Same lesson plans for a teacher

. Identify the grade-level and subject area of your class (based on your personal choice or teaching situation).

The subject area and grade level will be 8th grade Social Studies

2. Write a value statement clarifying what you believe in as a teacher for your class.

As a teacher, I believe in a diversified approach to teaching that leveraged the VARK learning styles. Here, learning styles are separated in learning styles that require differing methods of teaching. The different learning styles are as follows

1. Visual

2. Auditory

3. Read/Write

4. Kinesthetic

Each of the approve methods require a unique teaching method of instruction and teaching. As a result, my value statement will be predicated on providing unique experience to children they wouldn’t otherwise receive from traditional formats. My values will be based on how to best motivate, inspire, and engage all students in a manner that allows them to succeed. My value statement also will make sure to engage minority and disenfranchises students in the same manner as other students. Ultimately this require a unique level of commitment to these communities in order for the to commit to learning in a manner that engages all five of their senses, thus allowing them to grow (Akar, 2004).

In addition, I am committed to making my classroom a safe, motivating and challenging environment. My aim is to help engage students through the curriculum as well as getting to know them and interacting with them one-on-one. The idea here is to have a personal relationship with each student so that they feel a connection and bond with me. Through this bond, I hope to motivate my students in a manner that other teachers cannot achieve. I believe that meeting the needs of my students is a very crucial part of my classroom. I want them to be comfortable with the other students, as well as me, so that there can be meaningful discussions and interactions. Talking will be common place in my classroom, along with group work. I want to encourage all students to participate in class so that they can learn from each other as well as me. I want to have a democratic and equitable classroom so that students can learn. I want to be a fair as I can be, so the students trust me (Brok, 2006).

3. Develop 3 or 4 non-negotiable rules along with a range of consequences for your classroom based on supporting your value statement. 

Rules

1. Treat all students in a manner that warrants respect

2. Follow all aspects of the Student Code of Conduct. It is your responsibility to become familiar with all aspects our how we govern our learning community. If you are unsure, please ask questions for clarification.

3. Respect all staff members. In addition to the teaching staff and administration, staff members include the custodians, cafeteria workers, monitors, teachers’ assistants, classroom aides, etc...) They are here to help you succeed by keeping a positive, safe, and orderly learning environment for ALL.

4. Electronic communication devices, cameras, radios, etc. must be turned off and put away once a student enters the building. Cell phones may only be used after the school day concludes at 2:30PM

Consequences:

Consequences for breaking these rules can vary by person and by the number offenses. It also depends on the overall school culture as well. For one, some cultures, particular schools with lower than average quality, look to suspend children for disrupting the rules. These children inevitably are minority children who are already experiencing hardships in both school and in life. As a result, I would like for other alternatives outside of outright suspension. This can include conferences with parents, after school counseling, and other forms of intervention.

4. Include a short description of how you will include your class in choosing one more negotiable rule.

As it relates to 8th graders, many are attempting to find themselves with the world at large. Many young boys are going through puberty and figuring out their own bodies. Others are still dealing with dynamics in the home and how that translates into school performance. As 8th grade is typically defined as middle school and lead up to high school, it is important to have an inclusive environment within the classroom. An inclusive environment allows students to feel more involve throughout the school year. It also empowers students to take charge of their own academic lives and performance. This accountability is paramount for students as society as condition many to believe that their performance is a result of, he world and not of their own ability. This can be detrimental to students as they attempt to unlock themselves from the stigmas and stereotypes of society (Aldridge, 2000). To create a much more inclusive environment I will look to engage students in some of the classroom rules. The purpose here is to engage students in a manner that can have them thinking as adults. It will require foresight and engage students through behaviors they deem appropriates. With instructor guidance I would look to create rules that are mutually beneficial for both the student and classroom at large. This will ultimately help improve student buy in.

5. Develop an assessment of the rules and consequences (include an adapted version for your students with disabilities who are below reading level).

Students will disabilities will have some leeway as it relates to adherence of the above rules. Certain disabilities are difficult to monitor and supervise as it rates to some of the above rules. However this leeway will be limited to exceptional circumstances as students with disabilities should prepare differently to adhere to the rules. For instance, timeliness is important for student with or without disabilities. Students with disabilities should leave earlier in order to make it to the class on time. If this will be difficult, then the facility must make accomodations for the student to arrive in a timely fashion. Although this appears tough, the world at large is even tougher. Students with disabilities must recognize that the world outside is very cut-throat. As a means of preparing them for the future, I intend to be tough on students with disabilities as means to prepare them for the world at large. History has shown that indiviuals with disabilities are often less likely to get hired, are paid far less, and often do not receive the amount of promotions as those without disabilities. This can be difficult as medical and healthcare costs to cope with these disabilities increase over time. In fact currently, healthcare costs are 18% of GDP. As such students with disabilities will enter a world where the odds are against them for success. To better prepare them for this world, I would look to enforce the rules above strictly being careful to make sure adequate accommodations are made for students with severe disabilities.

6. Design an appropriate environment for your classroom:

A statement explaining what in the room will illustrate to the students the focus and content you teach

The room is designed to appear to wide array of learning styles as the diagram projects, there will be three separate boards for students who are visual learners. This boards will look to display the lesson for the week, the methods of solving particular problems and any announcements for the classroom. The class room also has computers and projectors for students are more hands-on and need more or an auditory approach towards. Finally, the classroom has books for student who wish to engage themselves and learn at their own pace. Overall, the class room is designed to have engaging impact on students irrespective of there own learning style or behaviors. If a student wishes to learn a particular subject, the classroom is designed for the student to learn the material through any manner they desire.

Walking through the door, students are immediately greeted with a large array of vibrant colors on the walls. These colors a designed to grab their attention and also get their mind mentally prepared for the daily lesson. Throughout the room there is natural lighting from the windows. This lighting is designed to keep students engaged as it is tempting to fall asleep during class. The carpet on the floor is comforting to the student and yields a form of tranquility amidst the invigorating walls. As I start the lesson from my desk, which is also included in the circle, the students get out their journals and colorful pens to record today’s lesson and their personal thoughts, questions or even art. I believe the set up of a classroom has a big effect on student learning and I hope that my classroom will be an environment that will engage my students in critical thinking, discussions and reflection (Aalst, 2006)

7. Bulletin Board

The bulletin board will be a simple list of rules and values in the classroom. Students will be included with any additional rules by role playing with the instructor on the importance of the rule and how to implement it.

8. Prepare and describe an activity for meeting and getting to know your students and how you plan to guide them through your behavioral philosophy/plan.

Getting to know students is one of the most important elements of teaching. As describe above, my aim is to develop a strong relationship with each student and their family. Through this bond, I am looking to develop constant feedback relates to student performance. In addition, by getting to know each student, I can understand what motivates them from a life standpoint as oppose to an academic standpoint.

9. Write lesson plans for teaching one transition, one routine, and one rule. (You will submit a total of 3 lesson plans).

Lesson Plan Format 1: Transition

Skill: Leaning the history of the United States

Rationale for Teaching the Skill: It is important for students to understand how the United States was founded to gain a better appreciation for the principle that underline the country. Students can then begin to transition and apply these value to their behavior in class

Procedure

Anticipatory Set: Teacher will play a short movie regarding the founding of the country

Activities: Students will be placed into groups to design a poster indicates the major American values and what they learned as a group