4. Learning Environment

This is a classroom management plan that I wrote for one of my classes. Some of the strategies in this plan are strategies that I learned from my current cooperating teacher. She has an extremely effective management plan. I admire her consistency, and this is something I will strive to bring into my classroom. Classroom management needs to be consistent if a teacher really wants to have control of the class. Once the kids learn that rules don't really mean anything, they will begin taking advantage of this. Additionally, classroom management strategies need to serve a purpose. What is this strategy teaching this student? How is the classroom kept in order? Is the strategy fair to everyone? These are some of the questions that must be considered when choosing classroom management techniques. An effective classroom management plan is one of the most important parts of a learning environment because if the class is out of control, if some students are acting out and distracting others, it is very difficult for everyone to learn.

Illinois teaching standard 4 - Knowledge Indicator 4A says that a competent teacher "understands principles of and strategies for effective classroom and behavior management." This classroom management plan uses a variety of strategies to keep order and consistency in the classroom with the purpose that students are better able to learn. Performance Indicator 4O says that a competent teacher "uses a variety of effective behavioral management techniques appropriate to the needs of all students that include positive behavior interventions and supports." I chose to have a variety of management strategies rather than just one strategy because every kid is different and reacts differently to rules, consequences, and reinforcements. Some consequences work for some students and not at all for others. My plan also integrates positive behavior interventions to teach the students what good behavior looks like, rather than only what bad behavior looks like.

Through this project I learned that there are so many different types of classroom management strategies! There is rarely a strategy that works for every class, or every kid. Sometimes you may have to try out different strategies to see which one works best for your class. Having a classroom management plan is important for any teacher because kids need consistency. As a teacher, you have to teach them right from wrong, and it is important to do this in a way that motivates them to do good and discourages bad behavior by keeping a balance between rewarding and disciplining them.

For one of my special education classes, I had to choose an uncomfortable personal topic and create something to help a student who needed help in this area. We were given a list of uncomfortable topics (how to wipe, change a pad/tampon, use a urinal, react to having a crush, etc) and were asked to choose one that would challenge us. I chose using a urinal in a public restroom because obviously I am a girl and have never used a urinal before. But I thought to myself, "what if I have a student someday who is causing problems in the bathroom because he doesn't understand the social rules/how to use a urinal?" So I decided to research the social aspect of using a urinal.

Knowledge Indicator 4B of the Illinois Professional Teaching Standards says that a competent teacher "understands how individuals influence groups and how groups function in society." I know that I will teach male students in the future, and sometimes it is hard for students to pick up on social cues and how to act in society. I researched the social aspect of using a men's restroom for my students who may need help in this area. Performance Indicator 4J says that a competent teacher "creates clear expectations and procedures for communication and behavior and a physical setting conducive to achieving classroom goals." This social story clearly outlines what to do and what not to do when using the urinal. The captions to my steps/pictures are short and to the point to not confuse the student with lengthy explanations.