Classroom Management & Organization
“The task we all face as human beings…is to find and become who we are. The task teachers face is to find their own way of teaching, one that manifests who they are…” ~Derrick Jenson, Author of Walking on Water
Accountability:
- Weekly Progress Report – Each student in my classroom had weekly folders with this self-created progress report stapled inside. Parents could monitor the academic and behavioral progress of their child each week, including Accelerated Reader points and percentage. The best part: there were NO SURPRISES when county progress reports or report cards came home. Parent signatures were required weekly at bottom of sheet for accountability purposes.
- Classroom Management Plan – Every teacher needs a plan when it comes to classroom management. This sample plan deals with both academic and behavior using a “buck” system. Each student is given 8 classroom bucks (4 academic bucks & 4 behavior bucks, each set a different color) at the beginning of the year. They are used and recycled each week
- Daily Checklist – Every teacher has a student who forgets something when they pack up at the end of the day. To remedy the situation (and to make the student accountable), give them this daily checklist to help them self-monitor during pack-up when school’s over.
- Name on Paper Song – Want your students to remember to put their names on their papers? Try singing this song often at the beginning of the year! Your kids will start to sing along (and put their names on their papers) before you know it!
Homework:
- Homework Club Letter – Who wouldn’t want to be a part of a homework club each nine weeks? I start the year by explaining what “Homework Club” is and how students get to participate (see letter). It really encourages students to return homework on a daily basis! My rule was “three strikes you’re out” per nine weeks. Those who meet the requirements get to have lunch in the room with the teacher , who provides soda/canned drinks & dessert to go with the lunch students bought/brought. Kids eat in the floor with friends or at tables and listen to fun music while eating. The others dine in the cafeteria. My kids say this is the highlight of their year!
- Homework Club Certificates – After each nine week period, I place these on the desks of students who meet the “Homework Club” requirements. They are so EXCITED to get to attend. I remind students to encourage their friends who didn’t get a certificate to bring in their homework on a daily basis.
Group Work:
- Multiple Intelligence Visual Chart – Love this chart because it helps you & your student figure out how they learn best!
- Voice Levels Chart – Want your students to learn how to control their voice levels? Post this nifty chart in your classroom & model often. Watch and see what happens…
- Seating Arrangements – View lots of different ways to group your students!
Classroom Rules:
- Five Class Rules Cards/Posters – Great for all learners, especially visual learners. You can put the cards on a metal ring or post them in your classroom.
Schedules/Routines: