Chapter 4 Post

                      Chapter four was very informative as have been all of the chapters thus far. This chapter in particular was all about the learning environment and managing the classroom. The first thing that struck me about this chapter was just how differently classroom management is looked at and viewed from the 1800s to today. It really opened my eyes to how even generational perceptions in regards to theories. This showed me that I should not be focused on punishment as previous theorists have thought. Another point that was brought up that I thought was a good one that goes along with this idea is that you should develop or come up with your own approach to classroom management. What this means is that what works for one middle level teacher may not work for me. This is also true because each class you have has a different culture to it which means that the same approach may not work not only for all classes but even from day to day. This means that I really need to be in tune to how my students are and their temperaments. This can prove to be difficult especially when it comes to middle level ages because of all the transitions that they do go through.
                       A second part of this chapter that stood out  was how even the physical layout to your classroom can prevent some classroom management issues. I think one of the most important tips they gave was to be flexible in the arrangement of your classroom. I think this is important because this is true not only this area but classroom management as a whole. It truly makes me reflect  and make sure that I am doing that to make sure that I either change it if I'm not or continue to do it if I am.
                      A third thing that stood out about this chapter was the idea of proscriptions and prescriptions. These are behavioral expectations that we should expect of our students. However, even though it is expected of our students that does not mean that we won't have to refresh their memories so to speak from time to time. This also doesn't mean that every student will follow this 100% of the time. Even your quote good students will have days that they may need reminded. I think the previously mentioned point it important to remember especially with the middle level students because of this being such a transitional and awkward time in terms of finding themselves as they make these transitions. This means that my teaching has to be flexible as mentioned previously so that way I can help my classroom run smoothly to avoid classroom management situations.
                        A fourth thing that stood out about this chapter was the tips on how to start the school year/term. In particular the part about the first day is very informative. It really opened my eyes to just how I should run the first day of school with middle level students. I will certainly utilize the tips provided to make sure that I achieve success as the teacher of middle level students no matter what grade. This is particularly true when it comes to eliminating the possibility of dead time. This I believe I will need to work on and reflect upon greatly especially in the middle level grades because I am a first year teacher. This goes along with timing of lessons which was mentioned. In regards to this, I will always make sure that I have a back up plan so to speak or plan for what the students will do in case you finish the lesson early but I also don't want to rush the lesson either. This is where good judgment comes in as to know when to continue a lesson especially for instance if the class is having a good discussion going on a certain topic.
                         A fifth thing that really stood out was the positive and negative reinforcement concepts. I think it'll help me greatly to use both of these when appropriate especially when I'm teaching middle level students. Along with this though, as mentioned in the book and video, it is important that I am consistent when it comes to not only positive and negative reinforcement but to how I deal with certain situations in classroom management as a whole. This means that if I deal with a situation one way with one student I have to deal with it that way with another student, However, this doesn't guarantee that the circumstances will be the same in every situation either it just means that you have to be as consistent as you can with any situation that comes your way. Also along with this, I liked how the authors mentioned that not every situation should you have to deal with on your own. I thought that was important to remember because I certainly have that mentality that I need to deal with things and it makes me look weak it I ask for help. However that couldn't be further from the truth.
                      Overall, I learned so much from this chapter and I cant wait to learn more as the semester goes on, and as we get further into the book!