1. Learning Students Names
The first step to achieving a successful learning environment for students is learning each and everyone's name. This includes learning their preferred nickname and how to properly pronounce their name. Showing an effort to actually get to know the student by simply knowing their name by the end of the first week of school is a great starting strategy to create a caring community. |
3. Social Contract
At the start of the semester I will work with each class period to develop a period by period social contract. This social contract will include classroom rules, expectations, and guidelines that all students will create and agree to. Each class period will have a designated poster that the different components of the contract will be written on. After all rules, expectations, and guidelines are discussed and agreed upon, each student will sign the contract. The poster will be posted in the room at all times throughout the duration of the semester. Should a student or multiple students go against the contract, it will be pointed out and the student will be allotted two warnings before a formal referral is made. (Villa, 2010) |
5. Getting to Know Me
On the first day of school I will give student a brief background of myself and will reveal more and more about myself throughout the school year. In having a progressive educational philosophy, it is essential for me to get to know my students. It will be easier for me to get to know my students if I first allow them to get to know me. Throughout the year (after quizzes, in class essays, etc. to fill time), I will play a game called "Tribal Counsel" in which they can get to know me by asking questions. |
7. Incentives
Providing incentives in the classroom is a very beneficial strategy to both students and the teacher. Throughout the school year I will provide incentives, both large and small, to my students to encourage them to do well on their own. According to Alfie Kohn, students will respond better to reward rather than punishment. Further, if you provide student with an opportunity to earn a reward (other than a good grade) they will be more likely to try and earn that reward. I will use candy frequently as a reward in my classroom (who doesn't love candy?!) and I will occasionally use extra credit as an incentive. (Kohn, 1996) |