Common-Sense Classroom Management for Elementary School Teachers

Foreword by Christine Kadow Preface Acknowledgments About the Authors 1. Taking Care of Teacher Business Room Organization Teacher Desk Organization Planning Independent Activities While Teacher Works with Small Groups Reviewing Expectations Field Trips Making the Most of Your Paraprofessional Assistant 2. Creating a Positive Classroom Atmosphere Classroom Seating Decorating With Themes Classroom Monitors and Jobs Respect in Your Classroom Teaching Social Skills Ways to Include All Students in Classroom Participation Super Student of the Week Classroom Meetings Compliment Book Wall of Fame Tattling 3. Communicating With Parents Parent-Teacher Relationships Parent Conferences Using Email With Parents Using Cell Phones With Parentsl Classroom Newsletters 4. Helping Parents Teach Children Safe Internet Practices The Information Superhighway: Basic Information for Parents Limiting Children to Appropriate Internet Content More Tips for Safe Traveling Using the Internet for School Projects 5. Working With Diverse Student and Family Populations Working With Non-English-Speaking Students Making Non-English-Speaking Students Comfortable in Your Classroom Working With Non-English-Speaking Families Working With Family Members Who May Be Illiterate 6. Dealing With Personal Hygiene Issues Recognizing That a Problem Exists Talking to Your Class Talking With Parents Providing Personal Care at School Working With Support Staff 7. With-it-ness Teacher Behaviors Planning Ahead and Lesson Expectations If a Lesson Really Isn't Working Looks, Gestures, Posture, and Positioning in Room to Convey Expectations Demeanor and Actions During Lessons to Ensure Student Focus Modeling Expected Responses The Challenging Student 8. Transitioning One Subject to Another One Subject to Another: Moving Within the Room Moving for Group Learning Activities One Classroom to Another 9. Taking Care of Classroom Business Entering School Entering the Classroom Beginning the Day Absenteeism Homework Collection Failure to Do Homework Line Order Bathroom Procedure Drinks Pencil Sharpening Gum, Candy, and Other Forbidden Edibles Classroom Rules Indoor Recess Reentering the Classroom After Lunch and Recess Ending the Day 10. Integrating Into Your School Culture Becoming Part of the Team Teacher Buddies and Mentors To Socialize or Not to Socialize The Teachers' Room Ask for Help; Offer to Help Other Supports for New Teachers 11. Preparing Your Students for Standardized Testing Before the Test Testing Day After the Test Test-Taking Tips for Students 12. Organizational Time Desk Cleaning Supplies Mailboxes Non-School-Related Materials 13. Rewards Academic Rewards Extra Special Class Time Extra Art Time and Extra Gym Time Leisure Time Activities Lunch With the Teacher Good News Phone Calls Extra Classroom Chores Whole-Class Rewards Making Arrangements for Non-Reward Earners Stickers, Stamps, and Other Goodies Coupons Certificates Tokens and Play Money Edibles 14. Consequences Identifying Challenging Students Dealing with Mildly Challenging Behavior Working with Chronic, Highly Disruptive Behavior Suggested Readings Index