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Classroom Procedures and Organization






Hi everyone!! This week I'll be coming at you with a whole slew of posts, including my classroom tour, scope and sequence, back to school night, and today's post, one of my favorite topics, Classroom Procedures and Organization!

When I'm asked what my biggest issue is that I face with middle schoolers, you might expect my response to be, "The drama, the emotions, the unpredictability...", but it isn't. For me, my biggest issue is getting my students into a routine that works for them and me, so that our class can run smoothly. I've noticed that for the most part I can keep everyone happy when there's a set routine in place, at least for 42 minutes.

I feel like middle school students are constantly stuck in this state of indecision and insecurity, that tends to manifest in all the negative traits we associate with tweens.

It is SO important, repeat, SO IMPORTANT, to have classroom procedures and organization with middle schoolers. 

But fear not, we can stop some of these issues when students know what's expected of them, and where to get what they need!

In my classroom, I have my "Information Station" posted in a place that is centrally located, and easily accessible. This area is where students check the "While You Were Out Spiral" (in the silver tray), sign out for the restroom (clipboard), turn in Word of the Day, turn in homework (Blue, Green, and White bins), pick up supplies, check the calendar, and pick up forms we use daily. 
These forms include the "Request to Retest" form, No Assignment Form, and Word of the Day form. Also, I LOVE this sign I picked up from Teach Create Motivate, along with my calendar from Erin Condren!

What are my forms? 

The Request to Retest is for students who do not achieve mastery on an assessment. They fill this out immediately and turn it in to me, and then I schedule a retake for them. It gives them a chance to reflect on what they need to review before they retest.

The No Assignment Forms are GREAT for keeping track of missing work. Students fill this out when they don't have an assignment and turn it in, and I have a record of it. These are super helpful for Parent Teacher Conferences, and when entering grades!
I clip my NAF (No Assignment Forms) in my gradebook, and put them in a bin box once the assignment is turned in. This way, I can remind students to turn in their missing work as well. I also draw a box around the assignment to indicate that it's missing.


My Word of the Day forms are for effort extra credit, and give students practice at learning and using new words. This is an optional or extra time activity for them!

Since I'm still setting up my new classroom, I'm still looking for a dedicated space for student ISN's, but otherwise, this is where students head when they need something in my room! It makes student movement so much easier and purposeful, and since it's an open space away from student desks (this is KEY), there is less of a traffic backup!

Finally, even though I project my daily agenda, I keep a Homework board so students can see all period what is due the next day.

Want some of these forms? Enter the rafflecopter for your chance to win my Classroom Management Forms pack

I am teaming up with 50 great teacherprenuers to bring you tried and true classroom management and organizational strategies that work in our classrooms. Please make sure that you hop to each participating blog! We are also hosting a giveaway. Enter to win one of two great prizes. We are giving away the chance to win a $50 TpT Gift Card and classroom resources from over 30 teacher authors. Good luck! 

Be on the lookout for more from me this week. :) 
Happy Back to School!



a Rafflecopter giveaway



Comments

  1. I feel like the hardest thing for me is keeping the routine despite other team teachers that may not have the greatest classroom management. So, if students come from that teacher to me, I am whipping them back into shape all over again.
    I have this antique chalkboard that I was waiting until the perfect idea came along to use, and an information station is PERFECT! Thank you!
    I look forward to checking out your classroom management pack.

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  3. Does one manage some time within the classroom? While wearing a watch is vital for keeping the time and knowing what proportion to allot for activities, time management techniques and methods have implications for running a classroom. And yet while it'd appear to be another classroom related topic, it actually has great implications for learning. When implemented well, time management techniques can keep both your Cheap Essay Writing Service learners on their toes as you're employed towards building with them together a time management system.Time management should be an integral a part of those classroom procedures which you yourself value, and help keep your classroom running like clockwork in order that students know beforehand what to expect.

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  7. embroidery digitization said...
    Effective classroom procedures and organization are the backbone of a successful learning environment. They create a sense of structure, help students know what to expect, and make the most of precious class time. When a classroom is well-organized and procedures are clear, it allows both teachers and students to focus on the joy of learning." 📚🍎

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Thanks for stopping by! JW

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