Classroom Management

Classroom Management Plan

Philosophy/Rationale: (what are your beliefs about teaching and classroom management?)

I believe an effective classroom is a classroom that is under control. The students should be following the instruction of the teacher without moaning and groaning, backtalking, giving an attitude or refusing altogether. The teacher is the authority.

Creating the Environment

Student Expectations (what are your expectations of the students?)

I expect my students to complete their work on time, give their best efforts in class, remain respectful of me and other students, ask questions when needed and be responsible as far as personal items, due dates, and other requirements. They will not talk while I am talking, and will give the same respect to their peers.

Setting Up the Classroom Environment (physical seating, seating chart, wall decorations, books and supplies)

I will not use a seating chart unless necessary. If the students prove to me that they are able to sit next to friends and still be quiet and courteous in class while getting all their work done, they may choose where they sit. If not, I will create a random seating chart. I will have a library readily available for students who wish to “check out” a book from me. Classroom supplies will be available, to an extent. If a student makes a habit of never bringing their assigned book, points will be deducted from their final grade. However, if special circumstances arise, or a students forgets materials once in a while, I will provide materials for them. The walls will be decorated with quotes of well-known authors, as well as the students’ original work.

Rewards and Consequences

I will often give opportunities for enrichment. If I see that a student has a borderline grade, but has done all the enrichment opportunities, I will be more inclined to round up their grade. If a student chooses not to complete these opportunities, points will be neither given nor deducted from the final grade, however I will be less inclined to be lenient with their final grade. Consequences for misbehavior and late assignments will result in a 50% grade cut for one day late, and a 0 on the assignment for anything later than that. Misbehavior will be marked down for deduction on the final grade, depending on the severity of the student’s behavior.

Procedures

First Day Introductions: Teacher and Students

I believe it is important to let the students know who their teacher is, as well as who their peers are. The first day of class will be spent reviewing the syllabus as well as completing a few icebreaker activities.

Posting Assignments

Homework will be assigned every few days, and will be posted on the front board for the week. Students will be expected to take down the due dates and requirements, and hand the assignments in when asked.

Collecting Assignments

Each class period will have a basket at the front of the classroom with a card attached, indicating which basket belongs to which period. At the beginning of class, students will be asked to place their assignments in the appropriate basket for easy collection.

Handouts

Handouts are to be hole-punched and kept in the student’s binder for easy reference during the school year.

Late Work Policy

Unless a student has extenuating circumstances that were brought to my attention before the due date, an assignment that is one day late will only receive half credit. Anything longer than one day will result in a 0 for the assignment.

Turning in Late Work

Late work should be handed in to me personally, not placed in the class homework basket.

Collecting Make-up work

Make-up work should also be handed into me, not placed in the class homework basket.

Beginning Class

At the beginning of each class, students will be asked to respond thoughtfully to a quote written on the board, and to keep these journal entries for their end-of-the-year portfolio.

Ending Class

Students are dismissed by the teacher, not the bell.

Taking Attendance

Attendance will be taken every day at the beginning of class, using either a seating chart or a class roster.

Grouping and Cooperative Learning

As an English teacher, book groups are going to be an integral part of the curriculum. Students will be assigned 5-7 students to a group, each having a particular book to read. They will be given guided reading questions and an essay prompt for the book.

Restroom Breaks

Students will be given four passes for the restroom (unless a medical condition requires more) to spend as they please during each semester. They can either be used, or saved for the end of the year for 2 points extra credit to their final grade.

Accessing Classroom Resources

If a student needs to access a resource for the classroom, they should come to me before poking around the room to see if they can find it themselves.

Speaking in Class

Students are not permitted to speak without being called on first, unless the lesson involves a Socratic seminar, which is student-led. If a student has a question, comment or concern during a lesson, I will always ask for raised hands.