1. Building Community Activities - In order to build a community in the classroom it is important for students to get to know each other, and get to know the teacher at the same time.  In order to accomplish this goal I will introduce myself to the students, answer the questions I will ask them to answer in a "Getting to Know You Survey".  Another activity I will use for students to get to know each other is classroom BINGO, this will students the chance to move around and meet all their classmates in a fun non-threatening environment.

 

2. Class Rules - The major classroom rule that I will stress is respect.  All other rules will fall under this over-arching rule.  I will also work with the students to develop social contract, because I think that it is important for students to have an investment in their classroom rules. This will also provide the opportunity for the teacher to discuss the responsibility of the students to honor the contract.  There will also be an ethics policy, very clear in expectations for student work being original and not plagiarized or copied. 

 

3. Seating - If the classroom set-up allows for it, I would like to make sure that students are seated in groups.  It is important for students to have the opportunity to collaborate, and it also provides students with the opportunity to self-check and regulate among themselves. I will make sure that students are grouped appropriately, and not group students with individuals they are uncomfortable with (a question I will ask in the student survey).

 

4. Routines - The establishment of routines is very important, and I would like to make sure that there are routines that students are familiar with the enable smooth transitions. One of the most important routines that I will use is to great students individually each and every day.  I think that this will set the tone for the class, and communicate with students that I "see" them, and they are important.  

 

5. Expectations - All assignment expectations will be clearly communicated to the students.  At the beginning of the year I will provide students with a syllabus detailing the topics (standards) that will be covered in the year, how grades will be calculated, and the process for late-work and make-up assignments. One expectation that I will include is participation. There will be a built in participation grade, and students can receive full credit in a multitude of ways. One way is to come to class prepared and ready to learn. One of the big expectations for beginning and ending the class will be for students to be seated when the bell rings.  That means students will be in their seats ready to learn when the bell rings at the beginning of class, and will also be seated before they can be dismissed from class.  

 

6. Directorships - Including directorships in the classroom is important to help students have a sense of responsibility and accountability in the classroom. Students will be given the chance to select a directorship, or come up with one of their own.  This will also allow students to select a job that highlights their strengths.