Developing A Classroom Management Plan for Distance Learning (212)

Every teacher has a classroom management plan. A set of norms, routines, expectations. Every teacher also has a behavior management plan, rules, consequences, etc. One plan sets out to create a well-disciplined classroom, while the other is designed to create a classroom based on consistency and community. Distance learning may not seem like it will be a community- but it will be, especially if it is synchronous.

First year teachers, I know I did, tend to base their management plan on Don’t and No- rather than we will and I will. If you do this, then this will be the consequence. It is especially important nowadays, to frame our management plan on community norms and student-driven expectations. It is more important than ever, with distance learning to create

Positive learning norms:

·         I will be adaptable to new learning formats and strategies

·         I will transform my learning into action

·         I will understand that learning is an individual process and I will find patience with myself and other students

·         I will help create a safe place for learning

Positive behavior norms:

·         I will follow the person who is speaking with my eyes

·         I will listen with intent and purpose

·         I will post respectful thoughts to the chat

·         I will treat members of the class with the grace and kindness they deserve

I like the word agreements rather than rules. If we all agree on the community agreements and students help solidify the writing of and implementation of these norms- then they will be more likely to take ownership and follow them. At least in my classroom this is the case. I always spend the first three days working with students to develop our classroom expectations, calling cards (personal business cards for our community board) and modeling tone, mindfulness speak, and respect.

Agreements that evoke a collaborative nature, a community energy sets the framework for a student-driven, interactive nature. With distance learning, this process will take a little longer, but it is critical that it gets amplified and planted early. If you are on Zoom, you can write it on the board behind you, or draw a poster of the agreed upon norms. You can add it to the morning slide you share as students are entering the Zoom- daily reminders. It is important to bring them up into conversation, frequently- especially with distance learning.

I have always had mindfulness prompts. Mini-5-7-minute lessons at the beginning of each class period. I will continue to do so with distance learning. I will have Things to Think About on the morning slide with a quick writing or drawing prompt. This will help them get into learning mode and help tie the community agreements into daily practice. Zoom can seem daunting and scary at first, but there are a few things you can do to make sure that your classroom management plan alleviates any room for misjudgment.

·         Ask students to make sure to find a quiet place to learn

·         Ask students to dress for success, that they are not in their PJ’s (this helps with mindset)

·         Send a letter of introduction and put it on your main page on-line- Setting out your Zoom/Synchronous learning expectations. This needs to be expectations not agreements to set in place clear guidelines up front. Then as a class you can edit and alter as you see fit.

·         Ask students to mute if they are not asked to share

·         Turn off the chat function if you do not want them to interact- Turn it on when you do

·         Turn off private chat unless you want them to be communicating privately

·         Ask students to clear anything from view they might not want others to see

·         Create a ‘raising hands’ signal. Either the icons in Zoom or have students create signs they can hold up.

It is important to remember that having the camera on is important. Seeing their faces is a good way to build a community. But some students might not want to show the inside of their homes. Some students might prefer to not be visible. BUT, if you have maybe just a few minutes at the beginning, let them know it is coming, they can position themselves in a place where they feel safe in being on screen.

If students want to go off camera, have them have a school picture of themselves, not cartoons or silly pictures. This way it feels more formal. If you have these norms and expectations in place, clearly stated students will follow your lead. Model kind speech and mindful action and students will follow your lead. These norms and agreements if set up during distance learning will transition nicely when students return to their classrooms.

Lastly, students will have lots of questions about where to find assignments, how to turn assignments in, where to have discussions with classmates, where to find announcements from you. Here are a few things to keep in mind throughout your day if you are synchronous, live teaching on Zoom or another distance learning app:

·         At the begging of the on-line discussion review goals for the lesson, specific criteria and process students will follow on and off-line

·         Ask students clarifying questions to make sure they understand the criteria for the day

·         Ask students to listen carefully and ask good questions

·         Ask students to put their phones away if they are on a computer/lessen distractions

·         At the end of the meeting make sure you recap the goals and make sure you achieved them

·         At the end of the meeting leave time for direct questions and make sure students understand exact parameters for their lesson/activity

Before I start a lesson, synchronously- I will send a schedule or agenda. Let students read what they need to read before-hand, watch a video clip before-hand. Much like I do in my blended classroom. This way when we are online, they will be interacting with each other in breakout sessions or I will be giving quick clarification or helping them synthesize information through digital card sorts, demo’s, and interactives. A consistent posted weekly agenda will help students feel comfortable with the routine and pace of the class.

There will be a lot to do to make sure that distance learning is productive, purposeful, and engaging. Your management plan will be the cement that holds everything together. Students will be fidgety and emotional. They will be anxious. This is new for them too. Share your anxiety and stories. Be genuine. Be yourself. Be real. Let them know this will be a process you will be developing and building together.

Let them know this is your classroom and together you can make it a community based on mindfulness and respect. This is a safe place. This is a learning environment. But it is also a neighborhood, like Mr. Rogers’ we need to enter by getting ready, preparing for our day, we need to interact with smiles and positivity, and we need to remain resilient and eager to grow and learn every day. If we do, our year will be great because we will adjust and pivot together. We will get through this together, as a team, as a class, as a community.