atmosphere
I will work to develop a positive teacher-student relationship so that students feel safe in my classroom. I will do this in a variety of ways listed below.
Communicate Positive Expectations
Praising Appropriate Student Performance
Communicate Positive Expectations
- Example: Instead of saying, "NO Timmy do NOT open the book." I would say, " Timmy, we are going to start with our books closed today".
Praising Appropriate Student Performance
- Example: "You guys did an excellent job walking into the classroom and going right to sitting in your seats. Keep up the good work!"
- For a student with disabilities who might not receive praise for "smaller" accomplishments, I will be able to provide that praise.
- Example: "At the end of the lesson, if you follow our rules you will earn a star."
- I will review the rules that include visuals so that students that are English Language Learners (ELL) will understand the expectations.
physical environment
I have shared my classroom layout above. Below I will share my reasoning behind setting up my classroom in this way!
This elementary resource room provides multiple places for learning to take place and promotes positive student interaction. I plan to teach using a variety of instructional methods that include direct instruction, guided instruction, and independent practice.
Kidney Table
I have provided a place for all of those things to happen at the kidney table. This is where I will teach my small group lessons. Seating students in this way allow students to manipulate objects in lessons, see what is written on the board and makes it easy for the teacher to monitor the classroom and students working at the table.
Rug Area/Reading Corner
I have made a rug area to do large group work. This will be a nice change from the student just sitting at tables all day. This space could be used for group instruction when doing a reading lesson or if we are using manipulatives that require more space to spread out.
Independent Worktables
I have created independent work tables away from the door and windows to minimize distractions. The classroom is spread out with enough space in between so that it is handicap accessible. It will allow the paraprofessional easy access to every student.
Time Away Corner
In the back corner of the room, there is a time away space. This is located in a more private corner of the room. Most of the time students will be facing the board in small groups; therefore, it will provide a more secluded place for a student to escape. There will be books for the student to look at and cushions for the student to sit on. It is located in the back of the room so that the student does not have easy access to the door.
Teacher's Desk
The teacher's desk is located in the middle of the classroom. From the desk, the teacher can see the entire classroom. There is no space in the classroom that is hidden from the teacher. This will ensure that students are doing their work and treating others kindly.
Daily Schedule
The daily schedule will be posted next to the whiteboard near the door so that students know what they will be doing when they walk in the door. In addition it will work as a reminder to refer back to when students get off track.
Class Rules
I will list the class rules on the other side of the white board so that I can remind students of the expectations. I will include the rules on the bulletin board above the storage unit for students to refer to when asked questions for their reward after each lesson. The rules on the bulletin board will be large enough so that students can see them from anywhere in the room.
Star Chart
The star chart will be located next to the door so that can reflect on their behavior in the classroom before leaving. It is located next to the classroom rules so students can think about whether or not they earned a star.
Safe environment
In addition, to establishing positive relationships with students I will create a safe environment in a variety of ways listed below.
Provide Basic Materials
Homework Accessibility
Supportive Classmates
Provide Basic Materials
- At the younger elementary age, I provide pencils and notebooks for the students to work in when they are in my class. This will allow all students to have the same materials no matter what socio-economic background a student may come from.
Homework Accessibility
- If I do provide homework, I will make sure there are a variety of forms so that all students can access the materials necessary.
Supportive Classmates
- I will consistently reinforce the rule of being a good friend. I will explicitly teach student what it means to be a good friend. On example I would use is encouraging a classmate when they make a mistake to do their best. This will allow students who are struggling to feel safe in my classroom to taking risks and make mistakes.
WOW activity
I will use this activity to welcome students into my classroom! I will share that we are all different but fit together to make a great team. We will create these the first couple days of school and then students will share a couple of items from their puzzle piece to share. I have provided step-by-step instructions. This could be modified to fit in both a general and special education setting.
Positive classroom environment all school year
- I will promote a positive classroom environment throughout the entire school year by providing positive/ negative reinforcement throughout the school year.
- I will use my token economy "star chart" that will motivate students to do their best. The goal is to get five stars in order to receive the reward for good behavior.
- I will provide verbal praise to a student when appropriate.
- I will continue to seek positive relationships with my students.
- I will be consistent with my expectations for students so that we have the same positive classroom environment throughout the year.