Environment

My Educational Philosophy

Essential in my educational philosophy in teaching students is creating a learning environment where all students feel safe, a sense of belonging and mastery and a sense of independence. I believe that this allows each student to learn to the best of their ability and grow emotionally, behaviorally, and academically as a learner. I start by teaching and posting clear expectations and procedures. Establishing clear expectations and procedures maximizes students’ learning time and minimizes behavioral interruptions because students know what to do. It also encourages students to become independent and responsible because they have clearly defined objectives.

My philosophy on the importance of developing and encouraging independence and responsibility as appropriate in students was reinforced when I became the long-term substitute for a first grade classroom where it appeared that the previous teacher and/or succession of substitutes did not have clear expectations and procedures in place.

I believe that it is important that students are appropriately challenged and supported with active, engaging learning activities that address a variety of learning profiles. Embedded in the active, engaging learning activities are movement breaks and technology. The use of technology is important for several reasons. It is motivating and typically seen as a strength of the students. Furthermore, for those students still learning how to navigate technology, it is important for them to be exposed to it as technology is certainly here to stay and will continue to advance.

I believe that students learn from teachers’ lessons as well as from each other and through discovery. Students should be given ample time to practice their skills, most especially reading, so they consolidate skills and strategies.

The Physical Space in My Classroom

I would set up the physical space in my classroom so that it supports students' active learning. Important elements of the physical space in my classroom would be:

Desks or tables arranged so that students can learn collaboratively while working on learning activities
Classroom rules and expectations posted as a visual reminder of the importance respect holds in our classroom learning community
Supplies and materials organized to maximize students' independence

My Classroom Management Plan

My classroom management system begins with the proactive measure of clearly defined classroom expectations, procedures for learning activities and transitions as well as managing their work in class and homework and an attention signal which I have taught, retaught and posted. This minimizes the number of times students are behaving in ways that are not acceptable. An important element of my management system is the praise – both verbal and visual – that I give to encourage each student to make positive behavior choices.

When a student misbehaves, I give them either a visual or verbal redirection to their task.

I have found clip charts to be successful and especially find the digital version (I used ClassDojo) to be very effective. Students responded positively and seemed to enjoy tracking their good choices.

Another proactive measure I use to minimize off task behavior is to structure my students’ day with active, engaging work, embedded movement breaks and student choice when possible.

Modifying the Behavior of a Student Who is Behaving Inappropriately

To help a student with challenging behavior, I first determine what is causing the behavior. Is it due to lack of understanding, trying to get attention or to avoid work? I work to create a class environment where all kids feel a sense of belonging and where all kids feel they have something important to contribute. With these proactive measures in place, I believe many difficult behaviors can be avoided.

My experience working in a summer camp for kids with moderate to severe disabilities helps me in my role as a teacher. My job as a camp counselor was to help the children be kids and have fun which was sometimes challenging for them as controlling their bodies and behaviors were difficult at times. I found that patience and taking the time to build a genuine relationship with them allowed them to trust me and open up to accepting my help.

In some cases, students may need additional support to help them keep their behavior on track. Use of visual cues, opportunities to take a break or work first/then take a break strategies can be used to help a student shape their behavior so that it is appropriate.