Classroom Management

Summary

This video script highlights a teacher's approach to effective classroom management, focusing on collaboration, student involvement, and clear expectations. The teacher worked with colleagues to create a unified system and actively involved students in setting classroom rules. A reward system using carnival tickets reinforced positive behavior, while 'Fun Friday' rewarded students with good behavior. The teacher emphasized communication with students to address behavioral issues, involving parents and administration when necessary. Overall, the teacher’s strategies promoted student ownership, accountability, and a positive classroom environment, resulting in a smooth and successful year.

Takeaways

• 😀 Teachers collaborated to create a unified classroom management system to ensure consistent expectations across classes.
• 😀 Students were involved in setting their own classroom rules and expectations, giving them a sense of ownership.
• 😀 Role-playing and practicing classroom expectations helped students understand and internalize the rules.
• 😀 A reward system using tickets was implemented to recognize and reinforce responsible behavior throughout the week.
• 😀 At the end of each week, students with good behavior could enter a raffle for prizes as a reward.
• 😀 'Fun Friday' was introduced, where students could participate in games or bring a game from home, as long as they followed expectations.
• 😀 When students struggled with behavior expectations, one-on-one conversations were prioritized to understand underlying reasons.
• 😀 In cases where behavior issues persisted, parents were involved to further address and resolve the concerns.
• 😀 Administration or office intervention was considered a last resort when all other options had been exhausted.
• 😀 The consistent reinforcement of rules helped students remind each other and even the teacher, creating a self-sustaining system.

Q & A

How did the teacher create a collaborative classroom management system?

The teacher worked with two other teachers to develop a unified classroom management system. They combined their favorite strategies and beliefs to create a consistent set of expectations for the students across different classrooms.

What role did the students play in establishing classroom rules?

The teacher involved the students in the rule-setting process during the first weeks of school. They discussed and acted out the rules, allowing students to help define what was expected and take ownership of the classroom environment.

How did the teacher ensure that students internalized the rules?

By involving students in the creation of the rules and encouraging them to practice the behaviors through role-playing and discussions, the teacher helped students internalize expectations. The students also reminded each other about the rules throughout the year.

What kind of reward system did the teacher use to encourage positive behavior?

The teacher used a ticket-based system where students earned tickets for following rules and displaying positive behaviors. Tickets were given out in various school settings, such as the hallway and cafeteria, and at the end of the week, students could enter a drawing for a prize.

What was 'Fun Friday' and how did it work?

'Fun Friday' was a weekly reward where students who followed expectations could bring a game from home and enjoy 30 minutes of free time with music. If students did not meet expectations, they worked independently during this time.

How did the teacher handle students who struggled to meet expectations?

The teacher emphasized the importance of open communication. She would talk to students to understand the reasons behind their behavior. If needed, she involved parents and worked together with them to resolve the issue. If the situation persisted, the teacher would escalate it to administration.

Why was communication with parents emphasized?

Communication with parents was important because it ensured that parents were aware of any behavioral issues and could collaborate with the teacher to address them. This proactive approach helped prevent further issues and supported the students' overall development.

What role did peer accountability play in the classroom?

Peer accountability was a key aspect of the classroom environment. Students were encouraged to remind each other of the expectations, which helped reinforce positive behaviors. This mutual responsibility fostered a sense of community and support among the students.

How did the teacher ensure consistency in expectations across different teachers and classrooms?

The teacher worked closely with the other teachers to align classroom management strategies and ensure that expectations were the same in all classrooms. This consistency helped students transition smoothly between classes and reinforced the importance of the rules.

What did the teacher believe was crucial for effective classroom management?

The teacher believed that creating clear, consistent expectations and involving students in the rule-setting process were crucial for effective classroom management. Additionally, using positive reinforcement, maintaining open communication, and addressing behavioral issues early were also key components.