2012-2013
Domain Two Reflection: The Classroom Environment
Over the past two years at West Hollow Middle School, I have worked very hard to generate a classroom environment that is both inviting and conducive to the learning needs of my students. I have accomplished this by setting guidelines for my students to adhere to, in order to build respect for themselves and peers, as well as creating a physically accommodating space that suits my students’ needs.
The first part of building a relationship is setting boundaries for how students are to behave in class. In order to establish the expectations of my students, I review the classroom rules and ELA department policies on the first day of school. In communicating my expectations, students know what is required of them from the very start of the new school year. Not only are students required to sign off on the rules and English department policy, but their parents/guardians also acknowledge and sign off on what is expected of their children. To ensure that my expectations are clear to everyone, I reiterate the details of the policies and procedures to parents at Back to School Night. Although I set ground rules to set a platform to grow from, students will agree that I am flexible to their individual needs when necessary.
The physical space of my classroom is very accommodating to students as well. Underneath the homework board I designated a “While You Were Out” area with folders containing the handouts for Monday-Friday of the current week, so students can take any work that they missed during their absence. When students complete larger assignments, such as projects, I display them around the room to give students a sense of pride in their work. I have my extra help hours displayed on my bulletin board as well as a calendar of events for the month to keep students informed on what is going on. My classroom library that I set up for my students has been very useful throughout the school year. Students have taken books out for various projects as well as for independent reading purposes.
Ultimately, my main goal is to create an atmosphere where my students are truly excited to come to class every day and learn. I try my very best to foster confidence and instill an appreciation for ELA in all of my students. I can honestly say that putting in the effort to create a student centered classroom environment, I have built an excellent rapport with my students this year and it shows in the enthusiasm that they bring to class on a daily basis.
The first part of building a relationship is setting boundaries for how students are to behave in class. In order to establish the expectations of my students, I review the classroom rules and ELA department policies on the first day of school. In communicating my expectations, students know what is required of them from the very start of the new school year. Not only are students required to sign off on the rules and English department policy, but their parents/guardians also acknowledge and sign off on what is expected of their children. To ensure that my expectations are clear to everyone, I reiterate the details of the policies and procedures to parents at Back to School Night. Although I set ground rules to set a platform to grow from, students will agree that I am flexible to their individual needs when necessary.
The physical space of my classroom is very accommodating to students as well. Underneath the homework board I designated a “While You Were Out” area with folders containing the handouts for Monday-Friday of the current week, so students can take any work that they missed during their absence. When students complete larger assignments, such as projects, I display them around the room to give students a sense of pride in their work. I have my extra help hours displayed on my bulletin board as well as a calendar of events for the month to keep students informed on what is going on. My classroom library that I set up for my students has been very useful throughout the school year. Students have taken books out for various projects as well as for independent reading purposes.
Ultimately, my main goal is to create an atmosphere where my students are truly excited to come to class every day and learn. I try my very best to foster confidence and instill an appreciation for ELA in all of my students. I can honestly say that putting in the effort to create a student centered classroom environment, I have built an excellent rapport with my students this year and it shows in the enthusiasm that they bring to class on a daily basis.
Domain Two Artifacts
Below is the Back to School Night presentation that I used to outline 7th Grade ELA. I shared with parents my philosophy, walked them through a typical day in English class, reviewed classroom rules, expectations, the curriculum, policies, and ways to keep communication open.
To encourage independent reading, I try to keep an up-to-date class library for my students to access. If a student chooses to, he/she may take out a book from the class library either before or after class, or during extra help hours. Attached is a copy of my class library sign-out sheet that I keep on a clip board on the top shelf of my library.
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