SUPERVISING

COMMON AREAS
By: Cassie, Morgan, Taylor
Types of Common Areas
What is a common area?
A common area is a place within the schools property where students may be at
Types of common areas:
Bathrooms
Cafeteria
Hallways
Buss or school transportation
Play ground
Parking lot

Challenges
Typically ratio of students to adult is very large; i.e. 100 students and 2 adults in
cafeteria
Adults responsible for
Clarifying misunderstandings
Student safety
Correcting misbehavior
Dealing with minor bumps, bruises and injuries
Consoling hurt feelings
Rewards
All though at times it may seem difficult it can also be rewarding
Time to develop a more personal relationship with the children/students that you are
supervising
An opportunity to set a positive climate for the school
Promote physical and emotional safety
Before You Start
Obtaining procedures and identifying expectations
Expectations for self and students
Emergencies procedures
Knowing how to effectively supervise common area
Monitoring behavior (circulating and scanning)
Reinforcing responsible behavior
Responding effectively to misbehavior
Awareness of specific management tips that apply to each of the common areas
Basic Procedure Questions
What tools are needed for supervising this area?
Walkie-talkie
Whistle
Clipboard
Where do I get these tools?
Where do I store these tools at the end of the supervision period?
Are there any forms, recording sheets, or other paperwork I should have with me? If so,
how to I obtain these materials?
If I notice vandalism or other damage in the setting, to whom and when do I report it?
What else do I need or should I be aware of when supervising this area?
Effective Supervision
Be on time
Establish a positive expectation from the moment the students arrive
Actively monitor the setting
Model the behaviors you want to see
Interact positively and reinforce responsible behavior
Respond effectively to student misbehavior
Inappropriate Behaviors
Cafeteria:
Cutting in line, pushing, poking, arguing, being to loud, messes
Hallways:
Being to loud, arguing, pushing,
Buss or school transportations:
Pushing, arguing, sticking things out the window,
Play ground:
Poor sportsmanship, pushing, arguing,
Parking lot:
Damaging others property, smoke, fight, ... relationship activities....
Tips
Effective supervision requires
Positive attitude
Your behavior sets the tone
Focus on the positive
Smile and be friendly
Persistence
Some days will be wonderful, others will be challenging
Every day is a new day
Be alert, active and vigilant at all times
Patience
Students will make errors and break rules
Be patient with them
Consequences
Make the game off limits
Take away the item used in the bad behavior
Separate the students
Detention
Suspension
Stay inside for recess