Thus far, classroom management has been a success in the classroom overall and especially during specific lessons which directly correlates with Standard D3 of the Candidate Learning Framework; Monitor and Appropriately Adjust Classroom Management Strategies During Teaching. My mentor teacher impressed upon me the importance of classroom management from the first day of school warning that without a well-managed classroom, the focus in the class shifts from learning to behavior management. To that end, I developed a program that reinforces three desired behaviors/goals in the classroom. The program builds upon the district’s Blue Jay Behavior Management System. The focus of the desired behaviors is students being #independent, #responsible, or #determined. There is an “Oh Snap” wall in the classroom that displays the selfies of every third grade student; when a student is caught exhibiting one of the behaviors, they are featured on the wall in a frame specific to the behavior. A letter to the student’s parents is also sent home recognizing them for their achievement. The students are featured “in the moment” so to speak allowing them to be featured on the wall at any time on any day. The program has been met with a great deal of enthusiasm by the students and has inspired them to achieve the desired behaviors. I have also received positive feedback from teachers that have seen and heard of the wall; the teachers think it is a creative idea that relates to the students, while still implementing behavior management.
~

My mentor teacher has tasked me with expanding my lessons to include more multiplication practice, vocabulary reviews, longer spiral reviews and the incorporation of writing skills. I am finding it challenging to do so while still managing classroom behavior and ensuring that I reinforce the student’s positive behavior. As I take on more responsibility in terms of full-day lesson planning and teaching, finding the right balance in the classroom is a bit daunting. Having established a specific behavior management system that, I believe holds students accountable for their behavior, learning, and success, I must remember to continue rewarding students for those desired behaviors.
~