Standard 4: Learning Environment

These classroom cheers are an excellent resource to promote a positive learning environment for students. The students could have a copy of these table cheers in their table folder, and any time they finish a task, they can stand up and do a table cheer before they sit down. This keeps the students working together, allows the teacher to see when they have finished a task, and gives the students some positive reinforcement for completing their assignment. (Standards 4.1, 4.2, 4.3, 4.4)

The Kagan Cooperative Table mats are an extremely useful tool for classroom management and will simplify collaboration between students. The teacher only has to take a few minutes at the beginning of the year to explain shoulder partners, face partners, and how students know which number they are. This will facilitate the process anytime the teacher desires quick collaboration, and can tell students “Turn and talk to your shoulder partner and compare answers.” (Standards 4.1, 4.3, 4.4)

In order to create a positive classroom environment, this classroom seating chart will assist in keeping all students actively engaged. All desks are angled towards the board as well as the front of the classroom, so everyone can easily see without having to turn their bodies. Also, the students are placed in small groups so that they can easily collaborate when needed, and I can easily walk around the classroom to monitor student progress. (Standards 4.1, 4.3, 4.4)