Classroom Structure and Climate

 

 

   Prior to my arrivement, my T.A. had a fantastic classroom structure and climate well established which was amazing to observe, the students had a classroom contract that was led by the teacher but created by the students in the classroom. Prior to beginning my PS1 practicum, I hadn’t had many ideas of classroom managements to use, but thanks to my T.A. who had many great ideas, from using chimes to get their attention, to using a countdown method, to also using songs with clapping and stomping to help the students calm down, relax and refocus. As I started teaching I began to use all of these great classroom managements, such as using the chimes, waiting for students to stop talking before I began talking, implement the idea of respecting the class when a student is speaking by paying attention by quietly listening with their ears and eyes.

   Throughout my PS1 practicum my most important goal was to establish great personal relationships with the students by showing interests in their lives and their likes and dislikes, by greeting every single one in the morning with a big smile and high five, this helped me gain their trust and respect which helped with creating fun and engaging lessons for all the students.

 

   PS1 Practicum was a great experience and I have learned a lot about classroom management, but the most important thing that I have learned is that you will never be perfect at it, and you will continuously be adjusting your skills throughout the entire career.