Classroom Management 101

Kendall Kohler

What is an effective teacher?

My idea of an effective teacher has come previous teachers I have had the privilege of having, as well as
my own learning experience from the Education program at Northern. I believe an affective teacher starts
with having a passion for the job—and allowing that to show every day. Once the passion is there, an
effective teacher will have good, efficient classroom management techniques and skills. Good classroom
management is crucial as an educator, it helps you control your students, be efficient in the way you teach
and present lessons, as well as assists in creating teacher-student relationships. An effective teacher is
organized with their lesson plans, assignments, classrooms, students, equipment, and more. I also feel an
effective teacher should have exceptional communication skills. Communication skills are essential
especially when it comes to talking with other faculty, students, and the families of students. It is
important to always be on the same page as those around you no matter who it is. Lastly, I feel that not
only should an affective teacher have passion, but they should be positive, encouraging, disciplined, and
personal. When I think of these traits combined into one, I envision a teacher who genuinely cares for
their students and their lives, who wants each student to achieve success in life and they will be the
teacher to push and encourage them along the way.

What can you expect from me as a professional?

As a professional, you can expect the best version of myself every day. I intend to always put my students
first. I will emphasize the importance of classroom management in my classes, especially when it comes
to being in the gym, outside on the playing fields, and in my health classroom. I will make sure my
students understand my rules and procedures and that my expectations are high—but if students listen,
there should be no issues when it comes to having fun in my classes. I am an extremely organized person,
and I plan on carrying this skill with me in every aspect as a teacher; in my lesson plans, assignments,
instructions, feedback, classrooms, equipment, and more. I plan on being clear and precise with my
communication with students, staff, and families of students to ensure strong relationships. As a
professional, you will always be able to expect passion and presence when I am teaching. When I talk
about presence, I mean that my I will put forth 100% of my attention and energy towards whatever it is I
am doing or teaching. I plan to be positive and always encourage my students and provide feedback, help,
and instruction when needed. I will be personal with my students, and genuinely caring about them and
their lives outside of school, as well as take time to be informal with them as I feel this may come easier
being a PE and Health teacher.
PROCEDURES EXLPAINED:

THE FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL (K-6 Physical Education)

Start of class:

 Make sure you have your gym shoes on.

 Coming into the gym:
o Once you are in the gym, start your warmup laps unless Miss Kohler says otherwise.
o Try hard to get your body ready for class!
o Once you’ve ran your laps, find your dot!
 2-5 laps or a song’s worth

1st day agenda:

– Introduction… WHO IS MISS KOHLER?

– RULES

– Example: High-5 in the air = freeze, stop what you are doing and bring your attention to
Miss Kohler

– MY EXPECTATIONS

– ATTENDENCE

– LET’S PLAY!

– TEAMWORK CLEAN UP

– LAST WORDS & DISMISSAL

Opening Assignment:

– With PE, I will be grading students mostly on effort and attitude– there will most likely be no
assignments.
 – As students age into middle and high school they will be graded on attendance, effort, and
attitude as well as potential fitness journals.

– In the health class perspective:

– First day ”GET TO KNOW ME” assignment

– Icebreakers

Taking attendance:

– ASSIGN POLY DOTS TO STUDENTS once they have finished their warm laps!

– On a normal day-- find your “dot” (assigned spot) in the gym immediately after running
the warm-up laps for the day.

– Patiently sit on your dot and be respectful of your classmates who are finishing the warm-up.

– Don’t get a bad case of the wiggle worms while waiting.

– LISTEN and be quiet when Miss Kohler is talking, remember... Interrupting is rude!

– Miss Kohler will go through her attendance sheet, and call names in alphabetical order.

– Raise your hand and say, “Here!” once you hear your name.

Dismissal:

– Work together and clean up/put away all of the equipment.

– Teamwork makes the dream work!

– Listen for Miss Kohler’s whistle, this signals that it is time to line up by the door.

– Listen to final announcements for the day.

– Keep your hands to yourself and be respectful.

– Wait for your teacher to come to the gym, quietly follow him/her out of the gym.

FOR STUDENTS (9-12 PE and Health/Wellness)

Collecting notes and forms:

◦ Clean up the classroom clutter

◦ Any online homework via Schoology, D2L, etc., must be submitted on time by Dropbox.

◦ See me if deadlines cannot be met

◦ Create a bin/tray(s) for different forms:

◦ Late assignments

◦ Daily in class assignments

◦ Homework

(Health & Wellness)

Classroom tardiness:

◦ Follow school-wide tardiness procedure, this will be strictly enforced.

◦ If the students enter the class without a pass, they will be sent to the office to get a pass.

◦ Tardiness is NOT acceptable!

Absent folder:

◦ All lessons will be posted online via Schoology (Health & Wellness)

◦ If internet access is an issue, I will have hardcopy instructions/lessons available for completion.

◦ All lessons missed from PE must make up their absence by attending a morning fitness makeup
class/circuit before school starts which will be offered once a week.

◦ This will be the ONLY way to make up absence in any PE class.

◦ Students will have 2 weeks to receive credit for the missed periods.

Organizing homework:

◦ Homework will be organized by class period and grade.

◦ For Health & Wellness, I do not plan on having a lot of homework, however, I would create bins
on/by my desk that students will place their homework in.
 ◦ I will make sure every student receives their homework before leaving the class for the day, I will
double check with each student by asking again to the whole class.

Unfinished class assignments:

◦ Any work not turned in on time:

◦ 1st occurrence = ONE AND ONLY WARNING

◦ 2nd occurrence = automatic 50% grade reduction

However, if there was an extreme reason for late work, please come talk to me.

FOR THE CLASSROOM (9-12 PE and Health/Wellness)

Getting my student’s attention:

◦ When class is ready to begin or if I need their attention…

◦ I will silently raise my hand, waiting for all eyes on me.

◦ When everyone is sitting quietly and eyes on me, I will begin talking. (HEALTH &
WELLNESS)

◦ Once students enter the gym, I will instruct students to meet in front of me to discuss the
how the class period will go.

◦ I will use this technique (raising hand) in PE as well, I will also expect when the students
to stop what they are doing and have all eyes, ears, on me when the music stops if it is
playing at the moment.

◦ I do not intend on using a whistle unless we are outside on a playing field or in a large
area.

Bathroom breaks:

◦ On my desk, I will have a bathroom sign-out sheet:

◦ Students will come to my desk and write the time they are leaving to go to the bathroom,
as well as the time they return.

◦ If a trend is occurring where certain students are abusing this privilege, privileges will be
lost.
 ◦ Only one student at a time may use the sign-out sheet. (Health & Wellness)

◦ In PE class, all students will be encouraged to use the bathroom before class in the locker
room.

◦ Breaks will only be allowed during emergencies.

Collecting and returning papers:

◦ When collecting papers, I will instruct students to pass their papers, homework, etc., across the
rows, not up columns (columns lead to problems).

◦ Students must be paying attention when collecting papers to ensure that none are dropped in the
process.

◦ Once the papers have reached the end of the row, the student at the end will either bring the stack
to me or wait for myself to pick up the papers.

◦ When returning papers (in hopes that they were picked up in order), they will be given back in the
same order.

Keeping students on task:

◦ Tone is the key (for both PE & Health/Wellness)

◦ I will provide lessons that meet the interests of the students.

◦ I will provide an energetic and engaging classroom atmosphere that makes students WANT to
participate.

◦ I will inspire discussions, making sure students are constantly giving feedback, participating in
discussion, etc.

◦ I will instruct when technology is okay to be of use and when it should be out of my sight and the
student’s sight. (Health & Wellness)

◦ For PE, I will be constantly moving around the gym or area– giving feedback, providing
encouragement, and positive instruction.

◦ I will be moving around monitoring all the activities making sure students are staying on task!

◦ Giving quick pointers

◦ Talking with students

Daily closing message:

◦ Communication on a daily and weekly basis

◦ At the end of each class period, I will review some of the key points we went over in class,
discuss what the homework/assignments are, and remind students about future projects and their
due dates. (Health & Wellness)

◦ At the end of each class period, I will review what we did in class, go over new skills and
techniques learned, ask for feedback and positives about the day, and give them future class
announcements. (PE)

◦ For example, ”Bring sweatpants or warmer clothes for next class period because we will
be going outside for the tennis unit”

FOR INSTRUCTION (9-12 PE and Health/Wellness)

Class discussion:

As 9-12 graders, I would expect that my students understand what respect looks like when there are
classroom discussions…

◦ No interruptions.

◦ Raise your hand to speak (patiently)

◦ Respect what others have to say

◦ Eyes & ears must be on whoever is talking

(Health & Wellness)

I will also let students understand that they may be called on to speak at any time… so PAY
ATTENTION to the classroom discussion!

As for PE, students will be instructed to raise their hand to speak or come see me during an activity if it is
necessary.

Cultivating social skills:

◦ Together as a class we will brainstorm list of social skills the class will work on throughout the
semester.
 ◦ I will create a variety of activities through the semester that utilize and emphasize student
creativity, collaboration, and participation.

◦ I will discuss the importance of these skills;

◦ Listening

◦ Being respectful

◦ Helping others

◦ Being patient

◦ Being cooperative

◦ And more…

Working in groups:

◦ In my case, this is more so known as working in teams.

◦ Students will be assigned teams, more than likely for each different unit. They will consistently
be working together in these teams when we are playing games, overcoming challenges, etc. (PE)

◦ I will assign these teams when needed.

◦ In Health & Wellness, I will carry over the idea of ‘teams’ to the classroom whenever it is time
to work in groups. These teams will more than likely be assigned by me, or somedays I may give
students the opportunity to partner up-- and then I will assign groups from there!

◦ EVERYONE MUST PUT FORTH EFFORT AND WORK TOGETHER AS A TEAM!

◦ Ask questions within your group before approaching me

◦ You are responsible for your own work & behavior

◦ I will designate group work areas

Note taking:

◦ I will allow students to take notes only on PAPER! I will not allow
computer notes.

◦ I will also allow students to take notes on paper in whatever format,

however I will provide a note-taking option that has helped me in the
past:
Taking a test:

◦ I will post an agenda with a schedule on days we have a test that includes;

◦ When the test will take place

◦ How long the testing period will last

◦ What to begin working on upon completion of the test

Students will be instructed that cheating will not be tolerated.

Students must remain quiet during the test time.

Students must raise their hand when they are finished for me to come pick up their test.

Students must have materials underneath their chair to use when finished.

FOR TEACHERS (9-12 PE and Health/Wellness)

New student orientation:

¡ I will always make sure I am meeting the student ahead of time (hopefully), and instruct them of
how I run my classes, rules, and other things that are needed to know. (Both Health & Wellness
and PE)

¡ I will have a packet for new students to use and go through (same packets that students are given
at the beginning of the school year) that include;

¡ Classroom rules

¡ A list of required slips if needed

¡ School maps

¡ List of emergency codes and procedures

¡ My contact information

I will make sure my students know my expectations when it comes to new students, being respectful,
welcoming, patient, and kind.

In PE, my new student will meet with me prior, so I can set them up with a gym locker and explain
classroom rules and expectations as well.
The angry student:

¡ I will always make sure I am meeting the student ahead of time (hopefully), and instruct them of
how I run my classes, rules, and other things that are needed to know. (Both Health & Wellness
and PE)

¡ I will have a packet for new students to use and go through (same packets that students are given
at the beginning of the school year) that include;

¡ Classroom rules

¡ A list of required slips if needed

¡ School maps

¡ List of emergency codes and procedures

¡ My contact information

I will make sure my students know my expectations when it comes to new students, being respectful,
welcoming, patient, and kind.

In PE, my new student will meet with me prior, so I can set them up with a gym locker and explain
classroom rules and expectations as well.

Substitute teacher handbook:

¡ When I am gone, I will leave a substitute folder with all the following;

¡ Welcome letter: thanking the sub and emphasizing that the students must follow daily
routines and LISTEN ACCORDINGLY.

¡ Attendance sheet (seating chart if needed) as well as directions with what to do with the
attendance sheet after it is taken.

¡ Information about students and different classes such as; behavior issues, those who need
to monitored closer, certain students leaving and different times for specific occasions,
etc.

¡ My daily schedule (where and when to be places)

¡ Lesson plans with handouts if necessary (or which equipment is needed for PE)

¡ List of my classroom rules and procedures

¡ My contact information
 ¡ An area for notes to be left by the substitute about things that went good/bad, specific
students, etc.

Home and school connection:

¡ I will keep an updated class/personal website (may be Schoology or other school media content)
that contains;

¡ Lessons

¡ Homework assignments

¡ Resources/useful links

¡ Important dates

In the secondary environment, this will be available to students mainly.

I will try my best to provide a weekly or monthly newsletter about all that is happening within my classes.

I will provide my contact information.

Technology in the classroom:

¡ I will not tolerate technology of any sort in my PE classes.

¡ Unless it is a Fitbit during units where we are tracking different readings such as
heartrates, VO2’s, steps, etc.

¡ In my Health & Wellness classes, I will inform students ahead of times when they may use their
computers for assignments, projects, etc.

¡ Students will also understand that I would like them to take paper notes instead of notes on the
computer, phones will also not be tolerated unless told so.

Parent-teacher conferences:

¡ Preparation = production of successful meetings (Wong, H. K., & Wong, R. T. 256)

¡ Plan and prepare

¡ Content that is being taught

¡ Tests, projects, units/activities (PE), that went into making the average grade for the
period
 ¡ Upcoming content

¡ Upcoming projects, activities, units, etc.

¡ Always greet parents with a welcoming smile and handshake.

¡ I will prepare sign-in cards for parents as well as take notes for each individual conference.

¡ I will print grades, so parents are able to see progress of their child and why their child is
struggling, excelling, etc.

¡ I will use a timer to make sure conferences are running on schedule.

¡ Ask for suggestions and any questions

¡ I will follow up with all of those parents who attended conferences.

How to actively teach procedures and expected behaviors:

Modeling. Whenever I teach something to my students, I will always be MODELING exactly

what I did to them, maybe twice or three times. It is important for students to not only hear
instructions or procedures multiple times, but even better to see these instructions and
procedures multiple times. I will set examples for my students whether it is in the health
classroom or in the gym. Sometimes, I may also use other students to demonstrate to make the
activity more relatable and reachable to other students who may be struggling certain
concepts. My mother once told me that if you are a great leader, you lead by example, and you
are respected, your people (students) will WANT to follow you, rather than feel obligated to
follow you—I choose to live by this in everything I teach.

Reinforcing expectations in the classroom:

People always say patience is key, I also think positivity is key. In my future classrooms (PE and
Health), I want to create an environment of welcomeness, safety, and fun. For PE, it is clear that
not everyone in the class will be star athletes, so it is important that my expectations from the
class is based on pure effort. I plan on reinforcing these expectations by (1) constantly
encouraging, (2) talking with the students, (3) giving little pointers, and (4) acknowledging them
when I see their efforts being put forth. I want to encourage students to just simply have fun with
activities and each other. I also plan on reinforcing these expectations by (5) reminding students
that they are graded upon attendance, EFFORT, and overall attitude, thus this will hopefully
encourage them to rise to meet my expectations! I never plan on having expectations of athletic
ability in my classes. My plan for helping my students be successful in meeting my expectations
starts with understanding each individual student, how their home lives are, what their interests
and personalities are like, and knowing how I can best support them. In every area of education,
each student is in-charge of their own success, and teachers may be the ones to help guide them
through!

With health, I want students to feel important, validated, and that they can achieve in my class.
In my class, I expect students to put forth solid efforts, complete assignments, respect one
another, participate in whatever is asked of them, and have an overall good attitude. I will be
again, always encouraging students but not too the part where it becomes excessive and seems
almost fake. My plan to ensure success in my students yet again starts with creating relationships
with each student and understanding them deeper than a surface level, proving support that is
tailored to their style of learning.

Managing behavior and consequences:

In my classes, students will understand that a significant part of their grade is based on
attitude and effort (PE). In this case, disruptive, and inappropriate behavior will NOT be
tolerated. In my health classroom, I will also be constantly monitoring behavior. However, if
students choose to act out or have inappropriate behavior, it will be clear there is
consequences. At first, I will always choose to hear out my students and hear what they have
to say, I will be understanding and communicate with them genuinely. Depending on the
situation, I will have certain consequences for specific issues. Depending on the situation, I
will also be flexible with my students with lessons, assignments, etc. (Wong, H. K., & Wong,
R. T. 239)

Establishing teacher-student relationships:

I want to create a relationship with every student I encounter, whether it be big or small. I
intend on being informal with my students and allowing them to understand that I am also
human. I will be personal with students and understand what their interests/hobbies are, what
their home life is like, what their family is like, what they look forward to in the future, and
even just how their day is going. I would like students to understand that I will not treat each
student the same exact way but also realize that everyone is equal and that I believe no student
is better than another. Ways I believe in creating these relationships start with simple
conversations and open heart. I will also communicate to students that my office door should
always be open if they are needing to talk. In PE activities, I will be constantly walking
around the class monitoring and talking with my students, encouraging them and most likely
providing feedback and pointers on skills and techniques!

Classroom Engagement:

As a PE teacher, I would hope that the physical activity itself is constantly engaging the students
—however I understand that there will always be students who do not want to participate.

1. In my PE classes, if students are not engaged and/or hardly participating, I intend on

creating new rules to whatever unit we are in—that involves the participation of every
team member and/or student in order for the class a whole to be successful, and to
potentially receive a passing grade.
2. In the general classroom, I intend on using brain breaks 2-minute yoga intermissions to
reengage students, to allow them focus closer, and to gather their thoughts. As a yoga
instructor, I could use this to my full potential in whatever class I teach.
3. I also plan on using partner or whole class discussions, to keep students engaged.
Students will be expected to engage with one another using their voice and opinions. By
doing so, they are fulfilling my requests (meeting requirements for grading), generating
good brain activity, using communication skills, and also learning in a “fun” way. I also
plan on using the technique of ALWAYS having back-up activities ready at all times.
(Wong, H. K., & Wong, R. T. 151)

My philosophy of management and discipline:

I believe that to have a good, fun, controlled classroom—it starts with rules and management.
My students will only be successful if I create an environment where this is achievable, an
environment that includes; rules, procedures, consistency, discipline, effective learning, and
positive relationships. I believe that classroom management and discipline MUST be established
on the very first day of school, because once school begins and there is no classroom
management—it becomes difficult to backtrack and instill the management. I would like my
students to respect myself as well as my expectations and understand that I will always want
their best interest and for them to be successful in life—and to do so, it starts by understanding
and listening to the rules and procedures of the classroom. I will use different disciplinary
techniques when needed, especially when it comes to cheating, disrespect, and irresponsibility.

References

Wong, H. K., & Wong, R. T. (2018). The first days of school: How to be an effective teacher.
Mountain View, CA: Harry K. Wong Publications.

Wong, H. K., Wong, R. T., Jondahl, S. F., & Ferguson, O. F. (2018). The classroom
management book. Mountain View, CA: Harry K. Wong Publications.