Taylor Cassel by Taylor Cassel https://padlet.com/taylorcassel/xrjpzf750q5uhapf A classroom strategies plan with a focus on student centered learning en-us 2021-04-01 02:56:57 UTC 2026-01-26 00:36:53 UTC hello@padlet.com Intrinsic Motivation taylorcassel https://padlet.com/taylorcassel/xrjpzf750q5uhapf/wish/1374108190 A. Teaching Without Rewards: the "responsive classroom,"
  • Rather than a focus on extrinsic motivation, my ideal classroom fosters positive self-worth and intrinsic motivation
  • Steering away from physical rewards in exchange for a "responsive classroom" method
  • When using this method, the teacher highlights when a child does something well, and elaborates on why. For example rather than saying, "Good job," when lining up for recess, the teacher says, "I like the way Ally is is lining up with a calm body."
]]> 2021-04-01 03:01:34 UTC https://padlet.com/taylorcassel/xrjpzf750q5uhapf/wish/1374108190 Intrinsic Motivation Continued: B. Building Meaningful Relationships taylorcassel https://padlet.com/taylorcassel/xrjpzf750q5uhapf/wish/1374113140

]]> 2021-04-01 03:04:19 UTC https://padlet.com/taylorcassel/xrjpzf750q5uhapf/wish/1374113140 Natural Consequences taylorcassel https://padlet.com/taylorcassel/xrjpzf750q5uhapf/wish/1374129646
  • Students remain the primary authority over their own body, words, and choices
  • Natural consequences occur as a series of events following a choice without adult involvement 
  • For example: if a student breaks a toy, we won't have that toy to play with anymore. 
  • Natural consequences must be a undesirable outcome from the child's perspective 
  • See this awesome training guide for future foster parents, "Natural Consequences"

    • ]]>     2021-04-01 03:12:43 UTC https://padlet.com/taylorcassel/xrjpzf750q5uhapf/wish/1374129646     Natural Consequences Continued: impactful conversations with children taylorcassel https://padlet.com/taylorcassel/xrjpzf750q5uhapf/wish/1374147527 Best practices when communicating with children:
    • Communicate at eye level (squat or bend down)
    • Use a level tone of voice
    • Chose a safe space to communicate to minimize other children interrupting 
    • See this NAEYC guide for more best practices
    ]]>     2021-04-01 03:22:23 UTC https://padlet.com/taylorcassel/xrjpzf750q5uhapf/wish/1374147527     Two essential expectations taylorcassel https://padlet.com/taylorcassel/xrjpzf750q5uhapf/wish/1374153591 1. Be respectful
    Students must use kind words with each other, check in if they have hurt someone's feelings, speak up if there feelings have been hurt, listen while someone else is talking, and have a calm body when indoors (except for activities that feature gross motor)
    2. Be prepared 
    Students must try their best.

    ]]>     2021-04-01 03:25:40 UTC https://padlet.com/taylorcassel/xrjpzf750q5uhapf/wish/1374153591     Discussing the two essential expectations taylorcassel https://padlet.com/taylorcassel/xrjpzf750q5uhapf/wish/1374161279 1. Be Prepared: It is critical to establish respect in the classroom from our first interactions together by:
    • Having a class discussion about how we treat out friends/peers during our first large group time
    • Creating a thought bubble map 
    Modeling the Two Essential Expectations
    Treating students with respect by:  
    • Not talking about other students in front of them
    • Using best practices when communicating with them (see "rewards and consequences")
    •  Following through on my word
    Modeling appropriate student to student interactions:
    • Saying sorry is not meaningful if the student does not understand why the made a hurtful choice
    • Encouraging students to check in with each other, and brainstorm solutions when they have made a hurtful choice

    ]]>     2021-04-01 03:29:42 UTC https://padlet.com/taylorcassel/xrjpzf750q5uhapf/wish/1374161279     2. Be Prepared taylorcassel https://padlet.com/taylorcassel/xrjpzf750q5uhapf/wish/1374181125
  • If a student does not have their homework, food, or materials, it is my job as a teacher to find out the deeper cause for lack of preparation
  • I model this behavior by being preparing my students with what will happen next during our classroom day, especially if something is set to change (an altered recess time, change of schedule, future substitute teacher, etc
  • I will supply lists of materials (with words and images) we will be using for every project to support all learners, especially Special Education students who need addition structure and support, here's an example
    • ]]>     2021-04-01 03:40:55 UTC https://padlet.com/taylorcassel/xrjpzf750q5uhapf/wish/1374181125     Procedures: taylorcassel https://padlet.com/taylorcassel/xrjpzf750q5uhapf/wish/1374199384 Here's where I believe in implementing a lot of positive structure in the classroom, beginning with:
    • Visual images of procedures throughout the classroom, and translations of those procedures translated into multiple languages for EL learners and Special Education learners (and all learners!)
    • Here's an example I sourced for free from Teacherspayteachers.com
    • As the year progresses I would use actual pictures of the children engaged in those procedures in the labelled posters

    ]]>     2021-04-01 03:51:44 UTC https://padlet.com/taylorcassel/xrjpzf750q5uhapf/wish/1374199384     Redirection taylorcassel https://padlet.com/taylorcassel/xrjpzf750q5uhapf/wish/1374213612 "Reinforcing, Reminding, and Redirecting" from responsiveclassroom.org
    These principles go along with the elements of a responsive classroom:
    1. Using guided "yes" language. For example, reminding students to "walk" rather than saying, "don't run."
    2. Using neutral, concrete language: "Choose a seat and put your sounds away during reading time."
    3. Guiding students to brainstorming solutions for problems 

    ]]>     2021-04-01 04:02:30 UTC https://padlet.com/taylorcassel/xrjpzf750q5uhapf/wish/1374213612     Creating engaging lesson plans and activities taylorcassel https://padlet.com/taylorcassel/xrjpzf750q5uhapf/wish/1374219300 Detailed lesson planning and engaging activities will be a critical aid in managing a classroom environment that is conducive to learning ]]> 2021-04-01 04:07:06 UTC https://padlet.com/taylorcassel/xrjpzf750q5uhapf/wish/1374219300 Physical Environment taylorcassel https://padlet.com/taylorcassel/xrjpzf750q5uhapf/wish/1374223879 The Reggio Emilia approach to classroom environments. While I will be teaching  k-8, there are several examples of the Reggio Inspired approach in K-8 classrooms in this article by Edutopia: 7 Outstanding K–8 Flexible Classrooms
    Some features include:
    1. Classroom documentation, photos of the children to see themselves represented
    2. Neutral color schemes, natural and man made materials
    3. Flexible seating 
    4. An environment that allows for children to make choices and have autonomy 
    5. Activities are set up to feel welcoming and promote curiosity 

    ]]>     2021-04-01 04:10:22 UTC https://padlet.com/taylorcassel/xrjpzf750q5uhapf/wish/1374223879     My own spin on organization: taylorcassel https://padlet.com/taylorcassel/xrjpzf750q5uhapf/wish/1374237898 All of the following images are from my own classroom, ideas which I think could translate to my future classrooms: 
    1. Classroom areas are organized with images, words, and descriptions

    ]]>     2021-04-01 04:20:29 UTC https://padlet.com/taylorcassel/xrjpzf750q5uhapf/wish/1374237898     taylorcassel https://padlet.com/taylorcassel/xrjpzf750q5uhapf/wish/1374242883 2021-04-01 04:23:47 UTC https://padlet.com/taylorcassel/xrjpzf750q5uhapf/wish/1374242883 taylorcassel https://padlet.com/taylorcassel/xrjpzf750q5uhapf/wish/1374243732 2021-04-01 04:24:25 UTC https://padlet.com/taylorcassel/xrjpzf750q5uhapf/wish/1374243732 A center choice system taylorcassel https://padlet.com/taylorcassel/xrjpzf750q5uhapf/wish/1374244399 Students will have their pictures with their names printed on them laminated with velcro on the back. When choosing activity centers, they can place their images on a velcro board in each area. ]]> 2021-04-01 04:24:53 UTC https://padlet.com/taylorcassel/xrjpzf750q5uhapf/wish/1374244399 Tables organized to not promote "runways" or long aisles where students will want to run at top speeds taylorcassel https://padlet.com/taylorcassel/xrjpzf750q5uhapf/wish/1374246886 2021-04-01 04:26:35 UTC https://padlet.com/taylorcassel/xrjpzf750q5uhapf/wish/1374246886 A daily schedule on a magnetic board will be posted. The schedule will feature images and translations of each part of the day, and there will be a magnetic arrow pointing to what part of the day it is taylorcassel https://padlet.com/taylorcassel/xrjpzf750q5uhapf/wish/1374247426 2021-04-01 04:26:59 UTC https://padlet.com/taylorcassel/xrjpzf750q5uhapf/wish/1374247426 An example from goodhousekeeping.com taylorcassel https://padlet.com/taylorcassel/xrjpzf750q5uhapf/wish/1374251652 2021-04-01 04:29:51 UTC https://padlet.com/taylorcassel/xrjpzf750q5uhapf/wish/1374251652 Reading books featuring human characters and relationship dynamics taylorcassel https://padlet.com/taylorcassel/xrjpzf750q5uhapf/wish/1374257841 Reading books is a powerful method in teaching students social emotional skills in a low-pressure environment. This is especially useful when combined with open-ending questions during an interactive read aloud.]]> 2021-04-01 04:33:57 UTC https://padlet.com/taylorcassel/xrjpzf750q5uhapf/wish/1374257841 Using imaginative play to act out social emotion scenarios taylorcassel https://padlet.com/taylorcassel/xrjpzf750q5uhapf/wish/1374266511 Children can be redirected to act out distressing situations with dolls, and older children can learn social emotion skills through acting in plays and performing arts. 

    ]]>     2021-04-01 04:39:52 UTC https://padlet.com/taylorcassel/xrjpzf750q5uhapf/wish/1374266511     Encouraging social emotional development in all subjects and areas of study taylorcassel https://padlet.com/taylorcassel/xrjpzf750q5uhapf/wish/1374269238
  • Children can learn social emotional skills through paragraph prompts in ELA and Social Studies. 
  • Social emotional skills are developed through strategic group partnerships in STEM 
  • This is especially helpful when choosing groups for EL students or Special Education students. For example, when encouraging group work in STEM, the teacher can make sure to be available and nearby a student who may need additional instructions or support. 

    • ]]>     2021-04-01 04:41:33 UTC https://padlet.com/taylorcassel/xrjpzf750q5uhapf/wish/1374269238     The teacher models appropriate interactions taylorcassel https://padlet.com/taylorcassel/xrjpzf750q5uhapf/wish/1374275269 I can provide the words to engage in play or to express frustrations a student may be feeling. For example, if a student is upset that another student sat where they were sitting, I can help facilitate the conversation between the students with open-ended questions such as:
    "How did that make you feel?"
    "What can we tell your friend to make you feel listened to?"
    "How can we help fix this?"
    "How can I help you?"]]>     2021-04-01 04:45:05 UTC https://padlet.com/taylorcassel/xrjpzf750q5uhapf/wish/1374275269     I will have posters with phrases students can use in their interactions taylorcassel https://padlet.com/taylorcassel/xrjpzf750q5uhapf/wish/1374285311 This can help with student autonomy and provide extra support if a student needs gentle reminders. 
    Here are several free posters from reachout.org that illustrate social-emotional skills for students (my versions would be in multiple languages, however)


    ]]>     2021-04-01 04:50:57 UTC https://padlet.com/taylorcassel/xrjpzf750q5uhapf/wish/1374285311     Create trusting relationships with students AND families taylorcassel https://padlet.com/taylorcassel/xrjpzf750q5uhapf/wish/1374309497
  • "Sandwich" difficult conversations. Begin with a strength of the child's day, followed by a challenge, closing with an addition strength and plan for moving forward
  • Send notes home
  • Try to talk to parents face to face if possible. 
  • Call parents about positive behavior choices and highlight the good in a child's day.
  • Provide resources for a parent if they inquire about it, such as what books to get for a child to read at home, and where to find them for free (beyond the school library.)
    • ]]>     2021-04-01 05:05:19 UTC https://padlet.com/taylorcassel/xrjpzf750q5uhapf/wish/1374309497     Research the community you're teaching in taylorcassel https://padlet.com/taylorcassel/xrjpzf750q5uhapf/wish/1374314118 Read literature about the area if your are unfamiliar, and try to understand the unique needs of that community and how it may affect the student's day to day choices ]]> 2021-04-01 05:07:50 UTC https://padlet.com/taylorcassel/xrjpzf750q5uhapf/wish/1374314118 Use songs and attention getters to organize younger aged students taylorcassel https://padlet.com/taylorcassel/xrjpzf750q5uhapf/wish/1374334784 2021-04-01 05:18:43 UTC https://padlet.com/taylorcassel/xrjpzf750q5uhapf/wish/1374334784