Amanda Blaha’s Kindergarten Class

1. Amanda Blaha’s Kindergarten Class

2. Table of Contents: Pgs. 1-3 (Rules and Rationales) Pg. 4 (Classroom Layout) Pg. 5 (Rationale for Classroom Layout) Pgs. 6-7 (Consequences and Rewards) Pgs. 8-11 (Routines and procedures)

3. We raise our hands to talk I feel like this rule will help kids get their questions answered faster, and there will not be a lot of chaos in the classroom because you wouldn’t want kids yelling questions and answers out in the middle of your class. How I plan to teach this is by stating in the beginning that I expect them to raise there hands if they have anything to say. If they start to break it I will use a hand signal to get the class quiet and remind them of the rule, until it becomes a habit.

4. We use our listening ears This rule is really important to me because I would want kids to pay attention to everything I am teaching them. I don’t want them goofing off and getting distracted by their friends, and having side conversations. How I plan to teach this is by explaining the importance of listening to their teacher. I don’t want them to just hear me, I want them to listen and understand. I would ask them frequent questions during my lessons to make sure that they are paying attention to what I said, and ask children to explain some of the things that I said.

5. We use our inside voices I do not want my children to be talking loudly, or yelling in the classroom, unless they are on the playground, or told other wise. Sometimes in class the kids get carried away and distracted and don’t pay attention to how loud they are talking. How I plan to teach this is by asking them “who can show me an inside voice?” After someone demonstrates how to use it I will tell them, “this is what I expect all of you to use.” If they start to get loud I will use a group signal such as clapping and remind them of the rule, and maybe even make it a game to see who can use the best inside voice.

6. Computer center Book shelf RR Reading center Adv. ESOL Time out chair PS Adv. Adv. My desk Cubbies Adv. ESE PS Board

7. Rationale for My Classroom Layout: Seating arrangement: I will have kids in assigned seats, and advanced kids will sit next to the ESE, ESOL, and the problem students to even it out, and help them when they need it. The problem students will be seated to where I can keep my eye on them, but they will not be sitting near each other. Seating arrangements will change every interim period. Each kid will have a name tag taped to their desk. Board: My board will be in the front of the classroom. I will have the projector on the ceiling so it will project onto the front board. Computers: My computers will be located in the back left of the classroom. There will only be 4 computers so they can have centers, and one group goes at a time so it’s not crazy, and so I can watch them better. Reading Center: There will be a “Reading Rug” In the back right of the classroom, with a rocking chair. We will sit together and read stories there, and there will also be a “Reading Center” during normal class centers. Bookshelf: The bookshelf will be behind the rocking chair. Cubbies: I will have cubbies near the bookshelf, because I don’t want them having the square desks, I want round tables. Every day the students will get everything they need from there cubbies and put everything back in their cubbies. Restroom: There will be a bathroom in between my desk and the computers. My desk: The desk will be in the left corner of the class so I can watch everything that goes on. There will also be the “time-out” desk right by my desk so that I can keep an eye on the student, and make sure they are doing their work.

8. Rewards: Each kid will have a colored index card. When a student answers a question correctly, or shows good behavior, or an act of kindness they will get a star on their card. By the end of each week if the student gets 5 or more stars they can get something from the “Treasure Box”. If by the end of each month they have 20 or more stars, they can earn a “Free Homework” pass, which will give them one night of homework to skip when ever they feel like it. Each pass only works once though.

9. Consequences: 1. Verbal Warning 2. Time-out and move your card to yellow 3. No recess, move your card to red, note home 4. Principles office, call home

10. Procedures: Sharpening pencils: There will be an electric pencil sharpener on the front of my desk. Students will need to raise their hand and ask if they need to use it. There will also be a cup of already sharpened pencils for kids to borrow, and I will keep track of who is borrowing them. Dismissing class: Students will be expected to be in their seats until the bell rings. Then, they will get up one table at a time, and leave. Turning in work: When everyone is finished with their work I will ask them to put their papers in the center of their table, and then I will come around and collect it. Taking attendance: While the kids are in their assigned seats doing their silent work, I will take attendance. Getting supplies: When class starts, I will call a table one by one and they will each go to their cubbies and get what they need. Passing papers: At the end of the day I will put all students graded work in their cubbies and before they leave they will take it home. Restroom: There will be a restroom in my class, and students will raise their hand when they need to go.