Module 3 Developing A Classroom System

Developing a Classroom System So far we have discussed a major component of your system- procedures and routines The last two components needed for a successful system are rules and discipline

Developing A Classroom System Along with procedures you also need to have a set of class rules and a discipline plan in place..

Developing A Classroom System During this module, we will discuss the importance of a discipline plan and you will then create your plan before the end of this module. You are one step closer to beginning your school year

Developing A Classroom System Teachers must have a discipline plan in place or you are planning to fail. DO NOT think you can teach effectively and run a classroom without a discipline plan in place. I have seen many teachers think it is not necessary….IT IS! It is very important !

Why Rules? The reason to establish rules is to set limits or boundaries, just like rules in a game. Students are used to rules! There are rules in games they play, at home, at school. They need rules to have structure. Students will behave better with guidelines than without.

Basic Structure for A Discipline Plan Harry Wong, p.143 Three parts to a Discipline Plan “Rules- what the expected behaviors are” “Consequences- What the student chooses to accept if a rule is broken” “Rewards- What the student receives for appropriate behavior” Function of rules: To prevent or encourage behavior by stating student behaviors clearly

Two Kinds of Rules General Rules: Cover a lot of behaviors Example: Respect others Take care of your school Be polite and helpful Specific Rules: To the point and clearly cover one behavior. Example: Be in class on time Keep your hands and feet to yourself

General Rules A lot of different behaviors can be covered by one rule Advantage- Offer flexibility with a lot of behaviors being covered by a few rules Disadvantage- Must be explained clearly so that students will know what is acceptable and not acceptable

Specific Rules Very clear and cover one behavior Advantage- very clearly stated, students know exactly what is expected Disadvantage- you are limited to five rules, so you must have good management skills and determine what behaviors are important to you as a classroom manager.

How to create your rules Create only 3- 5 specific rules One set of rules will not work for all teachers Post rules permanently in classroom!!! When you begin to create your rules, use Harry Wong’s book. Page 146 will help when creating a plan specific to your needs

A Simple Classroom Set of Rules “The Five B’s” 1) Be seated 2) Be prepared 3) Be responsible 4) Be productive 5) Be respectful

Consequences Students need to know that someone is in control and sets limits. There must be consequences when students break a rule Rules have the best effect when there are rewards and consequences

Two Kinds of Consequences Positive consequences- have REWARDS Negative consequences- have PENALTIES

Consequences Rules have consequences when broken students are aware of a teacher’s enforcement or non-enforcement of the rules Students will test the rules Post consequences of your rules

Students Test Rules Students know if you let them use the restroom during the middle of instruction They know Mr. Alwaysraisedhand lets me go only during independent work and Mr. Smith lets me go anytime I ask. They know and if you let them go only during a specific time they will only ask then. If you are lenient, they will take advantage of it.

Consequences Consequences occur when a student breaks a rule. Consequences are not punishments, they are a results of a chosen action.

What are consequences? “Consequences are not punishments” They may be considered penalties. They are used to penalties The issue is CHOICE!

Important when dealing with consequences Do not stop a lesson to deliver a consequence When students question…….practice “Because you chose to break rule number 2” “Key word is choose! Choosing means that one is responsible and accountable for actions”

Rules for the teacher when disciplining Remain calm Do not yell Do not degrade students Respect the students Be consistent

Create A Discipline Plan If students choose to break a rule, you must have consequences in place. The next slide gives an example of a discipline plan used by a teacher on our campus

An Example Discipline System The Check System 1 st Offense: Warning 2 nd Offense: Student/teacher conference and parent contacted and Lunch detention assigned 3 rd Offense: After school detention 4 th Offense: Referral

An Example Discipline System This system would last a week, another teacher also used this system and would make it last a full six weeks. Usually, after students contact parents, it helps to change their behavior.

How to activate your plan to be an effective teacher 1) Post your rules 2)Post your consequences and rewards 3) Immediately enact the consequence when a rule is broken 4) Always give positive feedback to individual and whole class 5) Make your behavior predictable and consistent.

An Example From Harry Wong P ) Follow rules the first time they are given 2) Raise your hand for permission to speak 3) Raise your hand for permission to leave your seat 4) Do not touch anyone else with your hands, your feet, or any object 5) No cursing or profanity

The Problem Is Not Discipline “The number one problem in the classroom is not discipline; it is the lack of procedures and routines.” Harry Wong, p. 167 Be sure you have procedures, routines, and rules in your classroom system.

Difference between rules and procedures: Know the difference DISCIPLINE concerns how students BEHAVE PROCEDURES concern how things ARE DONE DISCIPLINE Has penalties and rewards PROCEDURES Have No penalties or rewards

Other Items: Seating Chart You should also be sure to have a seating chart in a convenient place for anyone that might be in your classroom A seating chart will also help with discipline when you are out

Conclusion Rules are expectations of appropriate student behavior Decide on your rules : Post in your classroom Communicate these rules to students Easier to maintain good behavior than to change inappropriate behavior

Conclusion Your class will run smoothly if you have rules, procedures, and routines in place. Your class should be able to run without you because your students will know the expectations and routines.

Sources Microsoft PowerPoint software Microsoft Clipart Harry Wong, “The First Days of School”