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Classroom Management Paper
School of Education, Liberty University
EDUC 303: Instructional Practices for Content Teachers
Prof. Erin Mills
June 7th, 2021
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Classroom Management Paper
I would like to teach 5th grade because they are mature enough to make good choices and
understand right from wrong.
Rule #1: Follow Directions. I chose this rule because it is straightforward. Children need
order in their lives and this can be achieved by following directions. This rule will help students
to see what is expected of them in the classroom. It will teach students to respect the teacher and
the other students around them. This rule is the baseline for the classroom and is encouraged by
rewarding students who follow directions. “Reinforcement is defined as consequences that
increase the future rate of a behavior. The use of reinforcers, or rewards that encourage students
to repeat positive behaviors, is a critical component of behavior modification.” (Orlich et al.,
2018)
Rule #2: Come to class prepared. Students in the 5th grade are getting to the point in their
lives where they can be more responsible. Having the students be responsible for the things they
need to bring to class is a helpful step as they grow and mature. Olrich writes “Character
education is about developing virtues habits and dispositions that lead students to become
responsible and mature adults.” (Orlich et al., 2018)
Rule #3: Raise your hand to speak or get out of your seat. This rule keeps the classroom
in order. This helps the classroom to run smoothly and keeps the noise level down. This can also
help to create a safe classroom atmosphere because students are not moving all around the room
or shouting out. I can encourage this behavior by calling on students who raise their hands and
saying phrases like “good question”. “For example, ask every student to always raise his or her
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hand and wait to be called on to answer a question, and always wait until students do so before
calling on them.” (Orlich et al., 2018)
Rule #4: Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself. I chose this rule because students like
to be friendly with each other. This rule creates a better learning environment as each student
feels comfortable and safe. However, if this behavior is demonstrated in class it would result in a
loss of privilege. “Loss of privilege is the most common form (for example, loss of recess, sports
pass, or an assembly).” (Orlich et al., 2018)
The classroom management system I would use in my classroom is the point system.
When students follow the rules they will receive points for good behavior. “A points system
provides a backbone to your classroom management, reinforcing behavioral skills in a way that’s
engaging and meaningful for your students.” (A Teachers Guide to a Successful Points Program,
n.d.) The rules would be instructed at the beginning of the year and again after the children come
back from Christmas break. The rules and how much each rule is worth would be posted in my
classroom.
Every day students have the chance to earn points. When students follow the rules they
will receive one point. When students follow directions or come to class prepared they will
receive one point. If a student acts out or does not keep his or her hands to themselves, they
would have 2 points taken away. If there is a special event or extra project they are responsible
for, students would receive 2 points. It will be placed on a chart by their name. Students would
have the ability to save their points and redeem them for prizes at the end of every week. Some
prizes would be little toys or pieces of candy, or students can put their points into a jar for a big
class party such as a pizza party, ice cream party, or a movie day.
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References
A Teachers Guide to a Successful Points Program. (n.d.). http://liveschoolinc.com/wp-
content/uploads/2014/07/A-Teachers-Guide-to-a-Successful-Points-Program.pdf
Orlich, D. C., Harder, R. J., Trevisan, M. S., Brown, A. H., & Miller, D. E. (2018).
Teaching Strategies: A Guide to Effective Instruction – with access (11th ed.). Boston, MA:
Cengage.
