Explanation of Procedures and Routines
Students should enter my classroom knowing that I will be there to welcome them. Every class period should be consistent and positive with the intent of learning, and in a calm and collected manner. In order to ensure that the beginning of the class period is consistent, they will know that I expect for them to be sitting when the final bell rings, and beginning to copy down the day's objectives and homework from the board. When the students first come in they will know that it is English time, thinking time, and a place where the only worry should be about being present and engaged.
What constitutes being late?
Being late is not beneficial for the student or for the rest of the class. A student is late if they are not in their seat when the bell rings, having said that, I would much rather have my student be 30 seconds late, than not show up at all. Being on time is very important to my class and I will make that very well known.
What type of seating arrangements will be used?
Seating will be based on the room that is provided to me. I like to seat my students in small clusters of four that will be facing the front of the room. The clusters will be set up in a horseshoe pattern to encourage class discussion, and ensure that everyone can see the smart board. I will allow students to pick their own seats for the first week, and then I will make changes as necessary, depending on specific situations. There will also be days when I will have class discussions and I will need for the seats to be set up in a circle of horse shoe pattern.
How and when will students leave their seats?
Respect plays a large part in my class, if a student needs to get up to get something, then by all means they should go get it. This of course will only happen at respectful times. When I am lecturing, another student is presenting, or tests are being taken, they will know that it is not an appropriate time for this behavior.
How may students leave the room?
Students must utilize every second they are in my class (there's just not enough time to mess around). Nobody should even be getting ready to leave until the bell rings, at which point they may collect their things and leave the classroom in the same calm and collected manner that they entered with.
How will students get help from you?
I will provide many opportunities for my students to ask for assistance from me. I will be in my classroom before, and after school each day, and during lunch if help is needed. I will also have technological ways for the students to reach me outside of school. I would like to set up a website for discussion on any problems my students are having with the work they are getting in my class. This will be a place for students to ask questions and for me to to answer. Questions can be posed privately or on the discussion board for the whole class to see, often students have the same questions.
What are acceptable noise levels for discussion, group work, and seatwork?
The noise level in the classroom should never be at the point where another teacher has to come in to ask us to quiet down. Depending on the situation the noise levels will be vary. Group work should be at normal speaking levels, if a student ever has to yell to be heard, then the noise level is too high. Seat work should either be silent or at a low hum when working with one other person. Class discussions should be well maintained and courteous. I want to teach my students that whether they are debating or discussing a topic, it is important to have composure. Passion is what we strive for in education, but when individuals begin to yell they lose credibility.
How should students work with other students or move into cooperative groups?
Respect. Once again it comes down to respect. Every single student in my classroom should have a voice and feel like they are a part of our learning community. At the beginning of the year I will ask students what they believe is important in group work and how we can be respectful and cooperative in our groups. I will write down their responses on a large poster and have them all sign it. This will serve as a contract written by the students regarding how to treat one another during group work and discussion. When it comes to splitting into groups, I will pick the groups or I will have them just work within their cluster.
How will students be recognized to talk?
I plan on doing this the old fashioned way where I will have students raise their hand if they would like to speak. If I come up with a better way down the line, I am more than willing to switch it up.
How do students behave during presentations by a guest or by other students?
It is imperative that students attend class, even if it is not their day to present. Every student has value and my students will know that being respectful during a presentation means that everyone needs to be quiet, in their seats and looking at the presenter whether the presenter is a guest or classmate. Appropriate questions should be asked after the presentation has taken place.
What are students expected to bring to class, in order to be prepared?
I will be keeping the students’ journals in the class in folders designated for their individual use. All students need to bring is paper for notes, a pen or pencil for taking notes, finished homework and whatever book we are studying at the time. Most importantly they need to bring their bright and eager faces.
What happens when they arrive unprepared?
It may come to the point where if a student is consistently showing up unprepared, then I will have them keep paper and pencils in their journal folder so that it will always be readily available to them. My number one job is to provide a learning environment, not a punishing one.
How and when do students sharpen pencils?
Students may sharpen pencils when it is a respectful time.
How will students get materials or use special equipment?
Students will be told at specific times when they are to get specific materials and equipment. It will not be a mad rush, groups of students will be asked to get materials one at a time. Sometimes I will have volunteers help pass out materials.
How are students dismissed from class?
Students will work up until the bell rings at the end of the period. They may start to pack up at the bell and will leave courteously.