Common-Sense Classroom Management for Elementary School Teachers

by April M Swick

Overview

Through humor, drawings, and a conversational narrative voice, veteran educators Jill A. Lindberg and April M. Swick offer new teachers, teacher trainers, and mentor teachers this comprehensive collection of easy-to-implement classroom management strategies ready for use in a variety of classroom settings. Taking a nuts-and-bolts approach, this revised and updated second edition expands the original reader-friendly bestseller featuring invaluable, quick-reference insights into the most common issues and concerns faced by all teachers.

Special highlights include:

• More than 70 classroom strategies that need five steps or fewer
• Proven tactics for working with diverse learners in inclusive classrooms
• "IDEA" sections throughout that customize strategies for learners with special needs
• "Light Bulb" sections that highlight strategies for K-1 students

New to this edition are practical techniques for successfully managing standardized testing, Internet safety, e-mail and cell phones, classroom hygiene, parent-teacher relationships, and more!

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781412917216
Publisher:	SAGE Publications
Publication date:	04/05/2006
Edition description:	Second Edition
Pages:	152
Product dimensions:	8.50(w) x 11.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

Jill A. Lindbergretired from Milwaukee Public Schools in June 2003 and is currently a supervising teacher for the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Her teaching experience includes six years as a mentor teacher, assisting both general and special educationteachers in Milwaukee Public Schools.She has taught students with specific learning disabilities, students with emotional/behavior disabilities,and students with hearing impairment. She has coauthored five books in the Common-Sense Classroom Management serieswith educators from the Milwaukee area. She has a degree in exceptional education from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

April M. Swick was assigned to Clement Avenue Elementary School, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in August 1990 and began with a class of combined fourth and fifth graders. She was a highly involved staff member, concerned not only with the success of the children in her classroom but also with the betterment of the entire school population. She belonged to a wide variety of com-mittees and worked to ensure schoolwide discipline, a positive climate, and school spirit. After teaching for several more years, she and her current coauthor and friend, Jill Lindberg, became the first full-inclusion teaching team in the school. In the fall of 2002, April was appointed Principal of Clement Avenue School. She has earned a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin—Milwaukee, and she is pursuing a doctorate in education. Sharing her good ideas with young teachers and colleagues has been an extremely fulfilling experience. In the future, she would love to write and illustrate children’s books.

Table of Contents

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

Editorial Reviews

"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

"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

"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

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

Katina Keener

"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

"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

"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

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."

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