Class will start at the top of the hour! Please turn the volume up on your computer speakers to access the audio feature of this seminar. WELCOME TO EP101 Classroom Management Unit 7 The Importance of Communication and Supervision.

Let’s get started! Whoo Hoo from anyone?

Review of Unit 6 What are some ways that students may differ from one another? What does “differentiating instruction” mean? What are some ways to provide differentiated instruction? What are some of the important factors to consider in classroom management (rules/procedures, organization, physical arrangement, instructional strategies) Questions?Comments?

Unit 7: The Importance of Communication and Supervision Unit Outcomes In this unit you will; Explain the importance of communication and feedback between all members of the educational team Develop a communication plan for exchanging information between the pupil, teacher and guardians Discuss the importance of consulting with your own supervisors Are you ready to begin?

Unit 7 Assignments Due Tuesday Night by Midnight! Readings E-book Chapter 7 “Instructional Supervision” Web article “Listening: a Vital Skill” Learning Activities Communication Plan activity Presentation on “Family Involvement” Unit Summary Graded Review (1) Discussion Question Seminar (Complete option #2 if you miss a seminar)

Advantages to Good Communication What does communication mean to you?

Advantages to Good Communication Clear expectations Resolution of problems Both parties feel respected

Unit 7 Seminar Questions 2. Give some examples of active listening strategies and how they reduce misunderstandings.

Listening Strategies: Active listening Paraphrase what speaker said Ask questions for clarification Give constructive feedback Body language Eye contact Lean into, rather than away from, speaker No fidgeting Goal: to reduce misunderstandings (Petress)

Communication with Students Why? Clear expectations, rules, and procedures Encourage questioning and dialogue How? Verbal: addressing whole class or individual students Written: notes, grades, directions Body language: facial expressions, proximity, signals

Communication with Parents Why? Parent involvement is key to student’s success Keeps them informed of their child’s progress and activities at school Lets students know that all parties have a vested interest in their educational success (Reading Today) How? Written notes, s, newsletters, progress reports, report cards Phone calls In person: conference, open house, classroom volunteer, parent workshops (Bulloch)

Communication with Colleagues Why? Share instructional ideas Communicate school wide expectations Communicate about individual student progress How? Written: letters, Verbal: school wide meetings, grade level meetings, individual discussions

Implications for Paraprofessionals Role model good listening and communicating for your students Maintain good communication with your supervisor Use professionalism and remember confidentiality when discussing students

References Petress (1999). Listening: A Vital Skill. Journal of Instructional Psychology, 26, 261. PTA issues standards for parent involvement in education. Reading Today, 14, 16. Bulloch, Kathleen L. (2003). Home-School Communications. Education Oasis, retrieved January 20, 2008, from t/home-school_communication.htm

(Instructor Notes---add slides as necessary. Pressing and together will add additional slides to your presentation.