Artifact # 8
Classroom Management used to help teachers develop the best possible learning environment through management of environment and climate, classroom routines, and classroom discipline.
Context
I created this classroom Management project using Microsoft Word and
Microsoft Word’s Pain program in my Curriculum and Instruction course of
my Block at Appalachian State University. The goal of this project
is to help teachers better understand ways to establish a productive, cooperative
learning community in the classroom. I used my internship experience
in Mrs. McKinney’s fourth and fifth grade class at Beech Mountain Elementary
School to observe and analyze routines. I chose to focus on the morning
math problem, which serves as a preparatory and filler activity.
I used the Paint program to create a visual image of the way I would like
to arrange my classroom to make a warm and welcoming environment.
I also incorporated a computer sign up sheet, which I created using Microsoft
Word.
Impact
This Classroom Management activity will help me as a teacher to create
a good classroom environment by establishing regular routines and a classroom
layout that works appropriately. I learned the value of the morning
math problem and will certainly use it (or a version of it) in my classroom.
This will help students get focused and prepared for learning. The
classroom layout I decided to use provides easy access to all areas and
many places for students to convene in groups. This project will
help me create a better learning environment to ensure that students have
the best possible learning opportunities.
Alignment
The establishment of regular classroom routines, such as the morning
math problem, will help facilitate active work. Students will begin
working on this problem when they arrive in the morning. This will prepare
them for the structure of the school day. It will also begin to get
their minds thinking about school, and it will give students something
productive to do while the rest of the students arrive. The layout
that I created for my ideal classroom has many areas, such as tables, desks
grouped together, and rug area, that will promote collaborative group work
by providing places for students to gather in number (Tech.
Competency 12.5). My classroom layout
has a designated area for computers. I created a student sign up sheet
for computer usage. Maintaining a sign
up sheet will make me aware of the students who are and are not making
use of the facilities. This sign up sheet will help me ensure that
all students have equal access to technology. It can also serve as
an assessment tool in discovering if all students are comfortable and willing
to work with computers (Tech. Competency 14.2).