Implementing a Student-Centered Classroom Management Program
My classroom management approach will be student-centered as I will help students to develop a sense of responsibility for their actions. The behavior standards in my classroom will be developmentally appropriate for the age I am teaching. The students will play a large role in creating the rules for our classroom community. Together, we will decide what is appropriate behavior for our classroom, and I will write these rules as positive statements to be displayed in the room. I will ensure that all students understand the expectations of our classroom. Students will be made aware of the consequences for breaking the rules of our classroom community. I will strive to be firm, kind, and consistent in my approach to rules and rule-breaking. My goal will be to create a calm, safe, and orderly classroom - one in which I can teach and my students can learn.
Clip Chart
One behavior management system I have used and found effective in my classroom is the clip chart. I like this behavior system because students are able to move up and down on the chart, not just down. I tell students at the beginning of the year that everyone is allowed to have their grumpy moments and times when they forget to raise their hand, what matters is how they fix those behaviors. I show them that just because they may drop their clip, it doesn't mean their whole day is ruined. They have the rest of the day to work hard to move their clip back up.
Individual Behavior Systems
Not all classroom behavior management systems work well for the needs of certain students. For this reason, I have implemented several different types of individualized behavior systems based on student need, as well as motivation. Some of these systems include:
- If/Then Chart: Students have a card system on their desk to show the task they must complete, before being able to do the following activity.
- Smiley/Star Chart: Students must earn so many smileys or stars for different subjects throughout the day/time periods/specials/etc. If they are able to earn their goal number, they may choose a prize {prizes are geared towards what the student is interested in and motivated by}.
