Chapter 11 Reflection

Learning Environments should be designed so that students and the teacher are comfortable and organized so that the class runs efficiently. Time is always an issue in the classroom. As teachers we feel as though there aren’t enough hours for everything we need to teach and get done. If a classroom is organized and efficiently ran, a teacher can reduce the amount of time that students are off task or dealing with other issues and give students the time that is desperately needed.

How can teachers ensure that they are creating a positive learning environment? First of all you need to make sure that you are not wasting your instructional time. As soon as your students are in the classroom and ready to learn, you should begin instruction promptly. This helps students recognize that learning is important. One philosophy that I try to instill in my brain is to keep students wanting to come back. I like to  keep them wondering, “What is my crazy teacher going to do tomorrow?”  What can I do to make my lessons more fun? What can I do to hook my students? 

Interruptions are another way that we lose valuable time in the classroom. One rule I like to implement to keep students from interrupting my small group time is the “B” rule. Students know that they are not allowed to interrupt my table unless they are broken, burning up with a fever, bleeding, or barfing. My instructional time with each group is precious and it’s only fair that each and every student has my undivided attention during our small group instruction. Outside distractions are difficult to avoid, however I try to do my best in order to maximize instructional time. I have often see other teachers on social media also use a visual cue for students. This is a great way to let students know that it is not the appropriate time without verbally having to remind them. In the reading it also suggested putting a sign on the door. I love this idea. As a mentor teacher my classes often get interrupted by other teachers who might have a question, but if I instill this strategy, maybe the teachers would wait until a more appropriate time. 

Teachers must also set expectations in the classroom. When it is time to go to lunch, students should be able to clear their desks and put away their materials. Students should have a place for their supplies, folders, backpacks, etc. This will help keep the classroom from being cluttered and also help students know exactly what to do. Students need clear procedures and routines outlined so that the classroom is run smoothly. Classroom management is extremely important. Students need to have clear and concise rules and the consequences if the rules are broken. Transitioning in the classroom can waste a lot of time if it is not done in an efficient way. One way I like to transition in my room is by using a bell to signal it’s time for the students to move. Then, as we are transitioning students sing a short song that I’ve taught them for the week (based on the skill we are currently learning) and that is the amount of time they have to get to their next spot. 

Making corrections for student behaviors in class is very important, however instructional time should not be interrupted due to these behavior issues. Instead, non verbal cues work well at times. Eye contact with the student performing the behaviors, a throat clear, or gestures work wonders for most students.  Sometimes it is inevitable to avoid the loss of time due to extreme student behaviors. One way to overcome some of these student behaviors in class is to build a strong bond with your students. Once they see that you care about them, teachers are more likely to have success in the classroom with these students and see less unwanted behaviors. When you see students on task, remember to praise them. I will catch my students following rules, especially in the hallway, and tap them on the shoulder. When we get to the room I’ll let them pick a sticker or jolly rancher from my treat box to reward them. The other students always ask why they were not tapped, which instead of bringing light to their misbehavior, I tell the entire class what these students were doing correctly. Sometimes I do not even offer a treat, often times if I just say something like, “Do you see how Jimmy was walking in the hallway? Wow, that’s impressive!” The other students will fall in line with the positive behavior. 

Consequences for student behavior is very important. As a new teacher, I know I often was, “soft,” and did not want to punish my students. However, this can lead to bigger behavior issues if they are not taken care of. Teachers must follow through with the punishment. Punishments may include things like losing a few minutes off of recess, taking away certain privileges, or sending the student to time out. I know physical activity is something that these students need, so instead of having them sit out during recess, I often have them walk a specific area, then we discuss what happened in class and how they are going to fix this problem. Then, we are off to a fresh start. 

There are many reasons why a student may misbehave in class. The first reason is for attention. I have seen this with students who do not have a great home life or their parents are working multiple jobs. Positive attention is key. If students are acting out, the negative attention should be ignored. Another reason students act out in class is because they are wanting attention from their peers. One way to get this behavior to stop is to move to the student in close proximity. However if the student continues, removing them from the classroom will make sure that they are not getting the attention they want from their peers. The last reason students misbehave is to avoid completing work. Often times students who do not perform well in school or struggle do not want to ask for help, so they will act out to avoid doing the work. This is preventable if the teacher is planning their lessons in a fun and engaging way. Also I believe knowing your students and where they are is key. If a teacher knows that a student will struggle with a certain assignment, the teacher should give that student extra reinforcers to help build confidence in that student. Another way to prevent this is to let students work with a partner where they can discuss the assignment and learn together. Cooperative learning helps students to feel more confident and gives them the opportunity to hear from a peer their outlook rather than just the teacher’s lesson. 

Another way to prevent misbehaviors in the classroom is by keeping open communication with the student and parents. Parents are quick to help the teacher come up with a solution or find the time at home to help solve the problem. Keeping this open communication with parents is very helpful. It shows that both adults in the students’ life are working together to give them the best education they can. Not only should relationships with students be formed, but teachers must take the time to create a rapport with parents. Another way to keep the parents involved is by sending a behavior calendar home. Teachers can write if there were any problems and parents must sign off on this calendar. Parents can then e-mail or call the teacher if they have any questions or concerns. 

Teachers must plan accordingly so that instructional time is maximized in the classroom. They must have clear and concise expectations along with consequences. Teachers must also keep the classroom organized so there is no down time looking for materials for lessons.