Stand in hall at the door greeting the students; smile and welcome them “Bonjour! Comment ça va?” • When bell rings, enter, then lock & shut the door behind you • Make late kids wait in the hall • After a while, open the door and deal with lates there • After one week, you should notice a big difference

Seating Plan – works like a charm • You are at the door greeting them and say “Please find you name on a desk.” • The desks have names taped on them; students are placed in alphabetical order (they are grade 9, you do not them yet) • Student says: “This is stupid! A seating plan. That sucks!”

Who is in charge? “I understand how you feel, but I don’t know the students yet and look, you are seated alphabetically that way I can easily get to know the names. What’s your name? I can help you find your desk.” This is the student you want to get on your side ASAP!!

Rules – call them “Expectations” Post a maximum of 5 expectations + give a handout Examples: I expect you • To not bring food or drinks except water • To not bring cell phones, IPods, or game consoles • To be on time and prepared • To stay seated until the bell rings • To respect your teacher, your classmates and yourself

DEFINE RESPECT Respect is: • Not touching other people’s stuff or their body without their permission - “May I feel the silkiness of your hair please?” • Letting others speak without interrupting • Not using profanity or insults – “Haha, you can’t speak French!” • Saying “please” and “thank you” Use humor to explain this – use funny stories and exaggerated scenarios – they’ll listen and remember!

Leaving the classroom • You control who goes in and who goes out • In and out as you please definitely not recommended • Whatever your policy STICK TO IT Here is mine: • You must ask for permission – please and thank you • You have 2 bathroom visits a week • You must sign in and out on a sheet • You must take a hall pass • It is a privilege you can lose

It is better to reward than to punish Refer to them all as CONSEQUENCES POSITIVE • Let them know that there will be rewards – movies, candy, going outdoors, games, stickers, certificates, exemption from evaluation (test or quiz) • Award them randomly or use as a “carrot” Explain: “Consequences are the result of choices that people make”

NEGATIVE CONSEQUENCES They must be reasonable and logical and you MUST follow through!! Examples: • Being the last to leave the room • Exclusion from class participation * • Isolation * • Detention – or as I call it “Special time with Mme Ducharme” which is about 10-15 minutes after school, together we discuss and write out - the problem - why it is happening - how it will be corrected We both sign it and a copy goes to the VP.

Make sure they succeed ASAP • Give them easy quizzes to start – do them in class, take them up and give it again but this time FOR MARKS • Assign a first project they will like – cutting, pasting, colouring and mark it for exposing their “own personality” • Now you’ve hooked them - they know they can succeed in your class

A word about marks • Most tests in my Applied classes are OPEN BINDER • Because most of these kids do not study • So, let them use their binder - like a plumber would use a toolbox • Allow them to create and have CHEAT SHEETS • But… it must be done in class only - must not take the sheets home ! They will lose them or forget them • Creating a cheat sheet is tricking them into studying • Collect them each day - hand them out in the Exam Room

If you send a student to the office • The V.P. should be aware of your discipline plan • Let them know if you do not want the student to return because learning is NOT happening in the classroom because of this student • When student returns, he or she should return with an apology (verbal or written) for the identified behavior

The basics of applied classes • Work in 15 minute segments • Keep things moving • Try to avoid down time • Instructions are brief and clear • Instructions are visual and verbal – use a worksheet + the board or overhead’ • Offer choices, let them “create” tests, projects • Let them know where you are going • Link tasks • Show them how they will be evaluated and what “good” looks like

Finally… • Use positive feedback as often as you can – they probably do not get any anywhere else • Isolate problem students • As soon as they show improvement, positively reinforce it • Respond calmly and assertively to disruptions • Do not get into an argument or into a debate with a student • Do not publicly embarrass students

And now… What about you? What are your best practices? What works in your classroom?

Classroom Management