2014-2015
Domain Two Reflection: The Classroom Environment
Each year I start out with the goal of building a positive rapport with each and every one of my students. I strive to create an environment that is inviting and comfortable for my students to explore their own levels of learning and have fun while doing it. I want my student to feel safe and secure in an environment where they are able to not only receive an education, but grow and grow as individuals. I have structured my classroom in a way that fosters this environment very well. From the very first day I set high expectations and encourage students to be responsible, respectful, and understand their importance both inside and outside of the classroom. I give each student a detailed outline of class policies and procedures so that they are aware of the daily routine. By being thorough in setting my expectations, as well as being consistent, but fair, I have always been able to build positive working relationships with each of my students and they have adhered to my classroom rules and expectations very well.
Although I am aware of how vital routine is in creating a successful classroom environment, I also feel that it is important to radiate positivity and be as accommodating to my students as possible. One of the ways that I do this is by setting up my classroom before the start of the school year. I always enjoy setting up my classroom at the end of the summer. I refresh my bulletins each year with new paper and borders. My bulletin boards are visually pleasing as well as academic, displaying literature reminders, reading and writing tips, and inspirational words. I also post the essential question for each unit and leave it up throughout the unit to remind students what the “big idea” is for each quarter. In accommodating my students I again set up my “While You Were Out” crate with folders containing the work for Monday-Friday. When a student is absent from class, they know they are responsible to come into class and take any handout that they missed while they were absent. This system works very well and holds students accountable. I keep my extra help hours posted year-round so students are reminded that they are welcome to sit with me during these hours throughout the year. Lastly, each year I add books to my class library, so students who may not be able to get to the library can take out books at their leisure and read for enjoyment.
Being that my students are the heart of the classroom, I exhibit student work to remind them that their hard work is worthy of display. One of the first displays I put together this year was the #welcomeback wall inspired by Instagram; a means of social media that many of my students utilize for personal use. During the first week of class I asked my students to create an Instagram post that reflected who they are. They were instructed to tell me something about themselves that they would like to share and either draw or print out a picture to go along with their post. The students really enjoyed this activity and loved seeing their work displayed in the classroom.
I maximize the physical space of my classroom as well, which also makes for a successful environment. The desk arrangement is dependent upon the lesson for the day. I always decide on seating and floor plans before students arrive, so they know what kind of working environment they will be in for the day. When creating floor plans, I make sure to strategically seat students with preferential seating in a place that will maximize learning before placing other students. I have coupled students with row partners for paired activities and change seats each quarter to encourage positive peer interaction and relationships within my classroom. In doing this, students are given the opportunity to work with a variety of people throughout the year. When planning for a group activity, the desks are arranged in a way that makes the transition to tables very smooth.
Overall, I promote a classroom environment that holds students accountable for their own learning experience and behavior. Through fairness and consistency paired with a creative and enjoyable student centered atmosphere, I can say that my students enjoy coming to class and it has been a great start to the 2014-2015 school year.
Although I am aware of how vital routine is in creating a successful classroom environment, I also feel that it is important to radiate positivity and be as accommodating to my students as possible. One of the ways that I do this is by setting up my classroom before the start of the school year. I always enjoy setting up my classroom at the end of the summer. I refresh my bulletins each year with new paper and borders. My bulletin boards are visually pleasing as well as academic, displaying literature reminders, reading and writing tips, and inspirational words. I also post the essential question for each unit and leave it up throughout the unit to remind students what the “big idea” is for each quarter. In accommodating my students I again set up my “While You Were Out” crate with folders containing the work for Monday-Friday. When a student is absent from class, they know they are responsible to come into class and take any handout that they missed while they were absent. This system works very well and holds students accountable. I keep my extra help hours posted year-round so students are reminded that they are welcome to sit with me during these hours throughout the year. Lastly, each year I add books to my class library, so students who may not be able to get to the library can take out books at their leisure and read for enjoyment.
Being that my students are the heart of the classroom, I exhibit student work to remind them that their hard work is worthy of display. One of the first displays I put together this year was the #welcomeback wall inspired by Instagram; a means of social media that many of my students utilize for personal use. During the first week of class I asked my students to create an Instagram post that reflected who they are. They were instructed to tell me something about themselves that they would like to share and either draw or print out a picture to go along with their post. The students really enjoyed this activity and loved seeing their work displayed in the classroom.
I maximize the physical space of my classroom as well, which also makes for a successful environment. The desk arrangement is dependent upon the lesson for the day. I always decide on seating and floor plans before students arrive, so they know what kind of working environment they will be in for the day. When creating floor plans, I make sure to strategically seat students with preferential seating in a place that will maximize learning before placing other students. I have coupled students with row partners for paired activities and change seats each quarter to encourage positive peer interaction and relationships within my classroom. In doing this, students are given the opportunity to work with a variety of people throughout the year. When planning for a group activity, the desks are arranged in a way that makes the transition to tables very smooth.
Overall, I promote a classroom environment that holds students accountable for their own learning experience and behavior. Through fairness and consistency paired with a creative and enjoyable student centered atmosphere, I can say that my students enjoy coming to class and it has been a great start to the 2014-2015 school year.
Domain Two Artifacts
Our class #welcomeback wall that I put together the first week of school. Students were instructed to design an Instagram post that tells me something about them that they would like displayed on the wall.
The "While You Were Out" crate located on the top shelf of the class library, making it accessible to all students.
Students engaged during a sustained silent reading activity.
Students working collaboratively during a gallery walk activity.
Photos of my bulletin boards.