Professional Documents
Culture Documents
9/29/16
should be positive, safe, and organized. It is the teachers job to make sure the classroom
environment is the way it should be. There are different techniques that a teacher can
motivate students. A student should be able to come into a classroom where he or she
feels like they belong. This will make the students want to actually try. A simple
technique a teacher can use it to greet every student as they walk into the classroom. This
sets a positive vibe for the rest of the day. The teacher should make sure the environment
is free of negativity and focus on bringing the good into the room. The teacher and
student should have mutual respect for each other. The environment should be fun and
exciting instead of dull and boring. Teachers should also try to teach different cultures as
well. This way students can learn about the differences that may have and they will learn
to respect it. This will allow students to remain positive about each other regardless of
their differences.
A classroom should also be safe, because every student should feel comfortable in
their own classroom. A classroom is like a second home to a student. This is where most
of the school day is spent. The teacher should make it safe for students to participate and
ask questions. Teachers should let their students know that it is okay to ask questions and
encourage students to ask questions. If a student does not feel comfortable in a classroom,
he or she will not be able to concentrate or become involved in the lesson. While having a
safe environment, students will be more open to talk and participate in activities. Their
full focus can goes towards what is being taught rather then worrying about what is
problems. An organized classroom sets the stage for teaching and learning. A teacher
should organize the classroom in ways that best fits the students. For instance, the teacher
needs to have a seating arrangement plan, so he or she can see every student. The
teacher's back should never be turned to the students. The teacher should have everything
around the room together, organized, and labeled. As mentioned by Dusenbury, "Arrange
your classroom so that you have all the resources you need all the books, calculators
and materials right where you can find them, within easy reach, so that you never have
to stop teaching or turn your back on your students" (Creating a Safe Classroom
Environment, 2012). This will help teachers from having to pause lessons just to hunt
down materials and papers. This can cause students to misbehave and etc. When
everything is organize, it can make everything go smoother.
education. The teacher sets the tone for the classroom environment. The classroom
environment should be positive, safe, and organized. There are many techniques a teacher
can utilize to ensure that the classroom environment is where it should be. Every teacher
References
Retrieved from
http://www.educationworld.com/a_curr/creating-safe-classroom-environment-climate.sht
ml
Philosophy of Education (graphic representation)
Support from Theories/Researchers (minimum of 2)
students are comfortable in their own classroom, they tend to be more talkative,
Vygotsky, "Cognitive development stems from social interactions from guided learning
within the zone of proximal development as children and their partners co-construct
knowledge." He believes students learn through socially interacting with one another.
This is why it is important for students to feel comfortable in their own classroom. If a
student is scared or worried about being in a classroom, he or she will less likely want to
interact. The student will focus more attention on whatever is bothering him or her rather
than being engaged in the lesson. This can hold students back from socially interacting
which can hold students back from learning. It is the teacher's job to make sure students
are comfortable in their classroom. Teachers should encourage and provide opportunities
for students to interact. Students will be more likely to interact with one another if they
are comfortable.
It is important for teachers to set the stage for a classroom. The teacher should
begin setting the stage from the first day of the school. When a student leaves a class after
the first day of school, he or she should know what is expected. Students should know the
rewards, and etc. Teachers that are organized have these things ready to go before the
year begins. If a student comes into a classroom that is a mess, the student will think it is
okay to leave messes around the room. Students learn from observing and seeing. As
from observing others, one forms an idea of how new behaviors are performed, and on
later occasions this coded information serves as a guide for action. This is why it is
important for teacher's to model the behavior and actions that they want to see in their
organization for the students. A classroom should be positive, so the teacher should
model positive interactions. If the teacher has everything labeled around a classroom, he
or she will not have to go around the room searching for materials. Students are able to
observe ways the teacher is organized and learn from it. Students will learn to be
Reference:
http://www.simplypsychology.org/vygotsky.html
Learning Theories. (2016). Social Learning Theory. Learning Theories. Retrieved from
https://www.learning-theories.com/social-learning-theory-bandura.html
Letter of Introduction to students (name, room#, grade, welcome message)
This is my first year teaching, so this class is very important to me. I am ready to
be a successful teacher and share my knowledge with you. I was pleased to hear that I got
a first grade class, because I have always wanted to teach first grade. First grade is one of
the most exiting grades, because there is so much to be learned. I am ready to begin this
school year, and I hope you are as well. Please let me know if you have any questions or
concerns.
Thank you,
Mrs. Gremore
A few of my favorites:
Color: Blue
Food: Chicken
Drink: Tea
Sport: Basketball
Candy: 3 Musketeers
Hobby: Hiking
Letter of Introduction to Parents (bio, things planned for the year, description of
Tel: 304-323-2545
Email: Bgremore@memorial.k12.wv.us
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Hello! My name is Brittany Gremore, and I am very excited to have your child in
my first grade class. We are already in the second week of school with several tasks
already accomplished. Permission slips for access to computers were sent home. Please
fill them out and send that back as quickly as possible. While the year is in progress,
students are getting into their new routines. There are 17 students total in the classroom.
Students have become social in the classroom and several friendships have already been
made.
During the school year, students will be learning Standard English Grammar and
usage when writing and speaking, Standard English capitalization, punctuation, and
spelling when writing, and determining the meaning of unknown words and phrases.
Students will learn through different methods during the year. Methods include
one-on-one activities, teacher guided activities, group work, hands-on activities, direct
instruction, whole group activities, modeling, and etc.
This week, we will be learning how to print all of the upper and lower case letters.
As your child is doing homework, please be sure to have him/her practice writing all
upper and lower case letters. Each week, I will send out a homework sheet. The
homework sheet will contain everything we will cover in class throughout the week. The
sheet will have different activities you and your child can do together to make sure
him/her are learning everything we cover. It is important to me that you are participating
in your childs education. If you have any questions or concerns about what is being
covered in the classroom, please contact me.
Sincerely,
Ms. Gremore
Arrival
Class begins at 8:05 AM. Students are expected to be in their homeroom by 8:05,
Dismissal
Students will start to be dismissed at 3:00 PM, 3:10PM, and the bus schedule
dismissals.
Parents must obey the crossing guards when picking up their children.
Students must listen and follow directions when dismissals are taken place.
Arrival By Walkers: Students enter through the front doors. If student arrives before
7:50AM, student will report to the cafeteria during breakfast hours. If student arrives
Dismissal For Walkers: Students who walk home will be dismissed through the
main entrance at 3:00pm before all of the traffic begins to leave. Students will exit
through the main entrance door. Students will remain on walkway when exiting the
school.
Arrival By Car: Parents will drop their students off at the front of the school where
the front door is. Parents will obey the rules from the crossing guards. Students enter
through the front doors. If student arrive before 7:50 AM, student will report to the
cafeteria during breakfast hours. If student arrives after 7:50AM, student will report
through the main entrance. Students will be dismissed at 3:10 PM. Guardians who are
picking their children up will enter the larger lot and park in one of the parking
places. The smaller lot is intended for staff members only. If there is not any parking
spots available, the cross guards will be there to direct traffic flow. Please obey all
rules and signals given by the cross guards. There will be teachers available to walk
individual bus schedule). All students will arrive before 7:30 AM. All students will
Dismissal By Bus: Students will wait in the cafeteria until it is their bus time (See
student's individual bus schedule). The bus will pull up to the main door. Students
will walk out the main door to enter the bus. There will be two teachers on duty
Tardy/Absence Procedure
Tardy
It is important that all students arrive on time. Class begins at 8:05am, so all
students are expected to be there by that time. If a student has not made it to their
classroom by 8:05am, the student is considered tardy. When arriving late, all students
should report to the office before coming to class. Guardians are expected to accompany
their child when arriving late to let the secretary know why the child was late, so he or
she can document it. All documentation is kept on file. If the secretary can document the
reason and have the parent sign, the tardy will be counted as excused. If the guardian
does not come in with the student, the tardy will be counted as an unexcused absent. The
student will be given a tardy slip to bring to class, so the teacher knows the student has
been to the office. No child will be permitted to enter the class unless a tardy slip is
obtained.
For every three times a student has an unexcused tardy, he or she will be give an
absence. For every four times a student has an excused tardy, he or she will be counted
absence. Every time a student is counted absent due to tardiness, the guardian will be
Absence
Attendance is taken around the beginning of class, middle of class, and ending of
class.
All students are expected to bring an excuse in when being absent. If the student
Excused Absences
(2) Serious illness in the students immediate family such as mom, dad, sister,
(6) Religious instruction not to exceed three hours in any week or religious holiday
(9) Suspensions are to be handled as excused absences and students will be permitted
(1.) Students whose absences are excused are required to make up all assignments or
will have however many days they were absent to complete the assignments.
Unexcused Absences
(1) Truancy. An absence which was not approved by the school district.
(2) Any absence which the parent or guardian fails to report to the school secretary.
Absences must be reported within five days of the occurrence. Reports submitted
(1)Students whose absences are unexcused are required to make up all assignments or
(2) When a student has five or more unexcused absences, it will be reported to the
from http://www.isd361.k12.mn.us/belp/elemattendancepolicy-r1.pdf
Homework Procedure
assignments have due dates, and I let the students know when their homework is due.
Guardians will be aware when students have homework as well. The homework
assignments will be wrote on the homework sheet sent home every week. The homework
sheet will have which day the student has homework, and when each homework
assignment is due. If the parent has any questions about the homework assignment, he or
she can respond back on the sheet, send an email, or give me a phone call. Each day
homework is late, there will be 10% taken off of the student's homework grade.
Each student has a makeup folder in case they are absent. If a student is absent, I
will put their makeup assignment in their makeup folder. It will be the student's
responsibility to get the homework assignment and ask questions if needed. The
assignment will be due the next day after the student returns. Each day homework is late,
There are three great techniques that are used to get student's attention. The techniques
are taught to students at the beginning of the year, so they know how to respond. Below
1. Simon Says
Every time I say the word "School Rock" student say "We rock." This is a quick
way to make students start paying attention after they hear other students blurt out
"We Rock."
Clap your hands and in a normal tone of voice say, Clap once if you can hear
me. Those students who hear me will clap. Then say, Clap twice if you can hear
me. More kids respond with two claps. Go on to 3, 4, 5 By this time I should
Repeat after me: 1. clap, snap, clap. 2. Snap, clap, snap. 3. Snap, clap, snap, pat.
Students are expected to raise their hand when trying to get the teacher's attention. It is a
great cue that allows teachers to notice when a student needs help or to ask a question.
Students are expected to line up in the order the teacher says so. Teachers dismiss
students to line up by tables, quietness, and when students complete tasks. Students are
expected to remain how the teacher lines them up the whole time they are in line.
Hallway
Students are to remain in a single file line, so other students can pass by. Students are to
remain quiet, so they do not disrupt any of the classes they are walking by.
Restroom Procedures
Students are given bathroom breaks throughout the day. If a student has to go to the
bathroom when it is not a bathroom break, the student must be given a bathroom pass by
the teacher. The student will write down his or her name and time on the bathroom log.
This way the teacher is aware of where the student is at and can keep track of how long
Student
As a whole school, we are against bullying. We teach students what is bullying, why it
can be very harmful and dangerous to bully, and the rules and laws against bullying in
our school. We encourage every child to come to an adult if they are being bullied. The
student can come to any facility member including me, other teachers, principal,
guidance counselor, and etc. We try our best to make students feel comfortable, so they
will be able to come to us if something like this is happening. If we see a student being
bullied, it is our job to make it stop. Once we are aware of any type of bullying, our
If there is a child being a bystander for bullying, he or she will be held responsible as
well. Many times students become involved and start bullying the child as well. Our
school is against bullying, and we teach every student to come to us if they see bullying.
Our goal is to prevent bullying from happening, so we have to hold students accountable
when dealing with it. We encourage all students to stay away from bullying and if they
Classroom Rules
1. Be Respectful
3. Follow Directions
4. Be Kind
5. Be Responsible
At the beginning of the year, the teacher will go over the rules, so the students know what
to expect. The classroom rules will be displayed in the classroom on a poster during the
whole year. The students are able to see the rules at all times. The teacher can refer back
Rewards
At the end of every week, students who did not have their name on the board are
Students who did not receive their name on the board for the week are given 5
Students that obey the rules are given special privileges such as work pass,
Check marks/names can be erased when students start obeying the rules.
At the beginning of the year, the teacher will go over the rewards with the students.
The teacher will explain to the students how they earn the rewards and when the
rewards are given. This way the students know exactly how the reward system works.
Consequences
5th time/ five check marks= Trip to the principal's office/parent conference
At the beginning of the year, the teacher will go over the consequences for breaking
rules. Consequences will be posted on the wall as well. The teacher will start
enforcing this on the first day of school, so the students know exactly what to expect.
Type of System
It is important every student has good behavior, so the proper learning can take place in a
classroom. In order for this to happen, there must be a behavior system in place. This
system is based on a behavior management plan that includes rewards and punishment.
The rewards and punishments are rules, rewards, and consequences. This is designed to
make sure all students are behaving the way they should. The rules are designed to show
students what is expected. The consequences are designed to allow and hold students
accountable if they break those rules. The rewards are given to motivate students to obey
those rules.
When a student breaks a rule, he or she should try and learn from it. This will prevent it
from happening again. When a student breaks a rule, he or she will be asked to state or
write down what he or she did wrong, what should have been done, and what he or she
will do next time. This allows students to be able to learn from their misbehavior and
correct it.
The goal is to help students manage their behaviors. By having rules, consequences, and
Accountability Component
Students will be held accountable for their actions. All students will be treated the same
when it comes to rules, consequences, and rewards. This will start being enforced at the
beginning of the year. If a student breaks a rule, he or she will be held responsible. This
Map of Classroom Set-Up (Computer Drawn) w/ Areas Labeled & Rationale for
Doing So
This is an example of my classroom set up. The students are seated in groups; however,
they have assigned seats. I have my desk facing them, so I can see them at all times. I
have two different shelves that have books, lesson plans, materials, and etc. on them.
Everything on the shelves are labeled and organized. I have two tables for independent
workstations and group activities when needed. I have a shelf that I keep all students
portfolios on. They are kept in ABC order. I have the readers carpet with the marker
board beside it. I keep the marker board over there in case we are discussing something
that needs to be wrote down and etc. I have a classroom library where the books are
organized, neat, and easy accessible to the students. Overall, my classroom is neat,
For the first day bell work, I will have a math quiz laying on each students desk. Not a
real quiz, just a quiz to help determine where they are in their math skills. I will explain
to students that this is not a grade, I just want to see where they are in math, so I know
include but not limited to: bulletin boards, seating chart, arrangement of materials)
Prepare bulletin boards: Bulletin Board decorated with a Back to School theme.
Rules, Consequences, and Reward posters hung and displayed on the other bulletin
board.
Arrange and assign seats by creating a seating chart. Write students name on their
assigned seat.
Make sure I have all of my materials, books, and lesson plans organized and ready to
go.
Prepare the take home packets for the students. Print and gather all of the papers that
students begin to come, I will remain at the door with a smile on my face. I will greet
every single students as they enter the door. When the students have entered the room, I
will direct them to their assigned seats. I will welcome everyone to my classroom and
When teaching procedures, there are several steps I will take. The steps include explain,
rehearse, and reinforce. First, I will explain the procedures to the students. For example,
while being in the hallway, the students must remain quiet. I will explain to students the
correct way to be in the hallway and why. I will do a demonstration, so students can see
the correct way. Next, I will rehearse the procedures. I will have students practice the
procedures step by step to make sure everyone understands. I will have students keep
repeating the procedures until they become a habit. For instance, I will have the class
walk to the bathroom for a bathroom break. While walking to the bathroom, the students
could be practicing how to walk in the hallway. Finally, I will reinforce the procedures. I
will determine if students learned the procedures or if they need more practice. If they
need more practice, I will re-teach any procedure that needs taught again. When students
Description of how rules are selected/presented to students and how they will be enforced
The rules are set up to help have good classroom management. The rules are designed to
prevent misbehavior and encourage good behavior. The rules show exactly what is
expected out of students. On the first day of school, I will review the rules with the
students. I will pass out a copy to each student, so they have them. I will point to the wall
that displays the rules. While going over the rules, I will ask students do they have any
questions. I will go over examples of rule breaking. The rules will be enforced starting
the first day of school. This will help show students what is expected. If a student breaks
Agenda of Events for the First Day (including resource, lunch, restroom breaks, etc.) w/Times
Learning Theories. (2016). Social Learning Theory. Learning Theories. Retrieved from
https://www.learning-theories.com/social-learning-theory-bandura.html
http://www.simplypsychology.org/vygotsky.html
Reference: Internal Falls. (2016). Elementary Attendance Policy. ISD361. Retrieved from
http://www.isd361.k12.mn.us/belp/elemattendancepolicy-r1.pdf