Common-Sense Classroom Management for Elementary School Teachers

Jill A. Lindberg retired 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 education teachers 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 series with 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.

"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."

• Foreword by Christine KadowPrefaceAcknowledgmentsAbout the Authors1. Taking Care of Teacher BusinessRoom OrganizationTeacher Desk OrganizationPlanningIndependent Activities While Teacher Works with Small GroupsReviewing ExpectationsField TripsMaking the Most of Your Paraprofessional Assistant2. Creating a Positive Classroom AtmosphereClassroom SeatingDecorating With ThemesClassroom Monitors and JobsRespect in Your ClassroomTeaching Social SkillsWays to Include All Students in Classroom ParticipationSuper Student of the WeekClassroom MeetingsCompliment BookWall of FameTattling3. Communicating With ParentsParent-Teacher RelationshipsParent ConferencesUsing Email With ParentsUsing Cell Phones With ParentslClassroom Newsletters4. Helping Parents Teach Children Safe Internet PracticesThe Information Superhighway: Basic Information for ParentsLimiting Children to Appropriate Internet ContentMore Tips for Safe TravelingUsing the Internet for School Projects5. Working With Diverse Student and Family PopulationsWorking With Non-English-Speaking StudentsMaking Non-English-Speaking Students Comfortable in Your ClassroomWorking With Non-English-Speaking FamiliesWorking With Family Members Who May Be Illiterate6. Dealing With Personal Hygiene IssuesRecognizing That a Problem ExistsTalking to Your ClassTalking With ParentsProviding Personal Care at SchoolWorking With Support Staff7. With-it-nessTeacher BehaviorsPlanning Ahead and Lesson ExpectationsIf a Lesson Really Isn’t WorkingLooks, Gestures, Posture, and Positioning in Room to Convey ExpectationsDemeanor and Actions During Lessons to Ensure Student FocusModeling Expected ResponsesThe Challenging Student8. TransitioningOne Subject to AnotherOne Subject to Another: Moving Within the RoomMoving for Group Learning ActivitiesOne Classroom to Another9. Taking Care of Classroom BusinessEntering SchoolEntering the ClassroomBeginning the DayAbsenteeismHomework CollectionFailure to Do HomeworkLine OrderBathroom ProcedureDrinksPencil SharpeningGum, Candy, and Other Forbidden EdiblesClassroom RulesIndoor RecessReentering the Classroom After Lunch and RecessEnding the Day10. Integrating Into Your School CultureBecoming Part of the TeamTeacher Buddies and MentorsTo Socialize or Not to SocializeThe Teachers′ RoomAsk for Help; Offer to HelpOther Supports for New Teachers11. Preparing Your Students for Standardized TestingBefore the TestTesting DayAfter the TestTest-Taking Tips for Students12. Organizational TimeDesk CleaningSuppliesMailboxesNon-School-Related Materials13. RewardsAcademic RewardsExtra Special Class TimeExtra Art Time and Extra Gym TimeLeisure Time ActivitiesLunch With the TeacherGood News Phone CallsExtra Classroom ChoresWhole-Class RewardsMaking Arrangements for Non-Reward EarnersStickers, Stamps, and Other GoodiesCouponsCertificatesTokens and Play MoneyEdibles14. ConsequencesIdentifying Challenging StudentsDealing with Mildly Challenging BehaviorWorking with Chronic, Highly Disruptive BehaviorSuggested ReadingsIndex