The Classroom to Flow

Independently

My first goal for classroom management is that the classroom

essentially runs itself. In my opinion, a class that is managed effectively will
able to run itself. This essentially means that students will be aware of what
is expected of them in the classroom and what is essentially their role. A
class that can run itself does not require the teacher constantly reminding
students the rules. Moreover, when a teacher is absent, students will know
what their role is, and the substitute teacher can simply do what is
required in the plans, and the class will be able to run itself.
This goal can be obtained in a number of ways. First, I will establish
a list of key rules in the classroom. These rules will be explained on the first
day of school, so that students understand what is exactly expected of
them. By stating the rules and procedures of the classroom, I will be clearly
defining my classrooms expectations. According to Evertson and Emmer
(2013), teachers can make their expectations known to students by
directly teaching classroom rules and procedures. Next, I will have two
bulletin boards in my classroom, so that students understand what will be
ahead for the day: learning goals and the current day-schedule. Students
will subsequently be able to refer back to these lists, so they can be
prepared for the school day. These rules and regulations establish

structure and responsibility within the classroom. Wong (2009) suggests

that structure and responsibility are the key aspects in creating a
classroom that runs itself. I will know when this goal has been reached
once students are adhering to their responsibilities and rules without being
told to do so- within reason.

Respect

According to Evertson and Emmer (2013), the respect goal, which is

more clearly defined as respect others and their property, covers a wide
range of behaviors within the classroom that should always be practiced.
I find respect to be a crucial rule in the classroom in order to conduct a
positive and safe learning environment. This goal includes students
respecting themselves, the teacher, their peers, and property.
In order to achieve the goal of respect, I will create a list of rules
that indicate acceptable and unacceptable behavior. Another tactic
that I will do to reach the goal of respect within my classroom derives from
Wong (2009). Wong (2009) suggests the more students know about the
teacher and their peers, the more likely students will respect each other.
With this suggestion, I will create a couple of activities at the beginning of
the school year, so that all of my students are able to get to know each

other. My first activity would be of the students creating a visual about

themselves and having all the visuals on a large bulletin board for the
students to see after the visuals are presented. The second activity that I
would use would be the beach ball activity. This activity would help
students break from their comfort zones in which they would be able to
find new and interesting facts about both their peers and teacher. In
conclusion, I will know this goal will be achieved once my students show
respect for myself, their peers, and the property around them; this includes
being accepting of others, being helpful, honest, etc.

Bathroom Breaks

Bathroom breaks can be a gray area for teachers who are

attempting to manage their classroom. This is where my second goal
comes into play. In order for my classroom to flow independently without
multiple distractions and students persistently getting up, I will create a
bathroom breaks rule. This rule will create structure in the classroom while
minimizing distractions. Wong (2009) suggests establishing regular break
times in order to minimize students needing to use the restroom.
Subsequently, with these breaks being enforced, I will also create a rule

for how often a student can have off-routine bathroom breaks. This idea
is also suggested by Wong (2009).
Since my classroom is an elementary grade classroom, students at
the elementary age usually go to the bathroom quite often. Thus, I will
schedule two official bathroom breaks: in the morning and afternoon.
Next, students will be allowed one random bathroom break a day as
needed. In order to keep track of students and their free bathroom break
usage, I will keep a chart next to my door, so that students can mark off
when they have used their one, free break. This somewhat three breaks a
day procedure will be able to accommodate my young students. I will
know that this goal has been met once my students use the restroom
during their designated restroom breaks and utilize their one, free personal
bathroom break.

References

Evertson, C. M., & Emmer, E. T. (2013). Classroom management for

elementary teachers (9th ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson Education, Inc.

Wong, H. K., Wong, R. T. (2009). How to be an effective teacher: the

first days of school. (4th ed.). Mountain View, CA: Harry K. Wong
Publications, Inc.