Mrs. Smithson's Classroom Tips

Introduction

  • Renee Smithson, 25 years of teaching experience.

  • 13 years in Mesquite, remaining years in Wylie ISD.

  • Motivated by a desire to help both children and their families.

Philosophy of Teaching

  • Passion for helping children succeed.

  • Importance of family support in children's education.

  • Inquiry addressed by families regarding children's learning abilities and disabilities (e.g., dyslexia, autism).

Classroom Management Strategies

Communication of Expectations

  • Clearly communicate expectations to students.

  • Emphasis on safety as the first priority in the classroom.

Classroom Rules

  • Four Classroom Rules:

    1. Follow directions the first time given.

    2. Talk with permission only.

    3. Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself.

    4. Show respect to all people and their property.

  • Importance of reinforcing these rules consistently, especially at the beginning of the school year.

Behavior Management Techniques

  • Use of coins as a reinforcement system for positive behavior.

  • Conduct clips for visual representation of behavior.

  • Allow students to earn additional rewards.

Interaction with Parents

  • Regular communication through group emails (using blind copy) and Seesaw app.

  • Use Seesaw for showcasing students' work to parents, including birthday celebrations.

Classroom Procedures

Daily Routines

  • Morning message on whiteboard to start the day.

  • Attendance taken at 9:00 AM accompanied by a school-wide howl.

  • Classroom helpers appointed, such as line leaders and table captains.

Material Distribution

  • Students assist in passing out materials based on alphabetical order, efficiently organized by classroom magnets.

Seating Arrangements

  • Students select their seating during Meet the Teacher night.

  • Minimal changes to seating throughout the year, with occasional adjustments for behavioral issues.

Instructional Planning

Curriculum and Resource Management

  • Development of instructional focus documents (IFDs) that outline the curriculum.

  • Collaborative planning with other teachers to share resources and develop lessons.

Monitoring Student Understanding

  • Use of exit tickets and regular tests to assess understanding.

  • Continuous monitoring of students, with small group re-teaching as needed.

Student Engagement

  • Encouragement of creative independence in project completion.

  • Active monitoring while facilitating student practice at their desks.

Classroom Environment

Learning Targets

  • Display of I will and We will statements that outline daily objectives for students.

  • Frequent updates to reflect ongoing lessons.

Organization and Materials

  • Integration of book boxes for personalized reading materials, allowing for choice and ownership.

  • Use of whisper phones for improved reading practice.

Maintaining Order

  • Strategies to keep classroom orderly with students involved in maintaining cleanliness and organization.

Conclusion

  • Appreciation for shared ideas and inspirations from colleagues.

  • Recognition of importance in borrowing and sharing resources to enhance teaching effectiveness.