Creating a safe, but stimulating environment is key to a strong learning environment. Classroom management will start with the condition of the classroom. The classroom will be kept clean and freshly painted, with muted colors to avoid distractions. It will be decorated with words of wisdom and encouragement, and posters of prominent authors will hang along the sides — Shakespeare will have a prominent position, of course. The front of the class will be focused on the whiteboard, with little else to distract from the lesson.
The desks will grouped together for interaction and group activities. Placement of desks will encourage sharing of ideas and experiences. The negative space will allow for a flow of people when students need to move and a flow of energy when they are working. Students need to be able to enjoy each others facial expressions and body language. The ability to read their peers’ expressions will be a life lesson, useful for entry into the work force and in personal relationships.
To the side of the entry, will be a book rack of literary classics and other novels, that will be available for checkout. The rack will be a reminder of the benefits of being well read. Extra credit will be offered for those who choose classic titles. A reading nook will occupy a corner of the room, perhaps with a bean bag chair and lots of pillows. Good lighting will be provided to make the nook homey and welcoming. The reading spot can serve as an informal gathering place as well.
The teaching style will be informal, but expectations high. The teacher will establish order immediately, by introducing parents and students to classroom rules and policies via email even before school starts. The rules, policies and consequences will be explained on the first day of class and will be available in whatever form necessary to get through to the students. An informal style will not allow for chaos in the classroom. Students will be responsible for helping — and correcting — each other, just as they would be expected in the workplace.
Creativity, critical thinking, and an open forum for opinions will be encouraged, allowing for growth and interaction.
Positive reinforcement will be plentiful. The intention will be to create a fruitful, energetic, creative atmosphere that encourages robust participation, rather than focusing on misbehavior. Students who misbehave or lack motivation will be dealt with privately, and will be offered the opportunity to participate in the corrective actions taken. Students will learn responsibility by being encouraged to develop self-discipline.
Students will be given the skills and tools necessary to be motivated. Motivation however must come from the student themselves. As an instructor, I believe setting the stage for success is the primary goal.
