by Martha Doennig, SPS Professional Learning Specialist
Might these be familiar titles?
How to Survive and Thrive in the First Three Weeks of School by Elaine K. McEwan
The First Days of School by Harry Wong
Day One and Beyond by Rick Wormeli
Countless titles explore just what we might do to kick off a school year filled with stellar elements. So where might one find the following book titles?
How to Survive and Thrive the Final Weeks
The Final Days of School
Day 175 and Beyond
or even
Assessment Window Closed, Now What?
After scouring educational writings, my hunch is these books have not been penned for a simple reason: demand, or lack thereof. Teachers have had a strong commitment to the principles of classroom management from day one, and are reaping the benefits in the final days and weeks of school. As the year has marched along, components of effective classroom management have been at the forefront of classrooms throughout Springfield.
While I recently walked through a building, evidence of strong classroom management wafted through the halls. Energetic teacher voices and the hum of student conversation around concepts filled classrooms. The intensity of work was exemplified by the substance of the content. Expectations for procedures were clear; simple looks or quick directives moved entire classes. Movement, contagious energy, and novelty engaged learning. Strong relationships were apparent as students and teachers embraced what the other had to offer. It was better than textbook and evident class after class, hallway after hallway.
So as you count down the final days until this year goes in the books and continue to enjoy your well managed classroom, I invite you to revisit the Classroom Management Instructional Configuration. Look at it with reflecting eyes; rate yourself and consider the following: What have you done well to make things go so well? What new learning might you have from this year? How might that new learning transfer to your 2014-2015 classroom?