Learning Environment/ Classroom Management Part 1

Creating a productive learning environment while upholding your classroom management, is probably they key to being a successful educator. I can think back to high school and it didn't matter how intelligent my teacher was, or years under their belt that they had, but if they respectfully maintained a functioning classroom, it was then they were considered one of the best. So how do you do that? How does one create a productive work environment with children? What does this environment look like? Despite my lack of classroom experience, I truly believe it comes down to the respect your students have for you as a teacher. So how do you gain respect as a teacher?
First of all, every classroom must have rules. It is how you enforce and regulate the rules that makes a difference. When dealing with younger students, it is imperative to have your simple rules of the classroom (i.e. raise your hand when speaking, no stealing, no put-downs, no hitting etc) and have them posted so you can refer to them often- because you'll probably have to.
I can think back to high school and remember how some of my teachers dealt with rules. Instead of making it this monotonous concept that we should know by now I had a teacher who took a different spin on it. She had big poster boards for each class and would have a few kids take turns asking the class what they thought should be appropriate for the setting and it worked. Of course, there were goofy responses and rules that were overthrown, but at the end of it, there was a full poster board of peer-wide expectations for the classroom. I really loved this idea because the kids are applying what they already know and they feel somewhat in control.
Another way that teachers can keep respect is if they stay involved. Again, thinking back to high school I can remember my favorite teachers, simply because they would engage in my life, ask me about my sports team, complement my clothes, and act genuinely interested in my life and make me feel loved. I think its extremely important to build relationships with your students to gain respect. That way, at the end of the day it doesn't come down to them looking at an action of yours or grade you gave them and them thinking it's because 'you hate them' or are 'out to get them'.
These are just a few ways to gain respect in the classroom. Of course, I'm sure as soon as I get there, I'll encounter situations I wasn't prepared for and i'll be faced to make decisions based on good judgement and my intuition. Until then, I'm going to prepare as best I can!

 

Now consider your CSEL case study.  Develop a full continuum of responses for dealing with the misbehavior of your case.