Learning Environment

Artifact Description: This artifact is a classroom contract of rules in my second grade placement. Students contributed their thoughts on important rules to follow.

IPTS Connection: Classroom Rules connect with the fourth IPTS and knowledge indicator “understands laws, rules, and ethical considerations regarding behavior intervention planning and behavior management (e.g., bullying, crisis intervention, physical restraint)” (4F). To have effective classroom rules, rules should be stated in a positive matter rather than in the negative. Presenting classroom rules is important to present at the beginning of the school year as it sets a tone and routine in the classroom from the start.      

What I learned: I learned that rules should be as specific as possible. Having students contribute their thoughts and additional rules is ideal as well as having students sign the classroom rule contract (student names not displayed in artifact but students, my cooperating teacher and I signed the bottom of the 2nd Grade 301 Class Contract). I also learned that establishing well rounded rules support highly effective classroom management. 

Artifact Description: Learning and growing in a safe environment is ideal. Trust, support, and respect were created along with a safe environment in my second grade classroom during student teaching. Students’ plushies brought comfort, support, and became part of the classroom family.

IPTS Connection:  Student plushies connect with the fourth IPTS and performance indicator “create a safe and healthy environment that maximizes student learning” (4I). Plushies were a major comfort within the classroom to each student. Throughout the school year, the students’ plushies helped them learn and laugh. My cooperating teacher and I were able to make connections  to their plushies throughout lessons which increased students' engagement and interest. Students created a designated area in the classroom for their plushies in the classroom library, also known as “la sala” as students liked to reference it.

What I learned: My second graders during my student teaching taught me the importance of creating a safe classroom environment as they felt physically, emotionally, and socially comfortable alongside their plushies. I was able to learn a little more of each student’s interests on a daily basis.