Open Up Possibilities With Classroom Management

Burgen Youngbyoung@mnliteracy.org

What if your students could form groups and start working on a task in under a minute?

What if your students could take responsibility for attendance, cleaning the classroom, greeting visitors, making extra copies and more?

What if your were running late and your students started class themselves?

What if your students knew the class expectations so well that they you could give them the sub plan and they could teach themselves?

“Classroom Management is the most important factor governing student learning.”

—Harry K. Wong, The First Days of School p. 80

“Classroom Management refers to all of the things a teacher does to organize space, time, and materials so student learning can take place.”

—Harry K. Wong, The First Days of School p. 83

Never causes disruptions

Causes very frequent disruptions

Procedures

A procedure is a process for getting things done.

Procedures need to be taught and practiced.

Procedures for Getting Students’ Attention

Procedures for Asking the Teacher for Help

Teacher! Teacher!

Procedures for Entering Class Late

“[Student name].” [Sincere smile] “What is the procedure?”

Procedures for…• taking attendance• using and not using cell phones• absent students• new students• pencil sharpening/getting materials• test taking• emergencies• speaking in English (or not)• starting class (on time)• studying at home• taking notes from the board

Procedures for Getting into Groups

Procedure for Working in Groups

Group Roles• Leader—keep the group on task• Includer—give everyone a chance to participate• Note Takers• Reporter

Discipline Versus Classroom Management

Rules versus Procedures

What are some disruptive behaviors by students?

Which behaviors are disruptive enough that there should be rules about them?

If you choose to break a rule• FIRST TIME: Name on the board. Warning.• SECOND TIME: by name. Talk to the teacher

after school.• THIRD TIME: 30 minutes detention. • FOURTH TIME: 45 minutes detention. Call

home.• FIFTH TIME: 60 minutes detention. Call

home. Student sent to office.

• SEVERE DISRUPTION: Student sent immediately to the office.

What are some possible consequences for breaking the rules?

Personal Enrichment Plan