BLOG 7

Now it is time to complete blog number seven. Choose from the topics below. Remember, I am looking for connections between what you see in the field and what you have learned in the course. Please indicate the topic and write two-three paragraphs on the topic. 

• What are the school rules/classroom rules and how are they enforced?
• What are the procedures the teacher uses to make everything run smoothly in the class?

I tend to be a well organized and structured person.  For me classrooms where the teachers are well organized, is a place where students can focus on learning.  When children understand and know boundaries, have a work environment free of clutter, and where things run smoothly, will have a greater success in learning.  
I like the use of the microphone in the classroom.  The teachers can be heard and do not have to raise their voice to be understood.  This is a procedure where everyone benefits.  The teacher can speak in a regular voice, calm and slow, and the students are all able to hear the instruction.
In a first grade class, the teacher uses a cute phrase to bring the students focus back to her.  I have heard, "1 2 3, eyes on me" and the use of clapping a rhythm and having the students clap back.  This teacher, I observed, used the phrase, "Hocus Pocus" and the students replied with, "everybody focus".  I thought is was clever and would be fun to change the phrase to go along with the season. 
In this unit many different disciplinary tactics were presented.  I prefer the approach of positive reinforcement. I would like to have a program in place at the beginning of the year, and teach the children what is expected of them and what is acceptable in our classroom.  I know there isn't a perfect plan, but I would like to have a classroom where things run smoothly, most of the time. :O)