2b: Establishing a Culture for Learning- Classroom Expectations Anchor Charts
Establishing a set of expectations in the classroom is key to creating a culture for learning. It sets a precedent for acceptable behavior and it shows that the classroom is a place for scholarship and respect for one another. These expectations should be discussed as a class and then written out, for students to be refer back to when needed. This example is the result of this method.
At the beginning of the year, students in my 2nd grade class were gathered together to discuss what 'good 2nd-graders looked like'. As a class, students came up with 3 qualities they though most represented this ideal 2nd-grader and they were 1) being a problem solver, 2) being respectful, and 3) being a good listener. Students were then tasked with delving deeper, and asked to explain what each of these qualities looked like in real life. This in-depth questioning pushed students to stretch their thinking, while also providing a model that gives specific and explicit examples of appropriate behavior. |
2c: Managing Classroom Procedures- Absent Wall
Responsibility and independence are two of the most important life skills that students need to learn. This is easily applicable in the middle school, where students are required to manage the work for 7 classes instead of having a stationary homeroom.
One of the questions that is asked most by absent students is "Did I miss anything?" While it is easy to become irritated by this question, I believe it is a perfect opportunity to foster students' responsibility for their own learning and create a sense of individual independence. I do this by making my response the the question above, "Have you checked the Absent Wall?" My Absent Wall is where I place all work done throughout the day with instructions on how to complete the work and directions to the resources they will need to complete it. Students are expected to consult the Absent Wall before coming to me, but if they are confused or need clarification they are welcome to ask me. |
2d: Managing Student Behavior- Behavior Charts
I had the opportunity to work at an alternative middle school and part of the program was a school-wide behavior management plan. Each student was given a behavior chart in which they had to earn a certain amount of points per day in order to continue with the program.
Inappropriate behavior was noted as well as the intervention used to counter this behavior. My favorite part of this system was that teachers were encouraged to note instances of positive behavior as well, maybe even more than the negative behavior. The point of the charts was to refocus students who were exhibiting inappropriate behavior and to keep a running record for them to see their behavior over a period of time. |