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Common-Sense Classroom Management for Elementary School Teachers
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Common-Sense Classroom Management for Elementary School Teachers

Second Edition


June 2006 | 152 pages | Corwin
'The organization and layout make it the perfect 'go-to' guide for virtually any problem. This book will revolutionize my management methods' - Amy M. Turkowski, Student Teacher, Clement Avenue School, Racine, WI

'It covers more practical information than I've seen compiled anywhere else' - Deborah Gordon, Math Teacher, K-6, Madison School District, Phoenix, AZ

'A great reference no matter how long you have taught' - Katina Keener, Second Grade Teacher, Gloucester County Schools, VA

This revised edition of the authors' best-selling Common-Sense Classroom Management for teachers in K-6 classrooms will be an indispensable resource for new and veteran teachers, as well as their mentors, trainers, and supervisors.

Covering more than 70 best practices for managing the typical school day, the authors use a straightforward format that features five steps or fewer for each strategy, with icons highlighting strategies that have been customized for the youngest learners and for special learners in the inclusive classroom.

With cartoons, resources, and illustrations, this guide will ensure that every school day includes humor and common sense.

 
Foreword by Christine Kadow
 
Preface
 
Acknowledgments
 
About the Authors
 
1. Taking Care of Teacher Business
Room Organization

 
Teacher Desk Organization

 
Planning

 
Independent Activities While Teacher Works with Small Groups

 
Reviewing Expectations

 
Field Trips

 
Making the Most of Your Paraprofessional Assistant

 
 
2. Creating a Positive Classroom Atmosphere
Classroom Seating

 
Decorating With Themes

 
Classroom Monitors and Jobs

 
Respect in Your Classroom

 
Teaching Social Skills

 
Ways to Include All Students in Classroom Participation

 
Super Student of the Week

 
Classroom Meetings

 
Compliment Book

 
Wall of Fame

 
Tattling

 
 
3. Communicating With Parents
Parent-Teacher Relationships

 
Parent Conferences

 
Using Email With Parents

 
Using Cell Phones With Parentsl

 
Classroom Newsletters

 
 
4. Helping Parents Teach Children Safe Internet Practices
The Information Superhighway: Basic Information for Parents

 
Limiting Children to Appropriate Internet Content

 
More Tips for Safe Traveling

 
Using the Internet for School Projects

 
 
5. Working With Diverse Student and Family Populations
Working With Non-English-Speaking Students

 
Making Non-English-Speaking Students Comfortable in Your Classroom

 
Working With Non-English-Speaking Families

 
Working With Family Members Who May Be Illiterate

 
 
6. Dealing With Personal Hygiene Issues
Recognizing That a Problem Exists

 
Talking to Your Class

 
Talking With Parents

 
Providing Personal Care at School

 
Working With Support Staff

 
 
7. With-it-ness
Teacher Behaviors

 
Planning Ahead and Lesson Expectations

 
If a Lesson Really Isn’t Working

 
Looks, Gestures, Posture, and Positioning in Room to Convey Expectations

 
Demeanor and Actions During Lessons to Ensure Student Focus

 
Modeling Expected Responses

 
The Challenging Student

 
 
8. Transitioning
One Subject to Another

 
One Subject to Another: Moving Within the Room

 
Moving for Group Learning Activities

 
One Classroom to Another

 
 
9. Taking Care of Classroom Business
Entering School

 
Entering the Classroom

 
Beginning the Day

 
Absenteeism

 
Homework Collection

 
Failure to Do Homework

 
Line Order

 
Bathroom Procedure

 
Drinks

 
Pencil Sharpening

 
Gum, Candy, and Other Forbidden Edibles

 
Classroom Rules

 
Indoor Recess

 
Reentering the Classroom After Lunch and Recess

 
Ending the Day

 
 
10. Integrating Into Your School Culture
Becoming Part of the Team

 
Teacher Buddies and Mentors

 
To Socialize or Not to Socialize

 
The Teachers' Room

 
Ask for Help; Offer to Help

 
Other Supports for New Teachers

 
 
11. Preparing Your Students for Standardized Testing
Before the Test

 
Testing Day

 
After the Test

 
Test-Taking Tips for Students

 
 
12. Organizational Time
Desk Cleaning

 
Supplies

 
Mailboxes

 
Non-School-Related Materials

 
 
13. Rewards
Academic Rewards

 
Extra Special Class Time

 
Extra Art Time and Extra Gym Time

 
Leisure Time Activities

 
Lunch With the Teacher

 
Good News Phone Calls

 
Extra Classroom Chores

 
Whole-Class Rewards

 
Making Arrangements for Non-Reward Earners

 
Stickers, Stamps, and Other Goodies

 
Coupons

 
Certificates

 
Tokens and Play Money

 
Edibles

 
 
14. Consequences
Identifying Challenging Students

 
Dealing with Mildly Challenging Behavior

 
Working with Chronic, Highly Disruptive Behavior

 
Suggested Readings

 
Index

 

"The new chapters and strategies really bring the book up-to-date by addressing timely classroom issues such as safe Internet practices and standardized testing . . . the organization and layout make it the perfect 'go-to' guide for virtually and problem. This book will revolutionize my management methods."

Amy M. Turkowski, Student Teacher
Clement Avenue School, Racine, WI

"This book proves you can teach an old dog new tricks. I have been teaching for 16 years, yet the students and classroom settings are changing, and new issues constantly surface. An effective teacher must recognize this and find ways to adapt. (This book) offers insights into a number of current educational issues such as safe Internet practices, standardized testing, and increased parental involvement. New teachers will find it to be indispensable!"

Dave French, Teacher
Clement Avenue School, Racine, WI

"This book can help take place of an actual mentor teacher, especially since so many primary schools don't have funding for these positions anymore...it covers more practical information than I've seen compiled anywhere else."

Deborah Gordon
Math Teacher, K-6, Madison School District, Phoenix, AZ

"Suited to all educators and a great reference no matter how long you have taught."

Katina Keener
Second Grade Teacher, Gloucester County Schools, Gloucester, VA

"This book addresses some very difficult subjects for inexperienced teachers. It is written in a clear, clean, and concise format which new and busy teachers could use in piecemeal segments as they progress through the year."

Thomas Kelchner
Department Head for K-12 Art Education, Williamsport Area School District, Williamsport, PA

"I believe that this book will be read by many, and should be used in college education classes to better prepare student teachers for classroom management challenges."

Katie Keier
First Grade Teacher, Roanoke City Schools, Blacksburg, VA

"I believe the authors provide an important service to new teachers by addressing several topics that usually aren't mentioned in teacher resource materials, such as helping parents teach children safe internet practices, dealing with personal hygeine issues, and integrating into school culture."

Steven Reifman
Classroom Teacher, Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District, Santa Monica, CA

Praise for the First Edition: "Wow! What a book! What a joy to read! Applying as many of these strategies as possible to your classroom management plan will result in a much easier and more successful year."

NSTA Recommends, April 2002

Sample Materials & Chapters

Foreword

Preface

Chapter 1


For instructors

Please contact your Academic Consultant to check inspection copy availability for your course.

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