User:Chimen1234/sandbox

'''Management of The Learning Environment ''' Classroom management consists of the practices and procedures that a teacher uses to maintain an optimum environment in which instruction and learning can occur. An effective classroom is a classroom where: -Students are actively involved in meaningful work. -Students are involved in setting the classroom rules. -Norms engender a supportive learning environment include acting and interacting responsibly, treating others with respect and fostering a learning orientation. -Expectations are stated clearly and are supported consistently. -Transitions are utilized effectively. -Classroom procedures are implemented in the beginning of the year. They should be explained, practiced, rehearsed, reinforced until they become routines. 1- Involve Students in Setting Classroom Rules Students should be involved in setting classroom rules. This shows that the teacher is concerned about their perceptions and their input. At the beginning of the school year. I organize a classroom activity called Chalk Talk with my second grade class. This activity is part of Making Thinking Visible routine. Chalk Talk Activity On a Chart paper, students write their thoughts and ideas about how the classroom environment should be, rules and norms to be shared.Then, on a second round they have to add comments on their mates' ideas, thoughts... At the end of the activity a classroom discussion finalizes the norms and rules shared in the learning environment. Those rules are displayed on the classroom bulletin board. 2-Setting Expectations Setting and communicating high expectations at the beginning of the year help obtain greater academic performances and a positive learning environment. I always start with stating the expectations clearly and post them on the bulletin board.Then, I make sure to monitor student's progress in meeting expectations.I provide feedback to students when needed. Our classroom expectations are: Be respectful. Be responsible. Be safe. Be kind and compassionate. Be a learner. 3-Transition Plans Utilizing effective transitions in the classroom helps teachers to minimize disruptions and behavior problems, maximize instruction time, and maintain optimal learning conditions. In the classroom at transition time I ring the Chime. Then,I explain to students that we are moving to a new activity and I remind them that they are expected to clean up quietly.Next, I put 1/2 minutes calm music to give them some time to get ready. 4-Procedures I use procedures in the classroom in order to set a positive learning environment.I always start with explaining and teaching the procedure. Then, model it and demonstrate it. Students rehearse and practice the procedure under my supervision. I always make sure to reteach it and practice it in order to reinforce it until it becomes a habit or a routine. Examples of Classroom Procedures: -Entering the room: Enter quietly and politely;don't interrupt other students, follow the appropriate procedure for lunch count. -Lining up:Stand up quietly;push in your chair;line up and keep your hands for your self;face the front; watch your steps. -Leaving the room: Raise your hand; get the permission to go out from the teacher;do not play or run in the hallways. -Being a classroom helper;learning a classroom job: Students are having turns everyday for having different roles in the classroom;when you are assigned to be the helper you should get the class description card from your mate who was a helper yesterday. -Using the classroom library: When I am not teaching,you may check out a book at the end of the day;choose a book; sign out the book on the sign-out sheet; when you are finished return it and check it off the list. - Respectfully disagree: Students can make a sign with their hands to show that they respectfully disagree with an idea or a mate. All the classroom strategies shared above provide a positive learning environment where students know what they are expected to do, behave respectfully and responsibly in the classroom. The strategies need to be explained, repeated and reinforced.