Creating a Positive Classroom Environment DeAnn Swofford and Jonathan Ferrell While we're waiting to get started... What does a positive classroom environment look and sound like?

Creating a Positive Classroom Environment DeAnn Swofford and Jonathan Ferrell Today’s Schedule 1:00 – 1:45 Presentation 1:45 – 2:00 Break / Discussion 2:00 – 2:10 DeAnn’s Mini Lesson 2:10 – 2:15 Move to Mr. Ferrell’s Room 2:15 – 2:25 Beginning of the Year Ideas 2:25 – 2:30 Questions

Today’s Resources All of the resources used today are published online at mrferrell.pbworks.com Feel free to use and edit anything that is helpful.

Transitions Transitions are important to smoothly move from one topic to another or from one class to another. They allow class time to be used effectively and with very little down time.

Transitions Divide class periods into smaller segments to increase student engagement. –5-10 minutes chunks Always try to have the next element of the lesson ready to go to ease transitions. Use multiple methods to get students’ attention and bring everyone back together.

Always Plan More than you Need Boredom can lead to inappropriate behavior Good for students who learn quickly and can proceed with something new while you review with the others.

Always Plan More than you Need Always have enrichment materials handy You always need a plan B in case something comes up. Be flexible!

Always Plan More than you Need Technology Plug –Differentiation and enrichment made easier! –Multiple links to activities at various skill levels.

Effective ways to hand out resources Try to avoid having the entire class getting up just to get a specific type of supply. Setting up stations Assigning jobs Totes

Multi-Task This allows better time management. While you are taking roll, kids can pass out papers, turn in work, finish their assigned task from the previous day, etc.

Multi-Task Use each moment of your class time wisely. When students are entering the room always have instructions or activities projected on the board. Use those opening minutes!

Pay Attention to Student Cues This helps you decide the pace of the lesson. It helps you determine if students are overwhelmed or clearly understanding the lesson. Chunk material and give time for student discussion.

Pay Attention to Student Cues Check often for student comprehension: – White boards – Hand checks (1-5 scale) – eInstruction – Google Forms – Explain to your partner

Be prepared Prepare and organize as much as you can ahead of time. Don’t waste class time constructing something unless that is the goal of the activity. Keep class time “sacred”.

Be prepared Do your best to know your content through and through. Overwhelming at first! Plan as far ahead as possible. Find reliable people to learn from!

Practice Rituals Go over and Practice your class rituals with your students so that they know exactly what is expected of them. Filling out agendas, taking bathroom breaks, sickness, absences… Routine helps ensure order.

Post a Weekly Schedule Helps absentees know what they missed with very little help from you. Provides anticipatory set Adds cohesiveness Know needed supplies

Post a Weekly Schedule Using a class blog or wiki can help facilitate sharing your schedule with students and families.

MOVIES skits Pair and Share JOKES graphic organizers Drawing Add a variety of learning experiences: visual, movement, songs, games, etc. and you will reach more learning styles Intersperse these with independent or written activities to assess student learning. Students will be more involved in your teaching, you will have fewer discipline problems, and they will have better understanding of your lessons.

MOVIES skits Pair and Share JOKES graphic organizers Drawing Make learning fun! – We have one of the greatest jobs in the world. Enjoy it. Encourage a love of learning among your students.

Create a Safe Learning Environment Establish a caring relationship with your students. Be clear that your room is a safe place to take risks without fear of embarrassment; maintain student dignity.

Create a Safe Learning Environment Do team building activities at the beginning of the year to give students a sense of belonging Use humor to diffuse tense situations. Let students know that you aren’t perfect either. Mistakes are sometimes the best way to learn.

Have High Expectations Expect students to follow rules. Nail down rules from the first day and take time to “practice” if they “forget”. Expect 100% effort even if something is hard!

Have High Expectations Expect effective communication skills Expect students to be responsible for their own choices. Students will live up to or down to expectations.

DeAnn’s Four Basic Rules I will not allow anyone to interfere with my teaching or another student’s learning. Homework is my way of communicating with each student and it must be completed on time. If it is important enough to assign it, it is important enough for me to grade it. Treat everyone with respect, including the teacher. Learning is not a spectator’s sport, so you must give 100% everyday.

Jon’s Classroom Rules  Please Be Respectful  Please Be Responsible  Please Be Safe

Creating a Positive Classroom Environment DeAnn Swofford and Jonathan Ferrell Break Time! Discussion / Reflection Question How can you incorporate these ideas into your classroom?