Blog Entry 7 - 8/1

• 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?

As I observed in the classroom it was obvious that Ms. Lapossa had control over her classroom and the respect of her students. I have been in classes as well as observed classes where this is not the case. Grade level playing a factor I believe young children are more likely to seek the approval of their teacher, but I know that is not true in every case. One thing that I observed was that the rules of the classroom were clearly displayed, consistently followed, and known by each member of the class. Consequences were also followed consistently and very rarely in my time did I see problems escalate to a higher level or require more than a warning, with the exception of talking out of turn or sitting still which I believe is something that is being taught in the classroom and isn't necessary a lack of respect. The list of classroom rules was handwritten and I was told it was something that they did at the beginning of the year together. The list is as follows.

1. Treat others as you would like to be treated.

2. Do your best.

3. Follow instructions.

4. Listen and share your thoughts. 

5. Learn and have fun! 

These are simple but important rules and they worked well for this group. Ms. Lapossa would raise her hand and wait for the students to raise their hands when it was time to transition activities. She would play a hebrew song each time the classroom or an activity needed to be picked up. When it was time to line up for recess or lunch or various classes she would ring a bell. She also would speak in a whisper when she wanted the class to listen and be quiet. The last procedure for classroom management I saw was a schedule for the day posted where it could be seen. She would go over it as the day began and again as the day finished and occasionally throughout so the students knew what was coming and remembered what they had done when at the end of the day she asked the students what they learned and did that day.