Iva Edwards

ELM-250

09/07/2017

Professor Loftman

“There is a lot written about how to act in the first year of a new educational

environment. There is a lot written about what we should know and what we should do. There

are myriad competing ideas about what a good induction or orientation looks like” (Barnes,

2016). For this reason, I have decided to contemplate what my fourth-grade class would be set

up. Thus, I meet with Mrs. Sheets, a fourth-grade teacher at Buckland Elementary School. I

asked her about how to be a professional educator, how to keep students engaged in learning,

different classroom procedure, the best way to create rules, consequences, and rules to enact, and

the most beneficial way to communicate with parents/guardians. I took all of her valuable

information and came up with the following.

Professionalism

"Treat people as if they were what they ought to be and you help them become what they

are capable of becoming." – Goethe” (Price-Mitchell, 2013). Therefore, one’s professional

choices and actions will affect students, family members, and their co-workers in a positive or

negative manner based upon the educator one decides to be. Thus, no one should never take it

lightly when they choose to become a teacher. For, teachers are capable of teaching everyone, in
one way or another, when they encounter them, especially students, families, and their co-

workers.

Children need to know that one cares and this only happens when one loves their job,

encourages them to succeed, believes in them, and spends quality time with them. How does one

carry out these goals? Never speak harshly about teaching or act dissatisfied with their

profession. Students who know one does not want to be there will not want to come to school or

learn from them. Encouraging students to succeed is a gift which cannot be replaced, thus,

creating self-confidence and pride in what they achieve. This creates a knowing that they can

achieve anything if they try hard enough. One should always remember that every student has a

right to learn and that they can learn the lessons taught because they are directed not controlled.

For, trying to control one’s students conveys that they are incapable of making wise decisions. A

teacher who spends time with their students means, “The student is likely to trust her teacher

more, show more engagement in learning, behave better in class and achieve at higher levels

academically” (Rimm-Kaufman, & Sandilos, 2017).

Parents will need their student’s teachers to encourage them by helping and supporting

them in the classroom and at home. Sometimes a parent or family member may feel intimidated

when it comes to helping the teacher because they feel unwelcome, incapable, and unable to

assist their student learn due to lack of understanding when it comes to homework. Therefore, an

educator should invite their parents to help in the classroom by giving them dates of important

events, asking them to help with certain projects, and sending home encouraging letters which

communicates that the teacher needs their help. There are many programs which can teach

parents how to help their students a home by giving them valuable tools which will assist them in

feeling confident in their abilities to work at home with their children. Therefore, one should
send home information about these programs or help them themselves if there are not any

programs in their area. One should always maintain a trust with their parents by keeping their

child’s information private. Communicating with parent in a prompt and respectful manner will

communicate to them that one has their student’s best interest in mind. Therefore, these practices

will help children be most effective within the classroom.

One must always retain a professional relationship with co-workers and administrators.

They can accomplish this by staying accountable to each other, therefore, making sure that their

school remains effective and unified in all that they do. One should stay loyal to each other by

being honest in all that they say about each other which will preserve trust between each person.

Professionals should always stay faithful to their school’s code of conduct and mission by

reporting inappropriate behaviors, keep their school’s policies separate from their individual

viewpoints, and maintain professional relationships with their coworkers.

Thus, one must consider all the above facts when it comes to their actions as a teacher. It

is obvious that one can impact students, their families, co-workers and administrators based upon

their conduct. Therefore remember, “Teachers effect eternity; no one can tell where their

influence stops- Henry Brooks Adams” (Hare, 2017).

Classroom Engagement

Keeping students engaged within the classroom is a very important part of teaching.

One’s strategies should include strategies which meet student needs and/or differentiation

strategies which include the different student types which are in one’s classroom. Therefore, one

should pick strategies which increase learning processes, techniques which are proven to work,

structured, and systematic. Educators must use these strategies during their planned teaching
times. Some approved strategies are four corners, numbered heads, and orbitals. Any one of

these improve learning within the classroom.

‘Four Corners’ is a proven strategy which allows students to cultivate the ability to

collaborate with others and increase their academic proficiencies which are needed to efficiently

function within a group. One can have students move their desk to the four corners within the

classroom which will be used by students to work collaboratively. When using this strategy, one

will ask students a question in which they will decide about how they feel about a topic. They

will choose whether they strongly agree, agree, strongly disagree, or disagree. Once students

choose their stance they will travel to the corner appointed for their decision. Students will argue

their stance showing their positions on the topic after collaborating with their peers to develop

their group argument. Their goal will be to convince their peers that they made the best decision.

This strategy will help students, improve communication skills, work together, and engage

actively in their learning. Once the debate is over one may have their students reflect on the

experience in their journal folders.

Another collaborative learning strategy which also contains differential methods is

‘Numbered Heads”. The teacher counts off their students and by giving them a certain number

(ex. 1,2,3,4). This is where one may choose differential methods by numbering students off

strategically. Once students have their number they group up with their alike numbers and pull

their desk together. The teacher will then present the students with a question or problem and roll

a die or flip a spinner. The students will put their heads together (collaborate) and try to obtain

the correct answer, the teacher will then ask one of the students in the chosen group to answer

the question. If the group misses the question then the teacher will roll again and choose a
different group. This strategy is beneficial since it will aid in developing the academic and

collaborative abilities needed to effectively function within a group.

If one chooses to allow students to work independently then they can use the orbitals

strategy. Students who have grasped the subject content can research the information that they

enjoyed the most, therefore, helping them gain a deeper understanding of sections the content

matter. Once, their research is completed, they will share their findings with the class, thus,

increasing their knowledge of the subject. This strategy will aid students in learning new

information and self-motivation techniques.

Thus, as one can see the above strategies are beneficial to the classroom in many ways.

However, these strategies must be used at the proper times. The more seasoned and the better

one understands their student will help them apply these strategies correctly. So, whether one

chooses four corners, numbered heads, orbitals, or a different strategy they will help their

students grasp the content in interesting ways.

My Philosophy

Creating a culture of learning within one’s classroom consist of a gathering of thinking

preferences, attitudes about self, and collaboratively working together that produces continued

critical learning. This can be carried out when one sets clear goals, creates rules, and engages

with their students in a positive manner. Therefore, teachers can show, let, and help students’

ways to accomplish these goals.

Setting clear goals will give students a direction to start with. One way teachers can do

this is by creating a routine which will help students focus. A few ways to accomplish this is to

incorporate collaborative learning strategies, teacher and student exploration, project-based

learning, assignments which are organized, peer reviews, debates, and team functioning.

Therefore, the best way to do this is by showing how to incorporate these practices into daily

interactions. Then have them reflect upon these practices. Thus, giving student well-defined

goals with clear expectations of what direction(s) they should move towards.

Fittingly, rules and consequences must be established within one’s classroom when

creating a culture conducive to learning. Therefore, one can ‘let them’ help with this process

which will aid them in setting their own standards for how the class will function (narrow down

to 5 or 6). Then allow them to show how responsible they can be when following the rules, they

created. This will help students to realize that the teacher does not have unattainable goals and

they will feel involved and uncontrolled. Letting students choose can make a huge difference in

their desire to earn. As long, as one always sticks to the rules and consequences laid down.

Finally, help students function properly within the classroom and their lives by staying

involved. Spend time with students so they know they are cared about. Appreciate who they are,

what they contribute to the class, and what they wish to gain out of the school year. This practice

will encourage students to try harder to learn since they know their teacher cares enough to spend

quality time with them.

So, these are classroom procedures based upon my philosophy of what should be

incorporated within the classroom to create a culture which works. Therefore, allowing students

to function in a proper manner since they know there are clear goals set, rules created, and a

teacher who wishes to engage with them in a positive manner. Hence, “A classroom management

plan is where clear rules are set, class norms are developed, expectations are stated, and

consequences are defined” (Prevention First, 2014).

 Classroom Procedures

There is a whole genre of classroom procedure which one may incorporate into their

classroom. However, these procedures must consist of creating motivation, routines, and proper

behaviors. The correct procedures will include student interaction, allow students to actively

engage with each other, create self-motivation, and an atmosphere which reinforces the learning

process.

Students must learn to interact with each other and can be accomplished through using

collaborative learning strategies. Thus, having pairs or groups which are set-up in a differentiated

manner. I will teach students this ability by using processes such as numbered heads, read-

alouds, assigning group roles, and group projects. This will also help students learn proper

behaviors when dealing with others.

Creating self-motivation in students can be taught by giving them a writing prompt,

warm-up puzzles, or a question sheet about the day's lesson material. This will be used every day

and students will turn them in to be graded or discuss them in class. This will teach self-

motivation since it will be required daily and student will have to work alone. When students are

faced with this type of assignment most do not want to be left with a graded paper which is

terrible or be left behind in the classroom conversation.

Routines can consist of turning their homework folder into the same spot daily, having

classroom objectives written in the same place, and having rules to follow which are never

compromised. Thus, I will make sure there is a place for homework folders which will not

change throughout the school year, there is always a daily objective in the same place and we
will read them aloud together, and always treat students the same when it comes to the rules and

consequence within the classroom. This will help students follow routines since they never

change. This will assist the teacher in keeping order within the classroom, thus, reinforcing part

of the learning process.

Teaching proper behaviors means that one stays involved in the learning process by

floating around the classroom when students are working individually, pairs, on the computers,

or in groups. Make sure student use technology in a respectful manner. Using technology can be

taught by having high expectations which must be followed. Rules must be posted in the proper

place (over the computer center) and programs which allows one to set up restrictions and if tried

it will promptly be sent to the teacher. Students should be informed of these facts which will help

them make the right decisions.

There are plenty of ways one can and/or should create positive classroom procedures.

The above procedures will create an environment that teaches students to be motivated, follow

routines, and respect proper classroom behaviors. However, these are some of my ideas on how

one can carry out these goals.

Rules, Consequences, and Rewards

Setting up a system of rules, consequences, and rewards will help one’s classroom flow

in a proper manner. One’s plan must set up chances for students to take part in actively learning

in class, create students who are driven, positively able to interact with peers, and produces

encouraging learning environments. That is why I have chosen the following rules,

consequences, and rewards.

Classroom Rules:

1. Use your words and actions in a respectful manner.

2. When someone else is talking, listen to them.

3. Have all your required materials when you come to class.

4. Obey the teacher’s instructions.

5. Class time is for classroom activities.

Consequences Clipboard Method:

1. Sign a classroom clipboard with every offense.

2. Students write a short explanation of wrongdoing with every broken rule.

3. First offense verbal warning.

4. Second offense student stays after class for a short conference with the teacher, third

longer conference.

5. Fourth phone call to parents.

6. Fifth face-to-face conference with parents.

7. Sign clipboard if homework or classwork is late.

Reward System Party Chart:

1. Choose an item or activity your students would want to acquire.

2. Create a party chart with boxes, triangles, circles, etc. that each student will keep in their

classroom folder. (5-10)

3. When students follow the rules for a week, turn in homework and classwork on time, or

they are caught being exceptionable, have them fill in a box

4. Have a designated end date (two weeks, three weeks, one month) to have a (dance party,

free gym party, cupcake party, recess party, etc.)

5. After the party start a new party chart.

This system creates an atmosphere which allows students to take part in learning in an

active way. The reason is there are rules, consequences, and rewards which explain what is

required of students to function properly in class (come to class prepared, writing explanations of

wrong doing, and participating in classroom parties). All of these, will encourage students to take

responsibility for themselves, which will allow them to positively take part in their learning.

It also creates students who are driven to do the right thing. The reason for this is they do

not want others to interrupt them, lose any privileges, or have their parents called. Most students

want clear guidelines and are driven to adapt to the rules, consequences, and rewards which are

set in place. However, the only way this can transpire is by sticking to them regardless of one’s

feelings.

Do not talk when your peers are, obey the teacher, conference with the teacher when one

is noncompliant, and enjoy a party. These are all ways to create and atmosphere which
encourages interactions which are positive. Students who follow these rules will understand what

it means to respect others and themselves. If not, then they will have a conference with the

teacher in which he/she will support positive interactions with others. Being rewarded will

motivate students to interact with their peers and teacher in a positive manner.

Producing an encouraging learning environment pertains to all the rules, consequences,

and rewards. Since everything set in place is directing students towards this goal. The rules are

short and to the point, the consequences are set up in a private manner, and the rewards are

exciting. This will aid students in making the right decisions for themselves, their teacher, and

peers.

Thus, I have chosen a system which I feel will work. It allows students to take part in

active learning, creates students who are driven, positively able to interact with peers, and

produces encouraging learning environments. However, the most important part of all of this is

to create a positive relationship with students. Josh McDowell stated it best when he said, “Rules

without relationships lead to rebellion, discipline without relationship leads to bitterness, anger

and resentment, relationship with rules equals respect and responsibility” (Yeatts, 2009).

Communicating with Parents/Guardians

Educators re required to communicate with parents/guardians in a respectful, supporting,

timely, and discreet manner. When discussing one’s student educators must use their knowledge

in helping parents work with their children, thus, encouraging their child to become a self-

sufficient learner with reasonable goals. One must respect the parents' request when it pertains to

student’s culture, beliefs, and/ religion. They should never impose their ideas on either person(s).
They should always support the parents by sending home valuable information, speaking with

them in a prompt manner when there are issues. One should also be discreet by speaking to

parents privately, refusing to gossip, and keeping students' information private. When all of these

goals are set in place and met then teachers and parents can create a respectful and trusting

relationship with each other. Thus, stay open to parents request and ideas and one will find that

they have created a more positive relationship with their students also.

Walking into the class on the first day of school as an educator will be scary and

overwhelming. However, having a plan to enact can make the process easier for one will feel a

little more prepared. I have learned how to proceed in a professional manner throughout this

process and how to better deal with parents, co-workers, and administrator. I also have realized

that strategies will be changed and manipulated to fit my student’s needs, however, it will create

students who are more engaged, determined, devoted, better behaved, self-determined, positive,

able to better interact with peers, and able to be individuals in a culture which supports

differences. I have decided to take my calling seriously because, “"Teachers, I believe, are the

most responsible and important members of society because their professional efforts affect the

fate of the earth” (Caldicott, 2017).

 Resources:

Barnes, %. (2016, July 06). It is not Easy Being a Teacher: My Story. Retrieved September 10,

2017, from https://www.aare.edu.au/blog/?p=1588

Caldicott, H. (2017). Quotes About Teaching. Retrieved September 10, 2017, from

http://www.nea.org/grants/55158.htm

Hare, J. (2017). Powerful Quotes for Teachers (Printer Friendly Version). Retrieved September

09, 2017, from http://teaching.monster.com/benefits/articles/8742-powerful-quotes-for-

teachers-printer-friendly-version

Prevention First. (2014). Classroom Management Resource Guide . Retrieved August 27, 2017,

from https://www.prevention.org/Resources/37c3766c-ff5e-4ddf-be84-

f3af1bc90765/ClassroomManagementStrategies2016.pdf

Price-Mitchell, M. (2013, September 11). 20 Awe-Inspiring Quotes for Teachers and Parents.

Retrieved September 09, 2017, from https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-

moment-youth/201309/20-awe-inspiring-quotes-teachers-and-parents

Rimm-Kaufman, S., Ph.\D, & Sandilos, L., PhD. (2017). Improving Students' Relationships with

Teachers to Provide Essential Supports for Learning. Retrieved September 09, 2017,

from http://www.apa.org/education/K12/relationships.aspx

Yeatts, C. (2009, November 06). Power of Prayer: Josh McDowell. Retrieved September 10,

2017, from http://www.kltv.com/story/11458352/power-of-prayer-josh-mcdowell

Grade 293.25 out of 300
Iva, you did a great job on this comprehensive assignment. You were able to compile a clear

picture of your future classroom and how it would function. Your section on communication

needed to detail each of the three communication strategies in a minimum of 150 words for

each so a bit more detail here. Overall, a great job. You have been a great student and it has

been a pleasure having you in this course. I wish you the best of luck in all your future

endeavors.