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"Do not train children to learning by force and harshness, but direct them to it by what amuses their minds, so that you may be better able to discover with accuracy the peculiar bent of genius of each". -Plato |
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Welcome to 1st Grade!
It is the start of another school year and I could not be more excited to begin learning and growing together! Our classroom is a safe place where students can feel comfortable to explore and discover all of the wonderful things the world has to offer. Throughout the year students will be challenged to aim high and shoot for the stars with the belief that they can do anything that they set their minds to. We will work together to uncover our strengths and develop our interests and talents. In addition, students will learn to respect and value one another and gain new responsibilities that they will be held accountable for. In order for students to feel safe to take risks in the classroom it is important that they have a clear understanding of what is expected of them. I have carefully planned out a set procedures, rules, rewards, and consequnces that will allow me to manage the classroom effectively and allow students to develop routines and function in an environment with clearly defined goals and expectations. It is important for students to participate in all aspects of the learning process; therefore, the management plan I have created will be discussed and altered according to students' specific needs and requests. Students will gain a sense of autonomy and independance as they help develop rules and expectations for the year but they will also be held accountable for their actions. To maintain order throughout the year, I will implement and enforce rules that the students create through the use of a reward system that will encourage positive behavior and a punishment system that will discourage negative behavior. Rewards and punishments will contribute to a safe learning atmosphere because students will know what is expected of them and what the consequences for misbehavior are. In the case that a student misbehaves and is punished for his or her actions, he or she will know why they are being punished and what to do differently in future situations. Furthermore, the student will have a chance to discuss his or her behavior with me and explain his or her actions in order to promote effective communication and develop trusting relationships. The strategies and ideas I chose to include in my management plan are based on the theories of many different educational thinkers. I implemented Alfie Kohn's idea of a cooperative classroom where students and teachers work together to establish goals and rules and work though problems. I also incorporated the work of William Glasser and Jacob Kounin who stresed the importance of maintaining control in the classroom by familiarizing yourself with your students and creating engaging lessons that will stimulate creativity and encourage curiosity. My overall goal in implementing this classroom management plan is best summarized in a quote from Plato when he said, "Do not train children to learning by force and harshness, but direct them to it by what amuses their minds, so that you may be better able to discover with accuracy the peculiar bent of genius of each".  |
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