After observing another grade level and another teacher at IF Cox I am able to contribute and add several more classroom management tips and strategies to my teaching toolbox. This grade 2 classroom set up was very conducive to group work. These grade 2's did not sit at individual desks but at 4 large, round tables. No students had assigned seating because throughout the day they are working in many different groups. Each table was equipped with a basket of common school supplies such as pencils and erasers. This allowed students to find their work space and begin working without struggling to find materials. Organization was key in this grade 2 classroom. Materials were ready when needed and instructions were clear. The flow of this classroom was exceptional. A few specific strategies I want to make note of are listed below.
1. Repetition of instructions
- after instructions were given for many students it was beneficial when the teacher repeated the instructions several times in sequential order. For my classroom I would reiterate step one and then call on one student to tell the class step 2 and another student for step 3 and so on.
2. Pre-made groups
- groups were already made before the lesson so when it was time to work the teacher assigned each group a work space, a group leader and read the list of the group members. Students were to immediately and silently move to their work space. The group leaders role was to gather the materials. This was very organized and I really liked the group leader idea- this way each group knows who is to collect the materials.
3. Time management
- It proved very helpful to tell students how much time they had to complete the assigned activity. It was also helpful to remind students how much time was remaining. For example a simple statement such as "Grade 2's we will be meeting back on the carpet in 2 minutes." "One more minute of brainstorming time." This allowed students to start wrapping up their last thoughts and finishing the conversations.
4. Countdown
- To regain attention or have students rejoin on the carpet the teacher used a countdown to gain attention. "Meet me on the carpet in 10, joining me in 9, eyes should be over here in 8, 7, 6..."
5. Simple Reminders: "Eyes on me"
- As the teacher cycled from group to group while they were working she used simple reminders to refocus students. One way of refocusing that I liked was how she refocused students with a question about what they should be doing rather than telling them what they aren't doing. Her circulation around the room was a major part of her classroom management.
Teaching Strategy
1. "Place mat brainstorming"
- students worked in groups to brainstorm about a topic. Each student was given a pencil and an area on a large sheet of paper. This way students could discuss together and also contribute ideas at the same time.
One thing I would like to try:
Work Zone meter: There would an assigned noise level for specific activities. Students would know what was appropriate noise level for working time. One level might be "No talking- Working alone." Another might be "Whispering- partner work." Another "Inside voices- group work." The highest level might be "Outside voices." There would be an arrow pointing to the appropriate noise level.