Journal 2 - Curriculum Planning and Instruction

My journals are out of order. However, journal 2 is focused on what the classroom looks like, how the teacher handles the children, and how the curriculum is handled and taught. (Names and locations have been removed for privacy)





As mentioned in journal 1, the classroom is neat and organized. Attached is a hand drawn layout of the classroom. There are three blocks of desks forming rows. Each block consists of either eight or ten desks. In two of the blocks, two desks are pushed together, forming individual blocks. In the third block, the desks are split, forming two individual rows. The teacher's desk is in the front of the classroom. The table I have been observing from is located in the back of the class. Along the walls, by the windows, there are cabinets and or book shelves. Each book shelve is full of books that are used for individual reading and book reports.
There are only two bulletin boards in the classroom, which leaves little room for decoration. The teacher explained to me that taping things on the wall was very time consuming and often peeled off. A few years ago, she came up with an idea to hang rope across the ceilings to hang things from. Currently, she has book report drawings hanging by close pins.
When the students enter the room, the teacher greets them and occasionally jokes with them. The basket with that class periods books is always set out on the cart in the front of the classroom. This creates structure and a routine. Once everyone is seated, the teacher tells what they are going to do that day and then reviews what was read the previous day. If any other news or events are necessary, they are discusses. The class then proceeds to listen to the recorded chapters and follow along in their books.
The end of the class period depends on if the class completed reading the assigned chapters or not. If the chapters have been read, the class reviews and discusses what was read. The teacher then informs the students of tomorrows plan and future assignments or quizzes. To end the class period, the students put the books back in their assigned basket and the teacher says goodbye.
After reviewing two other classrooms at this middle school, I was able to see how effective my cooperative teacher's structured routine is. When the students are in this class they display respect and maturity. Her way of handling misbehavior is done through a process. This process is listed and posted on the wall. First, she jokes with the student and listens to what they have to say. Next, there is a warning that if their behavior does not stop, there will be consequences. She also corrects the student and tells them what they should be doing. For a particular incident, one of the students kept making comments that were disruptive. After several outbursts, she explained how the main character in the book they are reading would never misbehave in class because they respect their teachers. By relating the scenario to the book, the student ceased his comment making and acted appropriately.
If the first warning did not put an end to the misbehavior, the next action would be a consequence. Along with the rules, the consequences are displayed on the wall. For example, one of the students was acting out, being disruptive to the whole class. After warning him, he continued to make comments and she proceeded to send him to the hall to read. After she got the rest of the class set up for the reading, she went out to the hall and discussed his actions with him. This discussion is very important because it creates an understanding between the student and the teacher. It was also very important that she did not talk with him in front of the class. He had already been punished by being sent to the hall. Therefore he did not need the embarrassment of being scolded in front of the class.
There are several techniques that the teacher uses to get the students attention. To start, the entire school is set up to follow a timed schedule that is announced by a bell. The students know they have only three minutes in the hall and that class starts when the second bell rings. However, she has her own set of techniques. She has assigned orchestra music in the recordings of the book, at the beginning and ending of each chapter. By doing this, the students know when they are beginning and ending a chapter and are able to keep on track.
At the beginning of each class, the teacher begins to talk and explains the plan for the current class period. This keeps the students focused and they are able to transition from one activity to the next. she hands out one copy of the each assignment to each student. If they lose it or ruin it, they do not get another one. However, she creates posters of the assignments and displays them in the classroom. For example, she made instructions for their book reports on bright paper and hung them from the ceiling. This technique not only provides decoration, but it creates responsibility in the students. It also acts as a reminder of upcoming assignment due dates.
A teacher needs to have motivation tactics to keep the students on track. The teacher has made comments about this years 7th grade being disconnected from their education. However, she still maintains motivation in her classroom. Posted next to the rules and consequences posters is a poster of rewards. A few examples of the rewards are homework passes, a movie day, or game day. These rewards are granted if the students all turn in their assignments, if they have a good week, or a majority gets good grades; as well as many others. These rewards keep the students focused and allow them to create goals for themselves.
As mentioned before in journal one, I would greatly enjoy being a student in this teacher's class. Because of the structure and routine, students are able to achieve and maintain good grades. They do not need to be distracted by misbehavior of their classmates. Instead, they are able to remain focused and dedicated. As a parent, I would be honored to have her teach my child. She truly has the student’s best interest at heart. If my child were in her class, I would know they would be receiving the most fulfilling education and attention.