Fall 2010
"There are ideas, of course, for how we might go about responding to the myriad needs of learners in today's classrooms...There are principles that will likely serve us well in our quest to become responsive teachers. But there is
no textbook or lesson plan that can do the work for us. There is no magic set of instructional strategies that will solve our problems. There is no behavior management program that can begin to substitute for building relationships of trust and respect with individual beings."
Source: Tomlinson, C. (2003). Fulfilling the promise of the differentiated classroom. Alexandria, VA: ASCD, p. 91.
Three Themes:
RELATIONSHIPS --> Connections
ORGANIZATION --> Communication
PROBLEM-SOLVING --> Choices
Add
Teaching Secrets: Take charge of your classroom
Fostering Strong Community in a Virtual Classroom
Edutopia.com articles on Virtual Learning
Six Tips for Creating a Positive Learning Environment
Rethinking Classroom Rules (Alfie Kohn)
15 Super Tips for having Meaningful Conversations with your Students
Sept. 17 PM:
Theme: Relationships
Introductions
Brainstorm in Table Groups:
Three ways to build positive relationships
Words to describe a well-managed classroom
What is Good Behavior Definition
Three questions we have about classroom management
Why is the Sky Blue Reading & Writing Prompt
(Table Groups) Case Study: The Trial of John Fred. Reflection:
At what points were relationships a key?
Which one would have made the most critical relationship and why?
How could one of these persons connected with John Fred, and could have made a great difference for him? Why would this this have made a difference?
Energizer: Body-Writing
Ethnographic perspective: Trust, L.O.V.E., communication, Covey's Depost and Withdrawal analogy
View Video: Jonathan Erwin and Basic needs and learning
Partner/Triad Share: Share a personal example of a time when someone made a deposit or withdrawal in your emotional account. Practice empathetic listening with each other.
Homework: Alfie Kohn's article Beyond Discipline to take home to read
Sept. 18 AM
Theme: Organization
Animal School Reading & Writing Prompt
Table Groups: An effectively-organized classroom
Pairs/Triads: Analyze your own style considering a chosen context, either your future classroom or one you have observed.
Draw a picture of an effectively-organized classroom (refer to your Relationship, Organization, Problem-Solving ideas on butcher paper)
Energizer: Standing Ovation
Article Share: What to Look for in a Classroom
Individually rate selected classroom in each category on rating scale (own, observed, experienced). Then average group ratings for each area, to give a picture of a common classroom setting. (Frances will enter on computer)
Make additions or changes on classroom picture, then post on wall to share.
TIPS:
Time, space and resources
Small group, temporary groups, cooperative grouping
Time management
Student choices
Range of styles: Autocratic, democratic, autonomous
LUNCH Break (11:30- 12:30pm)
Sept. 18 PM
Theme: Problem-Solving (Collaboration)
Writie on file cards- scenarios with setting and conflict of behavior problems or concerns (safe for later)
Article Share: Beyond Discipline (Each person share 2 or 3 highlights fromthe article in table group. As a group, develop a comment to summarize what you learned, and illustrate your comment (symbol, diagram, stick figures, etc.) and share with whole class.
Marsh Warren, third grade teacher, Case Study
Alfie Kohn's article share: one idea that stood out, question, agree or not? Depict thoughts as a group in symbol, diagram, illustration.
Table Group Discussions: Misbehavior (Reach a consensus on each question, and share with whole group).
How is behavior affected by teacher and student expectations?
How does teacher behavior influence student behavior?
Energizer: This is my Nose
Basic Needs & Behavior
View video: Eric Jensen (1998). Teaching with the brain in mind (Effects of Poverty)
TIPS: Problem-Solving
Unmet needs
Trust, respect, strengths and interests
Engaging, well-plpanned instruction
Writing Prompt: Rewards & Punishment
View Video: Activate Learning by Bob Sullo
What kinds of rewards and punishments have you observed?
Why do teachers use rewards and punishments?
How do rewards and punishments foster dependence?
How are rewards also punishments?
What do students learn from punishments?
What is the difference between punishment and problem-solving?
Creative Drama: Role play selected scenarios from index cards with students taking on different characters in resolving the behavioral issue.
Closure & Assessment: (Pair/Share)
Describe the learning community you would like to establish (your management philosophy). How will you:
Build positive relationships?
Organize your classroom learning environment?
Facilitate effective problem-solving?
Workshop Evaluation:
Share the most important idea you have learned about classroom management.
What you liked, or what was effective;
A change or improvement you would suggest;
An unanswered question you have;
Suggestions for future weekend workshops.
Optional:
Audio: Alfie Kohn (2006). A conversation about classroom management.