Classroom Management Implementation Plan

At the start of class: I make sure to always play one of the student’s favorite songs as they enter the classroom and while they complete the Do Now. I get to know the students and care about and for them. I want them to know that I consider this a two way street- You pay attention to me and I pay attention to you. This special music time is also included in classroom activities when possible. From experience, I found that some students who normally struggle with time management are more productive during music time.

The Do Now is an activity on the board that the students complete as soon as they arrive. It could be to work with your shoulder partner to draw a model on the white boards (or on the lab table with chalk markers). Sometimes the Do Now acts as a pre-assessment or a misconception detector. Other times, the Do Now is a review question. No matter the format, it sets the tone that our brains are geared up to think and to be receptive to learning.

Getting the attention of the class: All eyes, all ears works really well, but I also use todos los ojos, todas las orejas el frente, por favor which is Spanish for all eyes, all ears, up front, please. Many of the students are taking Spanish and many also speak it at home. One of my personal goals is to brush up on the languages I've taken over the years so I will say phrases in English, Spanish, French, German, ASL, and Arabic on occasion. If the sound level gets too high for the students to hear me use the attention phrases, I will use the if you can hear me clap once strategy. I've never had to clap more than twice.

My Expectations

A condensed version can be found posted in the classroom.

Participate! You will learn more and enjoy the class.

Expect more from yourself. If you’re a superstar student, expect to achieve even more with challenge problems and extensions of the lessons. If you have struggled with science in the past and thought you didn’t enjoy it, expect to be surprised and look forward to class. You will enjoy the class and learn oodles here!

Respect other’s property, bodies, and ideas. This means listening when others speak, giving each other personal space, and remembering that all contributions to our scientific learning are valued and appreciated.

Ask questions! You will learn quickly that when I ask if anyone has any questions that means you should think about how well you know the information. If no one has any questions, I will know it means that you are ready for me to ask you questions. :-D

I am 100% on board with No Opt Out and 100% correct 100% of the time in addition to cold calling. Come to expect this and willingly participate whenever possible.

Safety first! Lab rules:

Always wear closed-toed shoes! Wear goggles- always! It is better to be in the habit of wearing them and not needing them than to need them and not be wearing them.

Self-awareness is a must! Pay attention to what you and your classmates are doing to avoid bumping into each other. Save the horseplay and food for after school. (You are allowed to have water if it is kept in a container with a top that closes.)

Wear gloves to protect your hands and to protect the experiments from contamination.