Elizabeth Ramsey

Educ 330

Classroom Management Plan

Beliefs About Classroom Environment

When I think about the classroom environment, I want my eighth-grade class to have, I think of

one that makes my students feel safe, both physically and emotionally. I want my students to feel

comfortable expressing their feelings and discussing their needs. If a young lady needs feminine

hygiene products, I want her to know that I’ve got her back. If a young man feels overwhelmed

with a situation with a friend, I want him to know I have his back too.

I feel that developing personal relationships with our students goes a long way in classroom

management. A classroom needs to have a foundation of mutual respect. I feel that students

should be met with praise for both behavior and their hard work on assignments.

Students also need to know how they are doing and should receive feedback as quickly as

possible to encourage positive outcomes. Our students need opportunities to demonstrate success

even if that means they need to redo an assignment. After all, if at first you don’t succeed, try,

and try again.

While praising positive behaviors can go a long way to curve negative behaviors, ultimately,

they will occur. When unwanted behaviors do occur, I feel it is important to follow any school

guidelines regarding behavior. I also feel it is important to be consistent, fair, and unbiased with

any consequences while also considering the student’s personal situation. I also feel that the

consequences should mirror the negative behavior whenever possible. What that means is that if
a student draws on a desk the consequence should be to clean the desks. It is also important that

no bias occurs within the punishment system. If one child gets in trouble for chewing gum, they

all do.

Support From Theorists/Researchers

Managing classroom behavior is a source of stress for a lot of teachers. When you look at the

work of theorist such as B. F. Skinner you begin to see that rewarding positive behavior while

punishing poor behavior, also known as Operant Conditioning, we may find the key to success.

While Skinner’s work was based on Thordike’s law of effect, he is widely regarded as the father

of Operant Conditioning which according to McLeod states “behavior that is followed by

pleasant consequences is likely to be repeated, and behavior followed by unpleasant

consequences is less likely to be repeated” (2018). Based on the theory of operant conditioning it

is imperative that we provide students with positive feedback consistently while also remaining

consistent in consequences for poor behavior choices.

Choice Theory of Behavior Management was developed by William Glassner and introduced in

1996. It is based on the idea that we all need to feel loved and like we belong. Our personal

relationships allow us to feel a certain closeness and connectedness with other people. How we

behave is a choice that each of us can control. As people we want to feel satisfied and seek out

an environment where we feel nurtured. By building relationships with our students, we can

model good behavior choices allowing students to learn through our examples. Relationships

with our students are not the only relationships that we need to focus on. We also need to focus

on peer relationships within our classroom. According to hrf.org Glassner suggests that “By

forming alliances with individuals who have a similar or shared vision, it becomes possible to

pursue common goals. This allows for collaborative work to be achieved” (2023). Building
relationships and providing our students with fair consistent feedback, whether good or bad,

allows us to maintain a positive classroom environment.

Letter of Introduction to Students

Dear 8th Grade Superstars,

Welcome to 8th grade science! This year you guys get to rule this school! Just remember,

with great power comes great responsibility. Our younger students are looking up to you and you

guys are setting the example. Let’s make sure that example is a good one! This year will be your

last year in middle school and my goal is to make sure we have a fun-filled year where we not

only learn together but build memories too!

This year we will be learning a lot of new concepts, but don’t worry guys, we are in this together.

We will work together to set goals both as a class and individually. We will also work hard to

make sure that each one of you reaches and exceeds those same goals.

On the first day of school, we will review the class rules as well as rules to follow when we

perform labs and a list of consequences. Our classroom will be one where respect is mutually

given, and positivity is shared freely. We will work hard to make sure everyone feels welcome

and valued. Guys, that means that we all enter the classroom with kindness and learning in mind.

Now, to tell you a little about myself. My name is Mrs. Ramsey, and my classroom is located on

the first floor in room number 115 and my name is on the right-hand side of the door. Outside of

school I love the outdoors and spending time with my family. I have not been teaching for a long

time, but I absolutely love it and cannot wait to help you guys learn!
I look forward to getting to know each one of you this year.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Ramsey

Letter of Introduction to Families

Dear Parents or Guardians,

My name is Mrs. Ramsey, and I will be teaching your kiddo this year. This year will be my first-

year teaching, but do not let that worry you. It just means that I am coming to the school with

fresh new ideas to help your students achieve success in all subject areas. I will be working with

each student to set academic goals and I will help them to achieve success. I also hope to include

you in the process. I firmly believe that frequent communication with parents is vital to student

success.

This year your child will be working on scientific concepts where they will learn about

ecosystems, biospheres, and even about the solar system. Many of our lessons will involve

hands-on learning where students not only learn science, but they do science. My goal is that ½

of our class work will revolve around scientific discovery and inquiry.

In order to achieve academic goals, it is important that our students understand that attendance is

important. They cannot learn new concepts if they are missing, and hands-on activities are very

difficult to make up. It is also important that our students understand that positive behavior

allows us to get through our lesson and is important to safety during lab work. I will be working

with students on the first day of school to ensure they understand the class rules and routine. You

will receive a copy of my syllabus to sign and return by the end of the first week. If you have any
questions or input, please feel free to reach out to me. After all, your child is in my classroom,

and we are working together to help them progress.

Thank you,

Elizabeth Ramsey

Arrival/Dismissal Procedures

When students arrive each morning, they will place their coats and bookbags into their locker.

They will then place any completed homework in the turn in bin. While roll is taken they will be

tasked with working on a bell ringer. The bell ringers will primarily be questions of the day that

will help me get to know them better. Our bell ringers will be placed on a paper that is divided

into 6 sections. The sixth section will be used for a joke of the week. Each week the student will

have the option to write a joke. If the joke makes me laugh, they will receive extra credit on their

lowest assignment. Just writing the joke will earn you 2 extra credit points, making me chuckle

will earn you 4 extra credit points, and a full laugh will earn you 5 extra credit points.

At the end of each day students are responsible for turning in assignments to their periods turn in

bin. Students will then promptly exit the classroom so the next class can enter. My students in

the final class of the day will then place their chairs on their desks to help the janitor out.

Tardy/Absence Procedure

When students are tardy or absent their work will be placed in the make-up work folder for their

class period. I will work with them to get any make-up work completed through the school day

when they return to school. I personally do not feel that sending work home is ok because

families need that time together, but if a student needs extra time on an assignment they may
bring work home with them. If a student misses more than two days some work may need to be

sent home to be completed.

Homework Procedure

I feel that students need time to be children. That time is when they are home with their families.

The only work that students may need to complete outside of school are projects for science fairs

and these are optional assignments that are not required for every student.

Procedures for Getting Student’s Attention/Getting Teacher’s Attention

When the classroom gets too loud or too rowdy an attention getter may become necessary. I

think a great way to get my students’ attention will be to set up a procedure to sing chorally with

them. One option would be to sing “chicken wing, chicken wing” while students respond with

“hot dog and bologna, chicken and macaroni, chillin’ with my homies.” Another option would be

to have them respond to “class, class” with “yes, yes” in the same tone and dialect. This is a

procedure that you would have to thoroughly explain and demonstrate several times.

If I'm helping another student and a student needs to get my attention, raising their hands should

always be the first option. If that does not work or they cannot wait because it's an emergency I

will have them clap two times to get my attention. If I'm at my desk and grading papers when a

student needs my attention, I'm perfectly OK with the student coming to my desk for help.

Lining Up / Hallway / Restroom Procedures

will be responsible for leading the remainder of the class to our destination. Because we were in

8th grade, I do not feel it should be necessary to do cute little gimmicks like fingers on her lips

and hands on her hips because students should know to keep their hands to themselves and

remain quiet in the hallway. This is an expectation that will be discussed at the beginning of the

school year and students will have consequences if they run through the hallway or break the

rules. While students are in the hallway, they are expected to walk single file and remain on the

right side of the hallway. Students are to walk and not run.

When students need to use the restroom, they will sign out and take the hall pass with them. Only

one student will be allowed out of the classroom at a time unless there is an emergency. I will

also limit bathroom breaks for each student to two per week unless there is a physician’s order

on file in the office. Our class period is 40 minutes and students may use the restroom between

classes.

Bullying Procedures for Student as victim and as Bystander

Bullying will have no place in my classroom. When discussing bullying with my students I will

let them know that bullying is written, verbal, or physical acts intended to hurt someone else.

Bullying is not just hitting or pushing someone but is also behavior that is intended to make

someone feel bad about themselves or to hurt their feelings.

If a student is a victim of bullying, I would want them to come talk to me so that we could

address the behavior. I would do my best to make sure that the bully is kept away from the

student (not going to the bathroom together, separate tables at lunch, different groups during
small group activities). I would also have the student speak with the school counselor to ensure

the bullying is documented.

When receiving second-hand information about a bullying situation it is important to gather all

the facts. That means speaking with the student who you're told is being bullied and any other

students that may have been witnesses. You must remember that a lot of times students will tattle

and there is a difference in tattling and helping. Tattling is to get another person in trouble while

helping is to get a person out of trouble. Once you have determined that the student is helping

and not tattling it is important to have that student, and any other students involved, speak with

the counselor or an administrator to ensure any incidents are documented.

Classroom Rules / Discipline

In my classroom we will review rules on the first day of school as a group. The rules are simple:

Be Respectful, Be Responsible, Be Safe. Students will be asked to define what these rules mean

to them. Students tend to follow rules best when they have a solid understanding of them.

Students also need to understand that they are to clean up their messes, always respect others and

our classroom supplies, and they are to always give their best effort.

In my classroom I feel that consequences should match the negative behavior. That means when

students make poor choices in behavior the consequence matches the behavior. So, if a student

draws on my desk the consequence would be they would be cleaning the desks. If a student

throws paper on the floor their punishment would be sweeping the floor. In this way we show

our students that actions have consequences including negative actions.

I feel that positive behavior also deserves a positive reward. Because my classroom will be

divided into collaborative groups, I think Jolly Rancher Wars would be a great incentive. The
rules of Jolly Rancher Wars are easy. When students are caught behaving their group earns

points. At the end of the week whichever group has the most points get Jolly Ranchers. If groups

are tied, they both receive Jolly Ranchers. On an individual level rewarding good behavior is

also necessary. I think a great reward for 8th graders with good behavior are things like

assignment passes. These are passes that students can use to skip an assignment and do

something like reading or coloring or another silent activity.

Philosophy of Education Image

Detailed List of Specific Items to be Accomplished Before the First Day of School

 Gather and organize supplies.

 Prepare student name tags. 4 sets.

 Create a seating chart and make blank copies for later use.

 Label desks with student name tags.

 Decorate bulletin boards with welcome message.

 Choose a classroom theme and decorate.

 Label student cubbies with name tags.

 Organize reading corner / library.

 Make sure that my substitute folder includes the current roll sheets.

 Create an emergency folder that includes a roll sheet, and list of procedures for

emergencies for substitute.

 Organize work bins so that they make sense including turn in bin, folder bin, late work

bin, and blank paper bin.

 Review student folders and make a list of IEP needs

First Day of School

The first day of school can be a busy one for both students and teachers. While I am

completing my tasks, my 8th graders will be given the task of answering an about me

questionnaire. It will include questions about what they prefer to be called, their birthday,

and a lot of other information. They will be able to self-report their favorite subjects, what

they feel is their hardest subject, and even what type of books they like to read. This is a

great task that serves a dual purpose. It allows me to get to know my students, and to

complete my first day tasks.

energy gets met, so we need to be bright, bubbly, and energetic. Choice is also important, so I

feel students should have some say in how they are met each morning. I plan to have a chart

of options at my door for my students. They can be met with a high five or fist bump, a hug,

or we can dance our way into class. Some mornings may be a little hard, so students should

also be given the option to skip the morning greeting by choosing a pass. After all, this is 8th

grade and hormones are coming into play.

Classroom procedures are important and should be treated as such. While telling students

about procedures is important it is also important to practice them. I feel this is also a great

time to assert yourself in a non-threatening way as well. This can be done by practicing the

same procedure until everyone participates. So, if you choose to use the class, class attention

getter, practice it until every student repeats yes, yes. In this way you are showing your

student that every student’s attention is important and so is what you have to say. If some

students aren’t responding just simply say “once we get the entire class to participate, we can

move on.” Students need to know that you mean what you say.

When it comes to classroom rules, I feel that students need to have some input. We will

discuss what the class rules mean to us as a class. I will ask the students for input and write

their suggestions on the board. We will then discuss the rule as a group and decide if we need

to add it to our class rules. Once we develop our class list it, each student will sign the rules

sheet and it will be displayed in the classroom. By asking students to sign the rules we are

making sure they know they are acknowledging the rules and their willingness to follow

them. After we create our rules, students will be asked what they think consequences should
be for breaking the class rules. Once we agree on 3-5 the same process will be followed.

Students will sign the list and it will be displayed in the classroom.

The agenda for 8th grade will be as follows:

8:00 AM to 8:50 AM- First Period. Students eat breakfast until 8:15

8:53 AM to 9:35 AM- Second Period.

9:38 AM to 10:18AM- Third Period.

10:21 AM to 11:03 AM- Fourth Period.

11:06 AM to 11:48 AM- Fifth Period.

11:48 AM to 12:20PM- Lunch.

12:20 PM to 1:02pm- Sixth Period.

1:05 PM to 1:47PM- Seventh Period.

1:50 PM to 2:32 PM- Eighth Period.

2:35 PM to 3:17 PM- Ninth Period.

2:15 PM to 2:30 PM- end of the day procedures.

Mcleod], [Saul. “[Skinner - Operant Conditioning].” Study Guides for Psychology Students -

Simply Psychology, 1 Jan. 1970, https://www.simplypsychology.org/operant-

conditioning.html.

“William Glasser Choice Theory of Behaviour Management Explained.” HRF, 17 Jan. 2017,

https://healthresearchfunding.org/william-glasser-choice-theory-of-behaviour-

management-explained/.