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Hi. This is the video for Module 9.
The topic is Classroom Management.
And when we think about classroom management we tend to think about behavior management,
which is of course, part of it.
But really, it’s so much more than that.
I think of classroom management as a way to structure the environment that maximizes academic
learning and social development.
Of course, like I said, behavior management is a big part of that, but there’s more
to it also.
Many teachers, especially new teachers, struggle with classroom management.
And still, I find it challenging in certain situations, so that’s very normal.
The type of classroom management needed really depends on the situation.
We have individual students, student interactions with each other, student-teacher interactions,
the placement type, if there’s other issues going on…
So, it’s impossible to say how you should manage your classroom.
The most important thing is that it works for you and your students.
So, like I said, it’s impossible to tell you exactly what to do, but I want to share
with you some tips that have been helpful for me, that I’ve learned personally.
And I hope they’re helpful for you, but there’s so many resources out there online
and in print, so definitely some places to go for ideas.
I can’t emphasize enough that it just has to work for you and yoru students, and it’s
going to vary between classrooms.
Just because something worked great one year, doesn’t mean it’s going to work great
the next.
So, be open to change.
Be open to ideas.
Definitely be open to collaboration and getting ideas from you know… that student’s teacher
last year, or another special education teacher.
Just be open to trying new things.
OK, So some helpful, hopefully… tips
If you are having some troble finding your place as far as how firm you need to be with
the students, it’s so much easier to start firm and lighten up a little bit, so keep
that in mind.
Keep the tangible treats to a minimum, not only candy, but mostly candy, keep that to
a minimum of course.
But try to think of some other things you can use to motivate your students.
I really struggle with this.
I currently and in the past have worked with many students who have had very little, especially
at home, and with the best intentions I tried to buy things, I wanted them to have things.
It really became hard to expect them to work without getting those things.
Some other ideas are free time, lunch with the teacher, classroom coupons.
In my self-contained class, we have a money system. It’s just that fake, plastic money.
They earn it and they keep it in their own piggy banks.
At the end of the month, they count it up and they can order from a local fast food
restaurant, and then I go pick it up.
They have to use the menu, look, see how much it costs, see how much they earned see if
they have enough for ice cream or whatever.
It works really well and it’s really fun, and it’s kind of that link between tangible
and non-tangible.
If it’s something they’re really struggling with, I can give the money more generously.
if it’s something they should be able to do, maybe then they have to get five answers
right to get a quarter.
But, if it’s something really new, they might earn a nickel just for responding.
Really a lot of flexibility in how they earn it, but they like that.
They like to see the money and then - a lot of other skills involved with Math, functional,
ordering, things like that.
So, as I said before, the most important thing is just to remember to do what works.
Don’t be afraid to collaborate with others, don’t be afraid to ask for help.
If you’re not seeing a behavior issue improve, definitely get with the psychologist.
See if they think a BIP might be appropriate, or if they just have some better ideas, OR
different ideas as to how to face a certain problem.
Again, one of those things, one of those skills that improve greatly with time and experience
and practice.
Don’t get too stressed about it, but start firm and lighten up later!