Expectations and Procedures
Classroom expectations and procedures are HUGE aspects to the successful management of the classroom. You will see below the four main expectations for my classroom. Also, attached below are sample procedures created for display within the classroom. A rationale of expectation choice along with rewards and consequences follows.
The rules and expectations for my classroom were derived from past experiences of being in a healthy classroom, observing classroom managment strategies, and previous research on management theorists such as Dreikurs and Skinner.
Respect & Politeness: It is a daily goal of mine to be respectful and polite to those that I meet. At times, it seems that society as a whole is becoming more disrespectful towards the ideas of authority, elders, and human well being. It is an expectation in my class that not only my student but I included show one another respect and politeness by using simple manners to show respect.
Honesty & Integrity: This is also an important aspect that I want my classroom to hold. Hopefully, this expectation will encourage honesty in relationships and assignments. Again, this expectation falls into the above category.
Perseverance & Hard Work: I chose this as an expectation for the class to hopefully instill the idea of hard work into my students. It is through hard work and perseverance that many people accomplish tasks they never thought they could. This may also help my students keep a positive and supportive attitude for themselves and others in the class.
Friendship & Fun: This is an important aspect that I sometimes feel is forgotten. Learning in its purest and simplest form comes from investigating a topic or idea that one enjoys. It is important for me to have an atmosphere and expectation for my students to enjoy their friends while learning. I believe the greatest learning comes when a child is engaged, happy, and enjoying themselves.
Consequences of Misbehavior: Good behavior to me is something that in part is earned by the teacher by showing his or her students the respect that they deserve. However, there are times when students do not follow procedures or guidelines. Therefore, I plan to set up a color system of consequences for student misbehavior. A student will change colors when they fail to follow procedures established within the classroom. There will be four colors which are described below.
- Blue: Students are not misbehaving, but instead are fully engaged in the behaviors that are acceptable.
- Green: Student has received a warning about their behavior. They have not lost any time off of recess.
- Yellow: Student has been called down for three misbehaviors. The student will lose 5 minutes of recess and loss of their classroom duties if any were assigned.
- Red: Student has misbehaved 4+ times. This student will lose 10 minutes of recess or more, lose their classroom duties, and will have to make a phone call to his or her gaurdian during the time they are missing recess. The student will be responsible for informing gaurdian of misbehavior. Additional misbehavior will result in conference with principal.
With each tag pulled, there will be quick discussion of reason for action and plan to prevent further issues. Tags will be pulled in failure to follow any procedures of the classroom. The procedures act as classroom rules. I find the method of procedures to be more appropriate than rules because they give specific guidelines and steps for the students.
Classroom Rewards: Students will be rewarded with brain food, class points (class wide) token economy to earn special activities with me (lunch with teacher, game of kickball with teacher, etc.), and multiple praises (Stamps, stickers, notes, etc).