Grant D.

Hall
Classroom Management

Developing a classroom management style appears to be a daunting and overwhelming

task. The thoughts of being given the responsibility of teaching, protecting, nurturing, and
helping develop a sense of self-worth and esteem of 30 children can be intimidating. I think that
the primary thing that I have learned from this course is that classroom management is effective
if I plan, plan, plan, and then have a back-up plan. If I plan and am diligent, I will be 85%
prepared for the logistics of the classroom. And, when those plans dont work, being flexible and
humble enough to recognize that it didnt work, change directions, and move forward.
Every year will present a new class of students, not everything will work for every
student, and being prepared and able to anticipate, will make the management of my classroom
easier. There are many beliefs that I have developed, changed, learned, and refined that will help
with classroom management.
1. Lay a Foundation The foundation of my classroom is, of course, my students but is
more comprehensive than just the person in the chair. This child comes with a family, a
history, community, skills, and knowledge that support and make this person unique. The
more I know about the person sitting in the chair, the better able I will be to support that
person. Showing the family of my student also indicates my care and concern for their
child, and their success.
a. Family visits
b. Letters to the home
c. Brief informational survey
2. Define the Classroom My classroom will be a unique, safe, stimulating, and enriching
environment. I want my students to be comfortable and excited to come to class, to

anticipate what the day will bring, and to be able to contribute to the environment they
spend so much time interacting with. Having 30 students in a classroom requires rules
and procedures to ensure that every student has an equal opportunity to excel and learn.
a. Classroom procedures
b. Classroom rules
3. Build the Structure Every student in my classroom is unique, talented, capable, and
able to work to the best of their abilities. I firmly believe that each student will be able to
do their best work and push themselves to accomplish more than what they can currently
do.

The structure of the classroom is the students.

Establishing relationships,

friendships, trust, and reliance on other students in the classroom is imperative to the
success of the class as a whole. Each student should develop a respectful, working
relationship with each of his/her classmates.
a. First Day of Class Activities
b. Team Building Activities
c. Learning about Each Student in Class
4. Create the Space I am a visual and tactile learner, if I am reading something that I
need to focus on and really comprehend, I use highlighters, have music softly playing in
the background, and take frequent breaks. If this is how I learn, then I need to make sure
the every student in my classroom has the opportunity to learn and grow in the manner
that works best for them. Small group learning (3 because 4 or more is a party), work
stations, independent learning areas, peer support, and teacher support will help my
students learn and adapt to new things.
a. Small Group Learning Areas
b. Availability of Resources
c. Aware of Each Students Learning Needs
5. Every Day, Every Week, All Year Our classroom needs to be consistent. Every day
each student will arrive and know what to expect from me, their fellow students, and
from the school. They will also know what is expected of them to contribute, in a

productive manner, to the classroom. For many, this may be the most consistent aspect of
their life, and I need to be dependable and reliable for my students.
a. Classroom Rules
b. Consistent Behavior from Me
c. High Behavior Expectations
d. Transition Procedures
6. The Bump in the Road There will be issues and problems that will manifest in
behavior issues. I need to ask myself if my expectations are clear and understandable,
does the student really know or am I just assuming they know, why? Do I know my
students well enough so that the real root of the behavior can be determined and
adjusted?
a. Set High Expectations
b. Clear and Concise Rules for Behavior
c. Appropriate and Well Balanced Discipline
7. When the Bump becomes a Sink-hole Relationships with my students parent/adult
caregiver is vital. I need to make sure that my communications with them are clear, to
the point, respectful, and supportive. There will be times when one of my students
behavior or performance is not meeting the high expectations set for that student. Having
a clear and positive attitude will make problem solving with a parent easier.
a. Calling Home
b. Communication with the Parent
c. Parental Understanding of Expectations
d. Respect for Family Environment
8. Break through the Ceiling OK is not good enough. Good is not good enough. MY
ABSOLUTE BEST WORK is where I want to be and what I want every student in my
classroom to strive for. Setting high expectations will encourage my students to do that
little bit of extra which will develop in them a sense of accomplishment and success.
Providing my students with the opportunity to demonstrate that absolute best work is
another way of managing our classroom.
a. Grading
b. Choice in Assessments
c. Providing Access to the Tools to Excel

d. Growth of the Individual

9. Does Everyone Have a Key Every student should have access to everything that the
student needs to achieve their learning potential. Equal opportunity to excel and achieve
empowers students to do their best work, be excited to learn, and contribute to the
classroom environment. My job is to keep them motivated and on that path.
a. How Are My Students Learning
b. Am I Scaffolding Properly
c. Respectful Feedback
d. Prompt and Constructive Feedback
10. I Am the King of My Castle The only way I can be an effective teacher is if I do my
absolute best to make the learning experience relevant to my students. Developing
relationships with peer teachers, administration, the support staff, and others, will enable
me to support my students.

My students should be able to enjoy a worry free

environment in their classroom.

a. Peer Relationships
b. Administration Relationships
c. Support of School Rules & Policies
This is a work in progress. I realize that change and adaptation are critical for me to be
successful in the classroom. Developing a sense of community, respect, and support in my
classroom will take time, but that is time well spent if the end result is the success of my students
and their developing a sense of joy in learning.

Did I make my kids dumber?

T. Carr Westminster College