Welcome
to the
Online Learning Environment Portfolio of
Jenna B. Jenkins
Description of the Learning Environment
[Purpose of L. E.] [Theme] [Description of Learners] [Classroom Management]
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The main goal of this learning environment is for the kids to get a greater understand of the true facts of the solar system. Most of the kids have false ideas about space time travel, planets atmospheres', and orbits.
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The Great Solar System Adventure!
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Grade Level: 8th
In 4th grade, the GA QCC's (to name a few) calls for students to:
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After fourth grade, the solar system is not stressed again until eighth grade where the GA QCC's (to name a few) call for:
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From the above examples, you can see that by eighth grade, the students should have already been introduced to the topics being taught in this unit. I should be helping to correct misconceptions and build on their prior knowledge. My students also took a mandatory exploratory in seventh grade on uses of technology for school where they learned how to use programs like Power Point, MS Word, Inspiration, and MS Access.
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Classroom Management is a make or break event in the classroom. I think a teacher should open the first day of class with set standards. These standards should remain consistent throughout the entire year. The rules should be simple and few. Rewards and consequences should also take place. For example:
1.
Follow
directions the first time given
2.
Keep
hands, feet, and objects to yourself
3.
Be in
class on time with materials ready
4.
Respect
yourself, fellow classmates, and school officials
5.
Be ready
to learn at any time
1.
Verbal
praise
2.
Positive
notes
3.
Special
events (Fun Friday)
4.
Letter
home
5.
Stickers
1.
Verbal
warning
2.
Silent
lunch
3.
Isolation
4.
Letter
home
5.
Detention
6.
Office
referral
The
rules I have stated are common rules used in Lilburn Middle School in Gwinnett
County. They are simple, few, and
to the point. I should not have to
repeat myself three and four times. When
directions are given, they should be followed.
Rule number two is just plain mandatory.
No one has the right to physically bother another student.
Rule number three will be important because class needs to be well
managed, and if I supply the structure, they will be expected to follow it.
Rule number four is important because I have a very strong belief in
respect. I want my students to feel like they belong.
My classroom should be a place where they feel safe and loved.
The world today is cruel, and my classroom should feel like a home and a
safe haven. I will do my best to
create a positive and safe environment. Kids
should feel like they can speak freely and have what they say listened to.
I will not allow any harassment or name-calling.
Middle School can be such a turbulent time, and I want my room to help
raise ones self-esteem, not bring it down.
Lastly, rule number five, if follow will enable us to have a well run and
focused classroom.
Recently,
I have been reading Harry Wong’s book The
First Days of School. He
suggests that teachers start the first day with a seating chart. I think this is a good idea because the students will know
where they belong the first day. I
will also follow his suggestion and have an assignment on the board every
morning for the students to get on track first thing.
From my experience as a Gwinnett County sub, this is a good idea because
the kids usually come in and talk and goof off. If there is some sort of work on the board, the can start
their day off focused.
Fun
Friday is an idea I got from Coile Middle School.
I would like to see it instituted on my team.
The idea is the kids work hard to stay on task and behave to receive 30
minutes of supervised free time on Friday.
I think this idea gives the kids some initiative to do well all week so
they can get some time off for good behavior on Friday.
These are just a few of the ideas I have for my classroom.
When I get actual experience with my own room, I will be able to expand
this base model.
Wong, H. (1998).
The first days of school. Mountain
View, CA: Harry K. Wong
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To reach the site designer, please contact Jenna Jenkins.
This page was last updated on July 9, 2002
