Chapter 2 reflection sarah busch

I really liked the book's take that procedures vare different from rules. Most people think of rules when they think of a teacher's classroom management. They never take into consideration the fact that it is so much more than that. I truly believe if you have clear simple procedures in your classroom, the rules will not need to be reinforced. It is with disorganization that undesirable behaviors are often found. Therefore, an organized teacher is a behavior problem free teacher.

I agree with the book when it states the importance of stating our rules and procedures in the positive. Prior to learning this I had never realized I phrased my rules at work in the negative. When you let students know you think they will do the right thing, they are more apt to try and do the right thing, especially those who need respect in order to give it.

 I have found in my student teaching placement, the students are much more motivated with their work when I point out how well they are doing versus when I highlight something they got wrong. One student who has very low self esteem struggles with online reading practice. The constant red error lighting up every time he went to asnwer became the reason he stopped trying. However, when I sat down with him and helped him answer a few right he gained some cinfidence.  I slowly let him do them on his own he became more motviated. He put much more effort forth, because of the ego boost from getting some right. All I did was point out the postive things he was doing on the program and help him see a little succes. This was enough to motivate him to work independently. I think he same could be said for expected behaviors. If we point out when a student is acting well in class and praise them, they will want to continue acting that way. I believe even as humans no matter the age we all respond better to information stated in the positive versus the negative. You are more apt to listen to someone praising you rather someone yelling at you.

Along with having only a few rules, I think it is also important to keep the rule short, sweet and to the point.