1. Classroom Management
1.1. Students will not be given an overwhelming amount of rules. There will be a maximum of 10 important classroom rules and these will be ones that students know.
1.1.1. Students will be expected to keep the classroom volume at a minimum. However, they are allowed to visit when given permission such as when working on assignments.
1.1.1.1. When instruction is being given, students must remain seated and appear to be paying attention.
1.1.1.1.1. Students are more than welcome to share thoughts and opinions on material being taught. Discussions amongst students will be encouraged.
1.2. There will be a certain cue used to get students attention. They will repeat this cue and then expectation is that they are then ready to pay attention.
1.2.1. Students will be taught the importance of encouraging and being kind to one another.
1.2.1.1. Students will recieve rewards for being kind and complimenting classmates.
1.2.1.1.1. The classroom will appreciate and celebrate every individual student and their differences that make them unique.
1.3. Students will have a reward system set in place for good behaviour.
1.3.1. Students will receive praise and rewards for good behaviour and success in the classroom.
1.3.1.1. Students will loose these rewards if there is too much bad behaviour.
1.3.1.1.1. Lessons will be made fun, incorporating songs, activities and games where appropriate.
2. Classroom Culture
2.1. The classroom will be warm and inviting.
2.1.1. Students will feel calm and welcomed.
2.1.1.1. Classroom rules and expectations will be in place ensuring that students know what is expected of them. Because of this, being in the classroom will be a positive experience.
2.1.1.1.1. Students will be able to learn and concentrate with little to no distractions.
2.2. The teacher and their students will have strong positive relationships.
2.2.1. Students will feel comfortable approaching the teacher with anything. They will know that they are supported.
2.2.1.1. Students have fun and enjoy coming to class.
2.2.1.1.1. Focus of the classroom is on student-based learning.
3. Collaboration
3.1. Teachers will collaborate effectively with other members of school staff.
3.1.1. Teacher will check in frequently with EA to talk about student progress. The teacher and EA will come up with individualized learning plans for each student in the class.
3.1.1.1. The teacher will treat the EA with respect, listen, and take in to account their input.
3.1.1.1.1. The teacher recognizes that the EA will also have very strong relationships with students, and may know what is best for them.
3.2. Teacher will work effectively as part of a team. This can include helping other teachers with their students or having them share ideas about what could help your own.
3.2.1. Parents/guardians should be involved and kept updated about their child as much as possible. Frequently checking in with parents/guardians will help the teacher get to know the student and their family better.
3.2.1.1. Teachers, Principals, and EAs should meet frequently to discuss student progress and steps to help achieve success.
3.2.1.1.1. Collaborating with other teachers can be helpful with creating lessons/activities and getting ideas on what to incorporate into your class.
4. Teaching Methods
4.1. Trying different teaching methods will help you decide which methods work best with your group of students.
4.1.1. Different teaching methods will be beneficial for different students. Since all students learn differently, including different learning styles will ensure every student's needs are being met.
4.1.1.1. Modelling, constructivism, and scaffolding will be used to teach students new material.
4.1.1.1.1. Differentiated Instruction will also be used to help ensure that all students learning needs are being met.
4.2. Students will be given the opportunity to work independently, in pairs, and collaboratively in groups.
4.2.1. What works best for one group of students may not work for another. The teaching methods used should vary by the group of students being taught each year.
4.2.1.1. Understanding the different ways that each students wants or needs to be taught is essential for ensuring student success.
4.2.1.1.1. Different types of inquiry and discovery based learning will be present.
4.3. Students will have the opportunity to complete group projects and do activities where they are taught by their peers.
4.3.1. Students will give presentations in front of the class and be able to have class discussions.
5. Effective Teaching
5.1. Teacher will make sure that students remain on task.
5.1.1. Teachers will ensure that students feel safe at school and know that they have someone that they can go to and talk to. They know that they have someone that cares and that they can count on.
5.1.1.1. The classroom environment is one that students enjoy being in and that they are able to thrive in.
5.1.1.1.1. Students are able to be themselves.
5.2. The teacher is always prepared and ready to teach.
5.2.1. The teacher is always engaging with students. The teacher is always encouraging students to do better.
5.2.1.1. The teacher always believes in the student even when the student doesn't believe in themself.
5.2.1.1.1. A teacher is always learning.
5.3. A teacher can communicate well and listen even better.
5.3.1. A teacher genuinely cares for the well-being of their students.
5.3.1.1. A teacher is passionate about what they do.
6. Relationships
6.1. Foster positive relationships with students to create a comfortable learning environment.
6.1.1. When students feel more comfortable in the classroom they will be better equipped to succeed.
6.1.1.1. Building relationships with students can include getting to know each individual student one-on-one and learning about their hobbies/interests.
6.2. Building relationships can be achieved by taking the time to get to know students and parents/guardians.
6.2.1. Relationships are one of the most important things to establish with students as a teacher. Students will learn better when they feel that they are cared for and when they know that the teacher likes them.
6.2.1.1. Teachers need to have effective relationships not only with students but with colleges as well. Collaboration can be very beneficial in creating success for students.
6.2.1.1.1. Establishing effective relationships with parents/guardians can greatly benefit students.
7. Learning Modalities
7.1. Establishing which Learning Modalities the majority of students possess in the classroom will help ensure they are being taught the material in the best way possible.
7.1.1. Each individual student will posess a different learning style which determines how they learn best. Students can score highly as a visual, auditory, or kinesthetic learner.
7.1.1.1. By providing a short quiz at the beginning of the school year, a teacher is then able to determine how majority of their students learn. This can make it easier to plan instruction and assessments accodingly.
7.2. If students learn better visually, then the classroom can reflect this. Having lots of visuals on the walls such as posters with grade specific topics can be very beneficial. As well as, including lots of slide shows and diagrams into lessons.
7.2.1. If students learn best by listening (auditory) it would be best to teach lessons where students are mostly listening. This could include lectures or incorporating songs or sayings into teachings.
7.2.1.1. If students learn best by doing (tactile) it would be crucial to have lessons revolve around getting students involved. This could include projects and experiments.
7.2.1.1.1. Always be sure to include a mixture of all learning styles to ensure all students are given the opportunity to learn at their best.
8. Caring Environment
8.1. In order for students to learn, they must be welcomed into a caring atmosphere.
8.1.1. It is very important for students to feel like they are cared for and valued in the classroom.
8.1.1.1. This can be achieved by listening to students and always making sure that they know their thoughts and opinions are valid.
8.1.1.1.1. Celebrate students for their achievements.
8.2. Never discourage a student from sharing their thoughts and opinions with the rest of the class. Also encourage students and allow them to have a 'judgement free-zone' when sharing.
8.2.1. Always give students your complete attention and listen to what they are saying.
8.2.1.1. Always be kind and respectful towards students.
8.2.1.1.1. Accept each individual student for who they are, and celebrate what makes them unique.
8.3. Be a support for students when they need someone to talk to about sensitive matters.
8.3.1. Be aware of students who may be upset and needing extra suppport.
8.3.1.1. Take the time to make each student feel special each day.
8.3.1.1.1. Pe a positive role model and create a classroom where students can be happy.
9. Classroom Behaviour
9.1. Have clear boundaries of what is acceptable and what is not at the very beginning of the school year. Make sure to be consistent with expectations so students do not get confused.
9.1.1. When students are misbehaving deal with them in a respectful manner. Always explain to the student why they have gotten into trouble and what the expectations are.
9.1.1.1. Always remain calm and do not take your frustration out on students.
9.1.1.1.1. Remember that when students are misbehaving that there is most likely an underlying cause.
9.2. Finding out the root cause of bad behaviour will most likely help it end.
9.2.1. Talking to students goes a long ways. Always be kind and respectful towards students. A student who is acting out most likely has more going on then we know.
9.2.1.1. Have good communication with parents/guardians as well as with other teachers and the principal if needed.
9.2.1.1.1. Have a space where students can go if needed to calm down. This can be in the hallway or in a seperate space in the classroom. Make it acccessible for students without them having to explain why they are needing to leave.
9.3. Never hold a grudge against a student who causes trouble. Look at it as an oppertunity to strengthen the relationship.
9.3.1. Always stick to your word and follow through with what is said. Never argue with students or bend the rules for one but not the other. Be firm no matter how hard it can be.
9.3.1.1. Reward good student behaviour.
9.3.1.1.1. Never be afraid to ask for hep when needed. This can include getting the principal involved or asking someone to watch your class so you can step out and calm down.
10. Physical Environment
10.1. Students will have the choice on whether they would like to sit alone, in pairs, or in groups of 4.
10.1.1. The seating plan will depend on where these students find the most success. For example, students who need to sit alone will sit alone, students who do best in pairs will sit in pairs, and students who can manage in a group setting will be able to sit in a group.
10.1.1.1. Changing around the seating plan frequently, will ensure that students all get a chance sitting in these different environments.
10.1.1.1.1. The classroom will include a reading corner where they can find books to read. The reading corner will be a designated quiet space.
10.2. The students desks will all be placed in good positions so they are all able to view the board clearly.
10.2.1. The classroom will contain many visuals, artworks, and motivational quotes on the walls.
10.2.1.1. The classroom will be decorated to be cheerful and inviting.
10.2.1.1.1. Many different types of activities will be offered when students find themselves having some 'free-time', this will include board games, puzzles and cooring books.
10.3. Different subjects will hve different designated spaces in the classroom.
10.3.1. Students will have access to books/ materials and computers to find information on topics taught in class.
10.3.1.1. Students will have their own designated spaces other than their desks to store anything that is important to them.
10.3.1.1.1. Classroom will include a safe space where students can go to when they need a moment to calm down or collect their thoughts.
10.4. Students will be able to find all classroom information on bulletin boards. This can include schedules, calendars, rules, and announcements.
10.4.1. The classroom will include a desk specifically for the use of the Educational Assistant to use as they choose.
10.4.1.1. The classroom with be kept clean and organized.
10.4.1.1.1. The teacher's desk will be at the front of room. Beside the desk will be a chair for students to come and sit whenever they have a question.