Today was a very big day for me for asking questions and getting to know my cooperating teacher's style and some of her rules and classroom management skills. There was some down time during the 7th graders' class period where they were working on their Wanted Poster assignment and I was able to get Mrs. M to answer a lot of important questions for me.
First I asker her how she defines her rules in the classroom and if they are different from one class to the next. She showed me a sheet that she hands out to each student at the beginning of the term and they are to read it over and have their parents sign it. If they get it signed and turn it in at the end of the term they will receive extra credit points. The sheet is the list of all classroom expectations and rules for the class. Each class regardless of grade gets the same sheet and the rules apply to all students. Her rules are also posted up on the walls for all to see everyday as a reminder.
A point system is also utilized in the middle school. It is not just in the art room, but for the whole school. Each student is given 29 points at the beginning of the semester and when students misbehave or break rules, a set number of points will be deducted from that tally. The more severe the infraction, the more points are taken away. If the students have lost too many points at the end of the semester, they are not allowed to go on the group trip. It is a reward to be able to go on the trip with the class so most of the students work hard to keep all of their points. I haven't heard of any of my students getting points taken away in the art room yet, but I have noticed a few that are walking the edge with Mrs. M, so they better be careful.
Mrs. M aslo explained, and I observed, how the students enter the classroom and how she gets the students attention at the beginning of class. The students usually come in a bit talkative, but they settle down into their seats quickly and then are mostly silent. She usually just sits or stands at the front to take attendance and all of the students are usually very good about getting into their seats and sitting patiently until she starts class. She always has the plan for the day written up on the white board for all to see, so she goes up to the board and discusses the plan for the day. Once she has gone through the planned list, she lets the students get right to work. From what I have noticed, the students don't need a whole lot of prompting. They for the most part, understand what they need to get accomplished for the day and get to it. She has only had to raise her voice to get students' attention once since I've been here.
If a demonstration is needed for a start to a new project, Mrs. M stands at the front of the room with a table and has all of the students gather around her or does it on the overhead projector with the kids in their seats, depending on the project. Mrs. M always goes through the demo before students start to work unless it is a step by step instruction. So then she will let them work along with her as she goes through the project. Mrs. M is very humorous and is always friendly and excited to be in class. Obviously there are days when students act up, but she is always ready to get them back on task. I can tell that the students really appreciate her and all the work she does.
This was a great day for questions and I can 't wait to get a few more asked and use them for my lesson teaching.
No comments:
Post a Comment