Maximizing the Learning Environment: Routines and Rituals Richmond Public Schools New Teacher Institute August 2016

Goals and Objectives… To identify techniques for organizing and managing effective learning environments. To identify characteristics of effective lesson planning. To identify resources and materials dealing with positive and effective classroom management.

Classroom management is… …all of the things that a teacher does to organize students, space, time and materials so that instruction in content and student learning can take place. Two major goals… To foster student involvement and cooperation in all classroom activities. To establish a productive working environment. -First Days of School, Wong

Describe a well-managed classroom

Characteristics of a Well-Managed Classroom… Students are deeply involved with their work. Students know what is expected of them and are generally successful. There is relatively little wasted time, confusion, or disruption. The climate of the classroom is work-oriented, but relaxed and pleasant. See page 87 of First Days of School…

Brainstorming Activity… Think of as many responses to the following statement as you can… An effective teacher is…..

A Dangerous Educator… Believes that this job is not about relationships. Believes that this is just a job, and when the school day is over, the work’s all done. Believes that he/she can handle any situation, alone. Believes that morality and values should only be taught at home. Believes that strict adherence to the rules is the most important goal of any child’s day. Forgets he/she is modeling.

The Effective Teacher… Establishes and is consistent with classroom management techniques that include rituals and routines. Is prepared. Exhibits clear and positive expectations for ALL students. Is flexible and adaptable. Listens. Teaches with proven, research-based practices.

In summary… An effective teacher Has positive expectations for student success. Is an extremely good classroom manager. Knows how to design lessons for student mastery.

Understanding Our Students

Why Do Kids Misbehave? Attention from peers or adults Attain power/control Revenge or Retaliation Feels Good Fear of Failure Boredom Imitation

Proactive Strategies Classroom Rules Classroom Schedule Physical Space Routines and Procedures

Classroom Rules

The Rules for Rules: Keep the number to a minimum (approx. 5). Keep the wording simple and positive. Have rules represent your expectations. Make your rules specific. Make your rules describe behavior that is observable. Keep the rules posted. MODEL and PRACTICE implementing the rules consistently until they are mastered! Distribute “Classroom Rules” handout

Examples Inappropriate Rules: Preferred Rules: Be responsible Pay attention Do your best Be kind to others Respect authority Be polite Preferred Rules: Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself. Raise your hand and wait for permission to speak. Sit in your seat unless you have permission to leave it. Walk at all times in the classroom. Show the examples of inappropriate rules to participants….have them work in pairs to create more effective statements.

Classroom Schedules…

Classroom Schedules Avoid “Down Time” Approximately 70% of the school day is geared for academic engagement. (5.2 hrs.) Begin each activity on time. “The best behavior plans are excellent academic lesson plans.” – source unknown

Physical Space…

Physical Space Arrange desks to optimize the most common types of instructional tasks you will have students engaged in. Preferred: Desks in Clusters of 4-6 Desks in U-shape Desks in Rows, Front to Back Desks in Row, Side to Side Even if you plan to change your room arrangement during the school year, it’s a good idea to begin the year with the desks in rows facing the teacher. What type of teaching do you plan to do?

Physical Space, continued Make sure you have visible and physical access to all parts of the room Feel free to assign seats, and change at will. Arrange work areas where students can go for group/project work and independent study. Minimize the disruptions caused by high traffic areas in the class. Be sure to have necessary materials in easily accessible areas. Arrange to devote some of your bulletin board/display space for student work.

Prepare the Student Area Plan areas for student belongings Coats Binders Backpacks Books Lunchboxes Lost and found items others

Prepare the Wall Space Cover one or more bulletin boards with colored paper and leave it bare to display student work. Display your discipline plan in a prominent place. Post procedures, assigned duties, and class schedule. The most effective classes are those where the students are self-disciplined, self-motivated, and self-responsible learners.

Prepare the Teaching Materials Have a place and a procedure ready for the storage of materials on the school supply list. Find and organize containers for materials. Store seldom used materials out of the way. Place electronic media where there are electrical outlets and where the students will not trip over the wires. Organize, file, inventory

Teachers who are ready maximize student learning and minimize student misbehavior.

Routines and Procedures…

A PROCEDURE is how you want something done It is the responsibility of the the teacher to communicate effectively A ROUTINE is what the student does automatically without prompting or supervision Becomes a habit, practice, or custom for the student

Important Aspects of a Well-Disciplined Classroom Procedures Routines Effective teachers introduce rules, procedures, and routines on the very first day of school and continue to teach and reinforce them throughout the school year.

The number one problem in the classroom is not discipline; it is the lack of procedures and routines.

Students must know from the very beginning how they are expected to behave and work in a classroom environment. DISCIPLINE dictates how students are to behave. PROCEDURES and ROUTINES dictate how students are to work.

Procedures The basis of classroom management lies in the procedures that form a management plan to produce the successful achievement of learning goals. (Wong & Wong, p. 6) Creates a positive learning environment. Increases on-task time and greatly reduces classroom disruptions Allows for a variety of activities to take place efficiently during the school day, often several at the same time, with a minimum of wasted time and confusion

A smooth-running class is the responsibility of the teacher, and it is the result of the teacher’s ability to teach procedures. Procedures are a way of life…. Examples: Telephone book: procedures for making long distance calls, foreign calls, contacting directory assistance, get service, etc. Airplane: how to use the seat belt, how to use the oxygen mask, where to find the life vest, how to find the aisle in case the cabin is filled with smoke Traffic light: who will turn, who will stop, who will go Wedding: after the ceremony, bride and groom exit first followed by the wedding party, then the parents in the first row, followed by each row from the front of the seating area These procedures demonstrate how people are to function in an acceptable and organized manner.

Procedures answer questions such as: What do I do when the bell rings? What do I do when my pencil breaks? What do I do when I hear an emergency alert signal? What do I do when I finish my work early? What do I do when I have a question? What do I do when I need to go to the restroom? How do I enter the classroom? Where do I put my work when I’m finished? Many more…. See handout # _____

Activity Develop a set of procedures for the task your group was given. Display on an Anchor Chart Prepare to teach the procedure to the class. -Participants will be placed in groups and assigned a task to create a procedure for. -Tasks will include entering the classroom, exiting the classroom, handing in work, transitioning group rotations, bathroom breaks, water breaks, nurse emergency, etc. -Groups will display the procedure on an anchor Chart and prepare to teach the procedure to the class --We will call on a few folks to stand and deliver

Three Steps to Teach Procedures EXPLAIN. State, explain, model, and demonstrate the procedure. REHEARSE. Practice the procedure under your supervision. REINFORCE. Reteach, rehearse, practice, and reinforce the classroom procedure until it becomes a student habit or routine. Tell the fire drill story. No matter what grade level you teach, all procedures must be rehearsed.

Ponder This You don’t build your football team on the day of the game. You don’t drill a well when you get thirsty. And you don’t discuss procedures once an emergency has begun. That’s not the time to discuss what should be done…..preparation is the KEY for teacher success.

“Classrooms have personalities just like people.” “Good classroom management does not just happen; effective teachers plan good classroom management.” - The Classroom Management Book (Wong & Wong) “Classrooms have personalities just like people.” -63 Ways of Improving Classroom Instruction (Gary Phillips and Maurice Gibbons) Discuss the two quotes….what are your thoughts…………..