CLASSROOM

MANAGEMENT PLAN 1
















Liz Crouch

Classroom Management Plan

University of Utah

CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT PLAN 2

Preamble

Ever since I was a little girl I have always wanted to be a teacher. I admired

the teachers I had growing up and I wanted to be just like them. As I have grown

into a mature adult and have experienced many teachers, I have come to realize that

every teacher is different. Some are better than others and some have more of an

impact on their students lives than one could ever imagine. As for me, I wanted to

strive to be like the amazing teachers I had and make a significant difference in my

students lives. It has come to my attention that this can be a very difficult but very

rewarding task.

It is my goal to find what works for each student and go with that when

planning lessons. I believe there has to be structure & experience but I also feel that

in order to really understand something there has to be trial and error and to figure

out what works for each person. What works for some students may not work for

others. Its all about being flexible, understanding the student, and coming up with

solutions to make lessons and activities work. I also feel it is important to

incorporate hands on experiences that will not only be useful in the classroom but

outside of the classroom as well.

My end goal is to create a classroom where the students can be comfortable

and feel welcomed so they are able to be vulnerable and have the best experience

possible. I want nothing more than for my students to leave with knowledge,

confidence, and memorable experiences just like I received when I was in

elementary school.

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Preventive Techniques

Teaching procedures

Procedures that should be taught from the get go are, working independently,

working in groups, entering the classroom, and leaving the classroom. These

expectations and procedures need to be taught, practiced, and reinforced

throughout the year. There are different expectations and procedures for different

lessons/activities so it is important to restate these when doing any lesson. By also

reminding the students this reinforces what they need to be doing. I think it is

extremely important to re-teach students the procedures when they have had a long

break from school that way things run just a little smoother when getting back into

the groove of things.

Classroom rules

It is very important to set the tone for the whole class at the beginning of the year

that way we are all on the same page when it comes to following the rules. During

the first week of school we will have a classroom discussion and come up with five

to ten rules that can be applied to our class. I will have a few ideas already written

that way the students can build upon those rule ideas and we can collaborate

together to make a list. Once we have created our list I will have the rules printed on

a large piece of paper and leave enough room for all of the students to sign. I will

have this displayed where every student is able to see it. I will also have a smaller

version posted throughout the room as well as at my desk so it can easily be

referred back to. Some of the ideas I have for rules include
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1. Listening Bodies: I will listen and follow directions

2. Raised Hands: I will raise my hand to share ideas

3. Quiet Mouths: I will use a soft voice

4. Walking Feet: I will walk in school to be safe

5. Helping Hands: I will use my hands for helping and not hurting

6. Caring Hearts: I will use kinds words

Classroom jobs

To make things a little easier on myself and for the students, I will do a student of

the day every day (SOTD) and rotate the name so every student gets to be in

charge of jobs at least once a month. We will choose the student of the day by

having them design a nametag and go in alphabetical order. The student can always

choose not to be SOTD and in that case we would switch to the next person in order.

The student of the day will be in charge of many different classroom jobs. Some of

these jobs include pledge leader, releasing students to line up, line leader, taking the

lunch tub down to the lunchroom and back (with a partner of their choice), cafeteria

helper, dispensing hand sanitizer before lunch, changing the name to the next

person for student of the day, office runner, calendar helper, teacher helper, along

with many other jobs.

Building classroom community

To me having a tight knit community is key to a successful to having a successful

classroom. The reason to build a classroom community is so all students feel safe

and comfortable with each other so they can be vulnerable to express their feelings,

questions, answers, and be open to effective learning. During the first few weeks of
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school we will do numerous activities to get to know one another and for students

to gain trust not only with their peers but also with me.

Team building

Along with building a classroom community we will also work on team building.

There is lots of fun ways for the students to learn what team building is. At the

beginning of the year I will focus on creating an environment where students are

learning to go from depending on me a to depending on themselves and their peers.

We will do numerous activities to make sure students are building the confidence

and trust to depend on each other. This process will continue throughout the whole

year since students are constantly changing and growing.

Cooperative learning

Students need to learn what it means to be a cooperative learner. There will be

numerous lessons and activities throughout the year where students are going to

have to work with a partner or group and usually it will not be by their choice. We

will draw stick names so students get the opportunity to work with different

classmates each time. This will increase team building skills as well as classroom

community.

Morning Greeting

I want all of my students to feel welcomed as soon as they walk in the classroom. To

make this happen I will greet every student in the morning by saying Good

morning as I shake their hand, give them a high five, or a gentle side hug, whichever

they are comfortable with. I will expect my students to show the same respect and
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say it back to me. Once all of the students are in the class we will do a rap or chant to

get us alive, awake, and alert.

Class meetings

To ensure all students are being heard, I will place a blank bubble on one of the

white boards where students or I can place important messages, reminders, or

concerns to be discussed as a whole class. I will also have a comment box on or near

my desk where students can anonymously write a note if they have an important

message, concern, or question and then those notes can be placed in the bubble to

be discussed. We will have class meetings/discussions as needed.

Positive classroom environment

Another way to make my students feel welcomed in the classroom is reinforce a

positive environment by being an example to my students. Students look to the

teacher for almost everything throughout the day and if we have a stinky attitude so

are the students. I will make sure that as soon as I walk into the front doors to the

school I will leave my personal life at home and have a bright smile, an enthusiastic

and cheery attitude, and to always remind myself to stay positive. As a class we will

strive everyday to be positive towards one another and if we cannot then we will

have a class discussion to remind students. This kind of discussion will be done at

the beginning of the year so the students know what the expectations are for the

classroom.

Classroom arrangement

When I plan my classroom arrangement of desks, tables, and centers I want to make

sure all of these areas are easily accessible, comfortable, and can easily be seen by
CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT PLAN 7

me. One major thing I want to ensure is that all students are able to see the front of

the room where the white board and smart boards are. This means no students

backs will be facing the front of the room.

Supportive Techniques

Circulate around the room

During instructional time this method would not be as effective since students

would not be able to focus on the lesson that I am giving. This method will work

effectively when students are either working by them selves, in pairs, or in groups. I

walk around the room monitoring what the students are doing, if they are on staying

on task, and if they have any questions that need to be answered. This is also a great

and easy way to do informal assessments on the students to see if they comprehend

the material.

Proximity
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When it comes to proximity, this is as an effective tool, if not more successful than

yelling across the room at a student who may be off task. By getting closer to

students the chances of them paying attention increases drastically. Proximity is

where you place yourself in the classroom, when you change positions, why you do

so, and how you behave in the process (Forlini, Williams, and Brinkman, 2016, pp.

104). This is something that I will be using within my own classroom by walking

around the room particularly to areas where students are not paying attention. BY

walking around I will not have to interrupt the class by giving oral commands but

rather giving non-verbal commands for students to pay attention.

Encouragement

Encouragement is key to make each individual student feel successful within the

classroom. The less encouragement is given and the more discouragement is given

the higher the chances the student will act out and misbehave. Encouraging students

is a relatively easy thing to do and something that I will be doing for every single

student.

Positive reminders (10:1 ration)

Along with encouragement, positive reminders is another tool that can and should

be used within the classroom for a successful outcome. Students do better mentally

and physically when given positives cues. When continuously pointing out students

faults or issues the less likely they are going to listen the next time they are

disrupting the class and this pattern will only get worse. With positive reminders it

physically shows students whats expected in the class and it makes students feel all

fuzzy inside when they are the examples to others. In class we discussed that a 10:1
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ratio should be set in place; ten positive comments/reminders for every one

comment/reminder (Lecture notes 9/15). This may seem hard but it can be done by

simply praising students are doing what theyre supposed to be doing.

Body language

Body language can play a huge role when it comes to instruction. If I were to walk

around with a slouched back or sluggishly I am sending the message to my students

that something is wrong and that I do not care how I present myself to them. So I

will walk around with my shoulders back, an energetic pace, and with my head held

high that way I am sending the message to my students that I am excited to teach

and to be in the classroom. Body language is also important to when it comes to

students. By noticing a specific body language from a student can give many clues

into how that student is feeling, if they are paying attention, and if they are engaged

with their classmates.

Time on task techniques

No student can sit in their desk and just do worksheet after worksheet and learn

anything from it. In order for students to comprehend material that is being taught

they need to be engaged throughout the lesson. When students are actively engaged

in learning they are: focused, listening, and reading. Some research concludes that

engaged time is the most important influence on academic achievement (Education

link).

Intervention techniques
Teach conflict resolution

No matter what grade a student may be in it will be very beneficial for the students

to learn how to resolve conflict. This is a skill that will be used throughout their life
CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT PLAN 10

so it will be effective in the long run if they learn this skill at a young age. Conflicts

can arise in any situation so I will make sure and teach students how to solve

conflict in three easy steps. These steps to follow is to ask your self do I need to let

an adult know, can I handle it myself, or would it be best to let it go? (Wilson, M.B.,

2013, pp. 118). I will teach about resolving conflict by doing some role plays with

the students so understand first hand how to resolve a conflict. Another tool I will

use is to teach students to no tattle or use the word tattle but rather reporting an

issue. The word tattle has such a negative feel to it that if students were to use the

word reporting it will come across less aggressive.

Consequences

During the first week of school I will make it clear what logical consequences are if

you disrespect or misbehave in the classroom, on the playground, or somewhere in

the school. This is something that I will not take lightly and will stick firmly to

consequences. I dont want the consequences to be detrimental or embarrassing

but more of a teaching opportunity. Before a consequence is given there will two to

three warnings so the student is given ample time to correct the behavior. The

logical consequences will include take a break-reflection sheet, buddy teacher,

parent contact, you break it, you buy it policy (including property and others

feelings), and loss of privilege. These consequences will be posted in the room

where they are visible for students to see. Below is a great table to show different

student behaviors and their logical consequences in & outside of the classroom.
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(Teacher Trap, 2016, June 10,
http://www.teachertrap.com/2016/06/classroommanagement.html/)

One-on-one conference/conversations

If a student is misbehaving I will have a one-on-one conversations with them rather

than getting after them in front of the whole class. By having a more personal

conversation we are able to communicate more effectively. These one-on-one

conversations will help me better understand the student as well as the student

understanding my point of view. We will be able to come up with different plans and

or suggestions we can both follow.

Phone Calls home

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Phone calls home will only be done if I have had a one-on-one conversation with the

student and they are not correct their behavior. There will be warnings to let the

student know that if a behavior continues then a phone call to home will be made.

This is to not punish the student but for them to understand that we need further

intervention to rid the behavior so they can be successful.

Contracts/ Behavior management plan

If the one-on-one conversations/meetings do not work then I will implement a

contract or behavior management plan with the student. I will call the parents in

along with the student so we are able to come up with a plan that will be effective

for that particular student. I do not want the contract or plan to be strictly negative

consequences but to also include incentives or rewards for the student to earn. By

giving this option the student will most likely work a little hard to achieve their goal

based on the contract or plan. I will check in with the student on a daily basis as well

as at the end of the week where a signed plan will be sent home to the parents for

them to sign and for the student to return back to me on Monday.

Procedures

Beginning-of-the-day routine

As soon as the bell rings students will place their backpacks and coats in their locker

and come straight into the classroom where I will greet them with a good morning

and a high five, side hug or hand shake. They will go to their seat right away and

read the board to see the days plan and answer the essential question of the day in

their independent writing journal. As they are working on their journal entry I will
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take role. Once students are all settled in we will do a rap or chant to get us alive,

awake, and alert.

Daily schedule

As soon as every student is sitting in their seat, we will do the pledge as a class and

then go over the days plan in detail. The daily schedule will be written on the front

of the board so every student can see and reference back to the schedule as needed.

This will help all of us stay on track throughout the day and help with my time

management, as well as help students know what will come next after a

lesson/activity or specialty class.

Homework

Every Monday, homework will be placed in the students folders to be taken home to

be completed. The folders will be in the students cubbies and will be grabbed at the

end of the day. The folders will be turned in every Thursday morning when the

students turn in their homework.

Homework Turn-in

Home is due every Thursday morning. There will be a bin for the students to place

their folders in.

Attention signals

Its really important to be able to gain students attention through different signals in

case theres an emergency, or I need to modify instruction, or if we need to stop and

move to something different. There are many different attention signals that can and

will be used within the class. The ones that I will use the most are 1-2-3 eyes on me;

1-2 eyes on you, alligator alligator chomp chomp, stop look and listen; ok, class
CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT PLAN 14

class; yes yes. To make sure students are really listening I will use different volumes

from really loud to really soft.

Transitions

Transitions are an important element to make sure the classroom runs as smoothly

as possible. To make this happen I will make the transitions quick and seamless by

preplanning appropriate ones to be used. Students like reminders. They also like

positive support, so teacher-cues may be your best and most consistent

management tool during transitions (Forlini, Williams, and Brinkman, 216, pp. 28).

One transition I will use is a countdown cue starting with 10 & clapping in between

each number until I reach one. By the time I get to one I students should have their

material put away and either sitting/standing at their desk or sitting on the rug.

Absent students

For absent students I will have an absent folder with the homework, activities

done that day, and any important notes that need to go home. The folders contents

can be picked up by parents at any time during the day or they can reference the

class website if they do not want to come to the school.

Tardy Students

Students must check in with the office and receive a tardy slip to be turned in in

class. The student will put all of their belongings in their locker, enter the room

respectfully, place the tardy slip into the basket thats at the front of the room, and

quietly join the class.

Finished work
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When there is a worksheet or activity I want the class to work on, once it is finished

and depending on the activity they will either place the finished product in their

cubby to go home or they will place it in the finished bin for me to look over later.

If a student finished early they are more than welcome to finish the essential

question of the day, they can silently read or work in their sketchbook until we are

ready to move on to another lesson.

Bathroom policy

Before students can go to the bathroom they must ask an adult so we know why

they are leaving the classroom. We will also use the bathroom signal if we are in the

middle of a lesson and they cannot get out of their seat to ask an adult. I will either

verbally respond to them or give them a thumbs up if they can go.

Drink Policy

Water bottles will not be aloud in the classroom but can be kept in their locker if

they choose to. Students may get up and get a drink if they use the drink sign signal

and I will give them a thumbs up if they are able to go. After recess, lunch, or any

specialty class I will remind students to grab a drink before we get into the lesson.

Lining up

The student of the day will usually release the students to get lined up. If the SOTD

does not do this then I will be the one to get them lined up. We will use either fuzzy

eye to get students quiet or we will do the chant; 1, 2 listen and do, 3,4 face the door,

5,6 fingers on lips, 7,8 line up straight, 9, 10 let the quiet walking begin. If students

choose not to listen or are cutting in line they have to go the end of the line without

any complaints.
CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT PLAN 16

Sharpening pencils

To eliminate students from getting up during lessons or discussion I will place two

boxes in the back of the room for pencils. One box will be green for go and the

other box will be red for no. At the end of the day the SOTD will sharpen all of the

pencils in the red box so they are ready to go for the next day. Students will also

have a pencil cup at their desk and if their pencil breaks they can switch the broken

pencil out for a sharpened one.

End of day routine

On Mondays we will have rug time the last 20 minutes of class to discuss the

homework for the week. Before rug time we will put chairs on top of their

desks/tables and do a quick floor clean up. Every other day we will do the same

except the rug time unless there is something important that needs to be discussed

like a field trip the next day.

Communication with Parents/Guardians

Before school/after school

The best time to have a meeting with me will be in the morning before school and

after school. In the news letter that I send out each week I will make sure I include a

message letting parents know when I am available to talk and that they are

welcomed in the classroom any time.

Phone calls

Keeping in touch with parents is very important to me since I rely heavily on them

for different things as well to communicate about their child. A phone call home

should not just be when a student acts up in class and misbehaves but it should also
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be used to praise students growth, achievements, and good behaviors. I will

encourage parents to call me whenever they feel the need, but since I am not able to

answer my desk phone very often throughout the day I will let me know the most

efficient way to get in touch with me is to send a quick email.

E-mails

For me e-mails are the quickest and most efficient way to get a hold of me as well

using it for a paper trail if needs be. I will provide my email to parents at the

beginning of school as well including it on the newsletter thats sent home every

week. The same goes for e-mails as phone calls, I will encourage parents/guardians

to contact me as needed and that I will do my best to respond in a timely manner.

Classroom web page

I feel it is important to keep parents updated as much as possible. To hopefully

receive less questions from the parents I will create a class website where parents

can go see our classes daily, weekly, monthly, and annual schedule, the homework

for the week that can be printed in case the student forgets it, loses it, or is absent.

Any school programs or assemblies coming up that they might want to attend and

any documents like field trip permission slips that can be easily accessed and

printed if need be. I will also post pictures of the students artwork or of field trips

that we went on so parents can see what we really do all day long.

Newsletters

Every Monday a newsletter will be placed in the students folder for them to take

home. This newsletter will include what we are learning for that week, as well as the
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homework to be completed by Thursday, the classroom web page address, and any

big news events or field trips that may be coming up.

SEP conference ideas

This is one of the most effective days of the years. This is because I am able to have

the parents/guardians and student all in one room so we are able to openly

communicate one how well their child is doing, what needs to be worked on, and

what goals we would like to set for the year. This is an opportunity for me to see

how the students interact with their parents and vice versa and it allows me to learn

beyond the surface of the student and to really understand who they are.

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References

http://www.education.com/reference/article/time-on-task/

http://www.teachertrap.com/2016/06/classroommanagement.html/
Wilson, M. B. (2013). Teasing, tattling, defiance and more: Positive approaches to 10 common classroom
behaviors. Turner Falls, MA: Northeast Foundation for Children.

Forlini, G., Williams, E., & Brinkman, A. (2016). Class Acts: Every Teacher's Guide To Activate Learning.
Bronxville, NY: Lavender Hill Press.

McCandless, P. (2016). Lecture on The Big 8- 1. Expectations. Personal collections of P. McCandless,

university of Utah, Salt Lake City UT