Getting Off to a Good Start

Chapter 4J# (J Sharp)

Jamie Dale, Jane Keen, Jessica Skordal

Classroom Management Goal:

Obtain student cooperation in 2 key areas: 1. Following rules and procedures2. Successfully engage in all learning activities

PerspectivesUse these principles to guide

your planning:

• Resolve Student Uncertainties– Describe your expectations for behavior and work.

• Plan Uncomplicated Lessons– Use the first week activities to help the students

feel secure and optimistic.

• Keep a Whole Class Focus– Direct attention to the entire class, therefore

making things simpler and smoother for the first few days.

• Be Available, Visible, and In Charge

Plan, Plan, PlanA good year

involves a lot of early planning on the teachers’ part.

Review chapters 1 – 3 and take a look at a few more suggestions

Administrative Tasks

Identify the time & procedures you will use to provide books to the students, including any forms needed to record book #s and student names.

Know what and where the required paperwork for students is.

Be aware of any special administrative tasks that you may be required to perform.

StudentsOrganize your class rosters by period and note any students with special requirements.Create a seating chart.

Rules & RoutinesDevelop and communicate to

students the standard routine for the beginning of class.Establish and communicate to

students your behavior expectations and consequences.Inform the students of your policy on

tardiness and when you will begin to enforce it.

The CourseDiscuss and/or outline the course requirements emphasizing major requirements such as tests, quizzes, homework, notebooks, projects, and etc.Prepare “time filler” activities or communicate appropriate tasks that students may engage in when extra time occurs.

Seating AssignmentThe way in which students are seated can be incredibly important to classroom management. Many Middle School teachers choose to seat the students in alphabetical order.Many High School teachers prefer to allow the students to sit where the like, and move the students later if necessary.The choice of seating is up to you….However, establish a plan before your students arrive.

First Week IssuesThe first week can be a trying time for any one. During this time, be a little more lenient with students, but make your procedures clear.Often Bell Schedules are not normal and students are still trying to find classes….therefore, counting tardies the first week may not be a great idea.

Set the Class for Success

• One of the most important aspects the first week brings is setting the classroom environment for the year.

• Establish rules, procedures and expectations during this time.

• Deal with administrative tasks

• Set an opening and closing class routine.

• This is a teacher’s chance to set the mood for the semester. A successful first week can help with a successful school year.

On the first day…The first day of school is one of the most important days of the year. Begin your class with introductions. Tell your students who you are and find out who they are.Discuss Class Rules. Set the tone for the semester by making your expectations clear at the beginning. Deal with administrative task and explain how the procedure will be performed for the rest of the year. This is a great time to establish a bell ringer activity.

Presentation of Course Requirements• Briefly describe the major course

requirements, but don't overload them.

• Make sure the students know the materials they will be required to bring to class.

An Initial Content Activity

• Choose an activity for the students to complete that can be continued the next day if more time is needed.

• Use this initial content activity for teaching important procedures.

• Explain the procedure by telling the students exactly what they are supposed to do

• If the procedure is complex, make sure to have a list the students can see

• If possible, demonstrate the procedure• Watch the students carefully and give corrective

feedback about their performance• On the first day, avoid using small groups,

projects, individualized instruction, complicated procedures, extensive movement, or materials that the students may not have

Ending the Period

Establish an end-of-period routine that helps your students get ready to leave the room as they found it and in an orderly manner.

The Second Day of Classes

Identify new students and get them seated.Restate the beginning-of-class routine, and use it to start the period. Review your major rules and procedures.

If you did not discuss course requirements on the first day, do so now. Present a content activity.Close the period.

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Continue using the procedures you introduced on the first two days, adding new procedures as needed. By the third or fourth day, you should be giving regular assignments

Setting the Pace for Success