Structure in my classroom
I have flexible seating in my room:
We have tables, chrome books, desktop monitors, standing desk, chairs with wheels and without, wobble stool, ball chairs, rocking chair and lots of space to move about. When a student is done with work or just needs to read, there are beanbag chairs and a folding comfy chair to relax in.
Students are encouraged to learn independence and organization:
When a student arrives in class they are to get work out, or look up on schooltool what assignments are due/overdue. They will learn to check their school email and sign up for all google classrooms for classes they are enrolled in. They will learn to navigate the teacher's websites/google drive to be able to access their materials. They are encouraged to use the myhomework app, notes on their phone, google calendar, or a planner to organize their assignments. They will also be encouraged to use a folder organization system for work/assignments. They also will learn self-advocacy skills.
Students are able to check in:
Some days are more difficult than others. Students can check in and privately speak to me about what is going on. Some days will be more productive than others, and sometimes they need more support. They will be able to connect to their counselor if needed and we will work together on problem solving difficult assignments or situations. I encourage positive coping skills such as mindfulness, problem solving, use of fidgets, art, tapping, and relaxation techniques for hard days, test anxiety, increased focus and managing impulsivity.
Phones can distract from success:
Cel phones are a part of life now, and can be useful. They can also become a distraction to learning. I encourage students to find a balance so they can have their phones and use them successfully. They can use helpful apps for education. Link their school email so they get notifications, use google calendar to remind them of upcoming tests, and use it as a calculator. I also understand sometimes music is helpful for focus. I allow students to use their phone if they tell me what they are doing on it and it fits the above criteria. If they have an emergent need for the phone (have to ask my mom to bring me something school related, dog is having surgery and need to know what is going on) they can ask to have more access for those specific situations. Communication is important. I try to have them use it as they would in a job situation. They are not able to text friends about social drama or something that can wait until lunch/after school to communicate, check feeds or social media. They will be given 3 verbal warnings. On the 3rd warning they will be required to put their phone in a pocket on the wall or receive a disciplinary write up.
Communication is important:
I am open to all forms of communication. I know we are all a team working together for success. Please email me, call me, or schedule a time to meet in person. I am a Licenced Clinical Social Worker. I understand that people have more than just academics going on, life happens too. I am very familiar with mental health needs as well. I am here to support the whole person. I am here to help.
We have tables, chrome books, desktop monitors, standing desk, chairs with wheels and without, wobble stool, ball chairs, rocking chair and lots of space to move about. When a student is done with work or just needs to read, there are beanbag chairs and a folding comfy chair to relax in.
Students are encouraged to learn independence and organization:
When a student arrives in class they are to get work out, or look up on schooltool what assignments are due/overdue. They will learn to check their school email and sign up for all google classrooms for classes they are enrolled in. They will learn to navigate the teacher's websites/google drive to be able to access their materials. They are encouraged to use the myhomework app, notes on their phone, google calendar, or a planner to organize their assignments. They will also be encouraged to use a folder organization system for work/assignments. They also will learn self-advocacy skills.
Students are able to check in:
Some days are more difficult than others. Students can check in and privately speak to me about what is going on. Some days will be more productive than others, and sometimes they need more support. They will be able to connect to their counselor if needed and we will work together on problem solving difficult assignments or situations. I encourage positive coping skills such as mindfulness, problem solving, use of fidgets, art, tapping, and relaxation techniques for hard days, test anxiety, increased focus and managing impulsivity.
Phones can distract from success:
Cel phones are a part of life now, and can be useful. They can also become a distraction to learning. I encourage students to find a balance so they can have their phones and use them successfully. They can use helpful apps for education. Link their school email so they get notifications, use google calendar to remind them of upcoming tests, and use it as a calculator. I also understand sometimes music is helpful for focus. I allow students to use their phone if they tell me what they are doing on it and it fits the above criteria. If they have an emergent need for the phone (have to ask my mom to bring me something school related, dog is having surgery and need to know what is going on) they can ask to have more access for those specific situations. Communication is important. I try to have them use it as they would in a job situation. They are not able to text friends about social drama or something that can wait until lunch/after school to communicate, check feeds or social media. They will be given 3 verbal warnings. On the 3rd warning they will be required to put their phone in a pocket on the wall or receive a disciplinary write up.
Communication is important:
I am open to all forms of communication. I know we are all a team working together for success. Please email me, call me, or schedule a time to meet in person. I am a Licenced Clinical Social Worker. I understand that people have more than just academics going on, life happens too. I am very familiar with mental health needs as well. I am here to support the whole person. I am here to help.