Collaborative – Page 9 – Classroom Management Toolbox

Witness Circle

November 27, 2018 by Nollmeyer, Gustave

Witness Circles are very similar to the idea of the Fishbowl tool, except it is a way to try and resolve larger group issues. The small inner circle consists of people that address the conflict, while the outer circle consists of observers; however, the smaller circle has an empty chair in it so that any of the observers can join in during the discussion. If the chair is occupied, the student sitting there will automatically speak next before returning to the outer circle (Smith, 2005).

Mailboxes

November 27, 2018 by Nollmeyer, Gustave

Mailboxes serve a very important role in the classroom setting when implemented correctly. Each student needs to have their own mailbox along with the teacher. The mailboxes can be personalized to have their name or can be listed off in numbers (which can be used as a grouping strategy). It also needs to be listed in the rules and procedures so students know how to use them.

Cluster Seating

November 27, 2018 by Nollmeyer, Gustave

Cluster seating is when students are seated in groups of 2-5 and facing each other. It is helpful because it allows students to interact with one another and easily work together.

Available & Awesome

November 27, 2018 by Nollmeyer, Gustave

This classroom management tool relieves the pressure off of students when getting into groups of two during paired activities. It also eliminates that awkward feeling a student can experience when not being able to find a partner.

Precorrection

November 27, 2018 by Nollmeyer, Gustave

Precorrection is a strategy that is used to prepare students before there is a situation that could create misbehavior. This tool is helpful because it tells the students what the desired behavior is before doing what they need to do.

Signal Interference

November 27, 2018 by Nollmeyer, Gustave

Signal Interference is a nonverbal Intervention that communicates that a behavior is not appropriate. It is helpful during instruction, because it lets the student who is misbehaving know that their behavior is not ok, yet it does not cause distraction to the rest of the class.

Making Rules Alongside Students

November 27, 2018 by Nollmeyer, Gustave

Developing rules alongside students is when teachers facilitate a conversation with and among the students to determine moral expectations for the classroom. This tool is helpful because it fosters student ownership in the classroom and responsibility among the students for their behaviors.

Vitto’s 7

November 27, 2018 by Nollmeyer, Gustave

Vitto’s 7 is a list of seven criteria to consider when measuring the outcomes of corrective measures. The overarching goal is that the behavior has been redirected to a more conducive and positive behavior. However, sometimes the outcomes are short-term results. By following the seven items outlined, long-term results building a student’s resiliency is more likely the result.

Plastic Fruit Groups

November 27, 2018 by Nollmeyer, Gustave

Using fruit groups is a great way to pair (no pun intended) students into partners or small groups.

Rules for Making Rules

November 27, 2018 by Nollmeyer, Gustave

Rules are important to have in a classroom, but even more important is how the rules are presented. They are meant to create the classroom environment, and are created for a moral reason. If they are positively phrased, purposeful, and conceptual, they will be much more effective.