Frostburg State University

Classroom
Management Plan
EDUC 667: Management and the Learning
Environment

Course Instructor: Dr. J. Allen

Kerry A Messick, MAT-E Candidate

May 8, 2017
Classroom Management Plan

Table of Contents

Teaching Philosophy____________________________________________________________2

Philosophy of Classroom Management_____________________________________________3

Arranging Your Classroom_______________________________________________________4

Establishing Rules and Procedures_________________________________________________7

Encouraging and Reinforcing Positive Behavior______________________________________9

Bibliography_________________________________________________________________10

Conclusion__________________________________________________________________11

1
Classroom Management Plan

Teaching Philosophy

The aim of education is growth: the aim of growth is more growth. John Dewey

As an educator, I will promote growth in ALL students. I want to foster intrinsic

motivation for lifelong learning. I will model acceptance, compassion, and an empathetic
understanding in hopes of bestowing the same values, and instilling said values, in my students.
Technology will be implemented in my classroom to differentiate instruction so that students will
have several different pathways available to them on their journey to learn new concepts. I will
strive to include individualization and differentiation in all of my instruction and teaching
techniques to work to encompass all of the different learning styles in my classroom. The use of
technology will be implemented to better communicate with my students in addition to
encouraging a classroom environment that is inclusive and grows relationships. Teamwork will
be encouraged to show the benefits of collaboratively working together and sharing ones own
ideas and beliefs. I welcome all students equally and hold great value in each of their
backgrounds. I believe that every person has something to teach someone else and that is how I
view each of my students.
Even as an educator, I am still a learner. I want to be taught and learn new things every
day, especially from my students. I want to help shape my students into active learners and
thinkers. I promise to be cognizant and raise awareness of culturally, linguistically, and
ethnically diverse backgrounds in my classroom environment. The diversity of our classroom
will be embraced and diligently acknowledged as well as incorporated into instruction with
diverse materials. I will have my students self-assess themselves and their work to help shape
well-rounded citizenry. My last promise as an educator is to ensure that I am being as effective as
I can as a teacher. I will exercise reflective practice in addition to self-assessing myself and my
teaching style to never stop learning and to constantly improve my teaching techniques.

2
Classroom Management Plan

Philosophy of Classroom Management

I believe that classroom management is the foundation of a successful classroom.

Classroom management techniques are implemented for any individual that spends time within

the classroom, not only the student. The purpose of classroom management within my classroom

is for individual and group accountability. In addition, it is also implemented to serve as a

reminder of holding ones self to the highest standards of respect and performance for that

individual. Our classroom is a learning community. Therefore, to create and maintain a thriving

community, there must be active participation from the entire group. Procedures will be clarified

and taught so that students know what to expect. They will never have to wonder or guess about

classroom procedures. Furthermore, classroom guidelines will be forged together and honored.

Students will acknowledge these group-created guidelines by adding their signature to the

bottom of the posted classroom guidelines. Our classroom guidelines will be posted and

referenced throughout our day in the beginning of the school year. Our classroom guidelines and

procedures will predestine us for a successful year. The classroom management of my classroom

will reinforce that is not my classroom but it is our classroom. I believe that our classroom

management will lead to students taking ownership and pride of their work and their classmates

work too. My teaching philosophy will be interwoven with my classroom management skills

with my most important values lying in the realm of respect and empathy. Students will follow

the classroom procedures and guidelines that will be rooted in both values. The management in

our classroom will build up every student and lead them to what they individually need to

succeed.

3
Classroom Management Plan

Arranging Your Classroom

The arrangement of a classroom is crucial to the proper functioning of that classrooms

management plan. I believe that the most important aspect of any arrangement is organization

and cleanliness. Personally, I think that clutter is one of the most prevalent and preventable

aspects plaguing many classrooms. I realize that sometimes space is an issue in many classroom

environments, but as classroom educators we must become resourceful and creative when faced

with these situational obstacles. Oppositely, a classroom should not be bare and sterile like that

of a surgical operating room. According to Harry and Rosemary Wong on page 91 in their book,

The First Days of School:

A cluttered or barren room sends a negative message to your pupils that you dont

care for them. A well-organized, attractive room sends a positive message that you

respect them enough to provide a pleasant environment, and they will return the

respect to you. A pleasant room feels good and calms people down. Invite your

students to enter a room where you are prepared (Wong & Wong, 2009).

Wong and Wong (2009) also state throughout chapter 12 that preparation is the key to an

effective classroom. I whole-heartedly agree that preparing and organizing spaces within

the classroom can eliminate confusion and problems that arise from confusion. Unclear

procedures, guidelines, or a confusing room layout can crumble any type of classroom

management. By having the forethought and taking the time to organize and prepare

before students arrive for the school year can eliminate an innumerable amount of

potential problems. Below, I have included a tentative room layout for an intermediate

elementary classroom. Also, included below is a photograph from The Brown Bag

4
 Classroom Management Plan

Teacher blog. I took the inspiration for some of my classroom layout from her

photograph.

Book Book
Tech Center:
Teache Shelves Shelves
iPads/laptops
r Seat
charging
Carpeted
Stude Area Teacher Work
nt
Work Area:
Displa including
y long desk
which would
be utilized
for grading
and
organizing
materials.

S
m
a
r
t
B Yellow Shapes
o represent
a student table
r arrangements Math
d Manipulatives

Stude
nt
Work
Displa
y

Conferencin
g/Group
Work Table

Door Student Cubby Holes and

Hooks
Classroom Management Plan

Photo: The Brown Bag Teacher blog

I decided on this desk arrangement because it feels efficient and effective to me. I

think that every student is close to the board without being overcrowded. The front table

is an inconspicuous way to maintain better classroom management by seating students

with diverse learning needs there. Students are in table groups so they will be able to

easily pair up for group work without losing precious class time by transitioning to a

different seat. I chose an L-shaped table/desk arrangement for my work area so that I

could utilize the corner spot for my personal work space and the longer table that faces

the front of the room for a combine student-teacher work area. I can prepare supplies and

6
Classroom Management Plan

have them ready for students to take or to have my paper-passer distribute to the rest of

class. I chose a round conference table for mini student conferences, guided readings,

behavior intervention, or time-outs. In the photograph from The Brown Bag Teacher,

she utilizes a shelving wall unit for Smart Board wires and other things needed while in

the front of the room. I would also add a laptop and document camera to the top of this

unit so that I could use the document camera. I also would add a tall stool as seen in the

photograph. Student work displays will be in the front of the room. In the front corner, I

have arranged the carpet and reading nook. I also would use some of the bulletin board

and board space for class objectives posts along with classroom rules and guidelines. I

arranged for the math manipulatives to be located in the back of the room so that there

will not be a crowding issue to access them. I think that this room arrangement allows for

an efficient flow of movement that is streamlined for maximum success. Furthermore, I

would make sure that it was clean, fresh, and bright to enhance the positive atmosphere.

Establishing Rules and Procedures

I am a firm believer that rules and procedures must begin on the very first day of school

or even prior to the first day for them to become an efficient procedure. During the back to

school night or open house prior to the first day of school, I would have certain things prepared

to share with parents regarding classroom management. In Why Didnt I Learn This in College?

written by Paula Rutherford on page 267, the author states:

Teachers often prepare for back-to-school night or open house by planning to tell

parents the following:

The school rules

The classroom rules and consequences for not following them

7
Classroom Management Plan

The forms that need to be completed

Expectations for parental support at home
Desires for parental support at school (Rutherford, 2014).

These expectations given prior to the first day of school are an efficient and simple way

to show parents and guardians that you care and are prepared for the school year. This

provision can help to relieve anxieties about the first day along with eliminating any

guess work. I would make sure to review these rules with all students on the first day

and send home copies with all students. I would also post them to a class website. On the

first day, I would also make sure to talk with students about class guidelines and discuss

what they feel is important to include. I will write these ideas on the board and record a

screenshot for later to make revisions and add in anything. The following day, I will

present the collaborated class guidelines and ask students if there is anything else to add

before asking them to add their signature on the bottom. I will explain that these

guidelines should be honored at all times in our classroom, school, community, and home

for the most successful outcome of our school year. As students enter the classroom on

the first day, I will greet each one and ask him or her to find her seat. We will begin

implementing procedures right away by putting away materials or supplies brought from

home, sitting in our seat the correct way, making lunch choices, having breakfast neatly

at our seat, etc. These initial implementations of classroom procedures and rules will help

to familiarize students with them and in turn lead to an organized and managed classroom

environment.

Encouraging and Reinforcing Positive Behavior

8
Classroom Management Plan

The encouragement and reinforcement of positive behavior in the classroom is an integral

component of effective classroom management. Students should be recognized for their positive

contributions to their classroom environment. I have observed Class Dojo being used as a

classroom management technique in my Practicum II placement. Students responded well to

earning their dojo points for positive and helpful behavior and for following routines because my

mentor teacher had clearly explained expectations to them in the beginning of the year (prior to

my placement). In my fall placement, my mentor teacher also used a point system. She had

plastic apples and a basket, students (as a whole class) could earn an apple for good behavior,

staying on task, being helpful, following routines, etc. After ten apples were earned, my mentor

would discuss with the class what they would like as a reward. This was a fifth-grade classroom

and students really enjoyed the choice aspect of their reward. I would like to do a combination of

class dojo and choices for encouraging and reinforcing positive behavior. Beyond these types of

reinforcements, I believe that it is so important to daily praise students for things that they are

doing well especially students that behave well every day and are sometimes overlooked due to

their reserved behavior. Personally, I have seen how genuinely praising and recognizing students

for their behavior and staying on task can positively influence them. It also has had a direct effect

of growing an appropriate and trusting student-teacher relationship that has helped me to better

understand my students so that I can do my best to reach and teach them.

Bibliography

9
Classroom Management Plan

Dewey, J. (1934). Art as experience. New York, NY: The Berkley Publishing Group.

Wong, H.K., &Wong, R.T. (2009). The first days of school: How to be an effective teacher.

Mountain View, CA: Harry K. Wong Publications, Inc.

Reed, C. (2015, September 26). 1st grade classroom reveal: 2015-2016. Retrieved from:

http://brownbagteacher.com/1st-grade-classroom-reveal-2015-2016/

Rutherford, P. (2014). Why didnt I learn this in college? Teaching and learning in the 21st

century (2nd ed.). Alexandria, VA: Just ASK Publications & Professional Development.

Wong, H.K., &Wong, R.T. (2009). The first days of school: How to be an effective teacher.

Mountain View, CA: Harry K. Wong Publications, Inc.

Conclusion

10
Classroom Management Plan

Cumulatively, there are an abundance of aspects that compose an effective classroom

management plan. However, I believe if there is a sturdy base in respect, genuine rapport with

students, open communication with home, organization, and preparation, then the possibilities

are endless for having an effective classroom environment. Classroom management does not

have to be rigid but should be consistent, just as we should be with our students. Clarity and

transparency in expectations is a necessity for student and teacher success. Finally, forging and

building a solid relationship with students, their families, and the community, can all help to

form a larger support network for the classroom environment.

11