How to Make a Classroom Management PlanTwo Methods:Making a
PlanSample Management PlanStudents need to feel comfortable and
safe in order to learn most effectively. All educators need to
manage their classrooms in such a way that they create this sort of
environment. Whether you teach preschool, elementary, high school,
or college, knowing how to make a classroom management plan will
help you be intentional in the rules and structure of your
classroom.AdStepsMaking a Plan 1. 1Understand what a classroom
management plan is used for. A classroom management plan is
designed to help you get and maintain control of the classroom. It
helps teachers know how to deal with unwanted behavior such as
showing up late, a rude attitude, or incomplete assignments. By
thinking these things through in advance, you will be better able
to respond in these situations instead of responding in the heat of
the moment. Ad2.
2Write it down. For each of the following sections, write your
answers. Be as specific and detailed as possible. Format it in a
way that makes sense to you and that you'll have the easiest time
in following it. 3. 3Determine your philosophy. Many classroom
management plans begin with the teacher's philosophy of motivation.
Behaviorist theories of motivation are based on the ideas of
psychologist B.F. Skinner. His theory revolves around the idea of
reinforcement for behavior that you would like to be repeated and
punishment for negative or unwanted behavior. Cognitive theories of
motivation focus on beliefs and attitudes. In the classroom
setting, teachers can manage the classroom by understanding what
motivates students to do well, helping them identify their learning
goals, interacting with students in a positive manner, and breaking
down obstacles to learning. Humanistic theories of motivation are
based on the teachings of Abraham Maslow. He believed that each
person inherently wants to grow and reach the next level. His
hierarchy of needs represents the different levels available for
each person to achieve: physiological, safety and security, love
and belonging, esteem, and self-actualization.
4Incorporate school policies and procedures that are aligned to
the PBIS Plan. Build off these and incorporate your own policies,
procedures and rules to create a positive classroom environment for
your students.
5Consider preventative methods of classroom management.
Classroom management is not just about punishing students who
behave poorly. It is also about practicing preventative measures
that help you get control of a classroom before someone misbehaves.
Set the tone on the first day of class. Start building
relationships with your students by being friendly and getting to
know each other. Share the rules and consequences so they know up
front how you expect them to behave. Create a positive classroom
environment. Encourage students to participate and acknowledge
their contributions. Treat one another with respect. Utilize a
variety of teaching methods. Students learn in different ways. Use
a mixture of lecture, small groups, activities, games, and
multimedia. Set your procedures and routines within the first two
weeks. Review these when needed especially after Winter and Spring
Break. Stick to a routine. This lets students know what to expect
each day in class. While moving away from the routine periodically
can be effective for special days, doing it often causes students
to be unprepared.
6Define classroom rules. It is important that you follow these
rules, too. Set the example for students and let them know they can
trust you to keep your word. List these in your plan. Focus on some
themes or big ideas. For example, respect and integrity are common
values in classroom settings. Get specific. Big themes are helpful,
but only if they are translated into specific behaviors. For
example, respect can be demonstrated through showing up on time,
not interrupting others, keeping cell phones and other electronic
devices put away, and paying attention. Create the rules together.
At the very least, explain your rules and then discuss them with
your class. This allows them to contribute and gives them some
ownership of the class.
7Explain consequences for breaking those rules. Communicate
consequences up front so students know what to expect when they
behave inappropriately. These can be explained the first day of
class, put on a poster in the classroom, or included in the course
syllabus. Be as specific as possible. Then be sure to follow
through.
8Write a contract explaining your rules, consequences, rewards,
procedures and expectations to the students and the parents. Have
the parents sign and return a copy of this contract stating that
they understand and have read the contract.
Sample Classroom Management Plan
The following classroom management plan details every aspect of
my philosophy, rules, and expectations for my English 10 class. I
will use this management plan as a guide throughout the year in
order to help me make decisions, plan lessons, and work with
students.
Classroom PhilosophyMy personal philosophy when it comes to
education and learning is closely related to several cognitive
theories of motivation. I believe that what goes on the classroom
is my responsibility, and, by working with students, all of us can
create an ideal environment for education, safety, understanding,
and even fun. By keeping things positive, I believe that students
will end up learning more and getting more out of each and every
lesson.I know that all students want to succeed at some level. By
working with each student individually, I can learn what they want
to achieve and help to point them in the right direction. If their
goals fall short of expectations, I will figure out why they are
setting low goals, and work with them to meet those goals and set
new ones.By treating each student with respect, and by trying to
understand each of them on at least some level, I believe that I
will be able to better communicate with them. Opening up a positive
dialogue that encourages thoughtful interactions will lead to
greater understanding and motivation in the classroom. While I
realize that some form of punishment may be needed if a student
continually acts out in class, I would much rather understand why
they are acting out in the first place and work with them to
correct the problem before things get worse.I plan to follow these
principles in order to create a classroom environment that fosters
learning, respect, and civility.
School Policies and ProceduresWhile I have my own specific set
of guidelines, preventative measures, and rules for my class, I
will defer to school policy in most situations. I have made sure my
management plan adheres with school policy, and I have adapted
several school regulations into my philosophy and rule list.
Preventative Measures1. Share rules up front: Students should
not be held accountable for breaking rules or doing things wrong
that were not explained to them. On the first day of class, and
periodically throughout the year, I will review my set of
expectations for behavior, learning, and more. While these are not
necessarily strict rules that much always be followed, I need to
make students aware of my expectations in order to point out when
they are doing something I am not okay with.2. Treat students with
respect: I will treat my students as adults, and I will show my
respect by speaking to them as I would like them to speak to me. If
a student behaves in a way that does not earn them my respect, I
will attempt to work with them to correct the problem.3. Create a
positive environment: The lesson plans, homework assignments, and
even exams must work together to create a positive experience that
students will want to take part in. I will design each aspect of my
lessons to foster an environment where education and learning come
first, while trying to keep things as fun and interesting as
possible.4. Use various teaching methods: Everyone, myself
included, will become bored and frustrated if the format of every
class is the same. That is why I plan to mix things up by
incorporating various forms of education, as well as different
types of assignments and projects.5. Encourage participation: By
keeping students engaged in each lesson, I can keep them focused on
the material while allowing them to communicate with me and their
peers. I plan to include several sections in each lesson that
revolve around classroom participation.Classroom Rules and
Regulations1. Respect opinions: Although thoughtful discussions and
disagreements are encouraged, all students need to respect the
opinions of their peers. There will be no name-calling or
belittling due to a difference of opinions. Calm and rational
discussion is encouraged, but making fun of someone or making them
feel bad for their beliefs will not be tolerated.2. Always be
honest: This applies for a number of situation. For example, if you
dont complete your homework, dont resort to copying or turning in
someone elses work. Being honest with me will be best for
everyone.3. No cheating: I expect all students to turn in work that
is their own, with the exception of collaborative group projects.4.
Keep focus on the lesson: Unless stated otherwise during the class
period, the immediate focus and goal should be on the days lesson
plan. Keep phones and other devices off and away during class time.
5. Show up on time: Tardiness will be excused in special
circumstances, but it should never be a regular occurrence. It is
disruptive to the students who do arrive on time, and you can miss
vital information if you are not present at the beginning of
class.6. Make up work in a timely manner: Opportunities to make up
work will be discussed on an individual basis, but I expect work to
be turned in soon after a student returns after being sick or on
vacation. I encourage you to come to me to work out the details any
time you will be away for an extended period of time.Rule
ConsequencesThe above list represents the rules that I expect all
of my students to follow. The first time any of these rules are
broken, there will be a warning. The second time a rule is broken,
I will have a personal meeting with the student before or after
class. The third time a student breaks the same rule, I will
involve outside parties, such as the principal, counselors, and
possibly the students parents.
ContractDear English 10 Students and Parents,The above document
reflects my personal classroom management plan for the upcoming
year of English 10. I am sharing this document with you in order to
provide you with some insight into my expectations and goals for
the class. While this document was created by me independently, it
is representative of the overall policies of the school and is
similar to the plans of several of my fellow teachers.I would like
you to know that these rules and guidelines are not set in stone. I
believe that education is a collaborative process, and I would love
to have your input. After you read this document, I ask that you
sign this contract, stating that you understand and agree to this
plan. If you have questions, concerns, or comments, please bring
them to my attention immediately. Thank you for your time, and I
look forward to the coming year of English 10!
Sincerely,Phil Coulson
Student Signature________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature________________________________
Parent/Guardian Signature
