Reflection

Section 4: Domain 2d: Managing Student Behavior

I plan to make use of a wide range of strategies when managing student behavior

in my future classroom. From the start of the school year, I will establish clear

expectations and model them for my students so that they understand what is expected of

them. I believe that students are more likely to behave when they are made aware of the

desired behavior and when these expectations are being continually reinforced in the

classroom. I plan to have the classroom expectations posted on the wall to serve as a

reminder for students. I will refer back to these and ask students questions to redirect

certain misbehaviors. For example, if one student is being disruptive while their

classmate is trying to speak, I may ask him/her what is our expectation for how we act

when others are speaking? This type of reminding language can help get a student back

on track without criticizing their behavior or making them feel embarrassed. When

addressing misbehaviors, I will first try to understand why a student is acting this way. I

believe that taking this into account will lead to a more thought out teacher response that

respects the student. I like Linda Alberts tip from her Cooperative Discipline model to

focus on the behavior rather than the student. This is an important thing that I plan to

always keep in mind throughout my teaching career. I will use redirection, reinforcement,

and intervention strategies as needed in the classroom.

Section 5: Establishing Relationships and Effective Communication with

Parents/Caregivers

I plan to establish strong positive relationships with students families from the

very beginning of the year. One way I plan on doing this is by sending out a letter at the
beginning of the year telling about myself and the goals that I have for the upcoming

school year. I will ask for each parent or caregiver to respond to the questions I have

asked in the letter, some of which may be about what their child is like, what some of

their goals are for their child, and any additional comments or questions that they may

have. Throughout the year, I will send out weekly newsletters that keep the parents or

caregivers in the loop about things going on in the classroom. I will always ask for

volunteers and try to get parents and families involved as much as possible in the

classroom. This may look like a parent helping out during snack time or even reading

aloud to the students. I also want to make sure that I am making a conscious effort to send

home happy notes to parents when a student does something really well. I think that too

often, parents are only contacted when there is something negative like a problem to be

addressed. I hope to have established a positive relationship with all of the families so

that if there is an issue that needs to be discussed, we will have a better foundation to

work from.