Common-Sense Classroom Management for Elementary School Teachers 2/e

Jill A. Lindberg retired from Milwaukee Public Schools in June 2003 and is currently a supervising teacher for the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Her teaching experience includes six years as a mentor teacher, assisting both general and special education teachers in Milwaukee Public Schools. She has taught students with specific learning disabilities, students with emotional/behavior disabilities, and students with hearing impairment. She has coauthored five books in the Common-Sense Classroom Management series with educators from the Milwaukee area. She has a degree in exceptional education from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. April M. Swick was assigned to Clement Avenue Elementary School, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, in August 1990 and began with a class of combined fourth and fifth graders. She was a highly involved staff member, concerned not only with the success of the children in her classroom but also with the betterment of the entire school population. She belonged to a wide variety of com-mittees and worked to ensure schoolwide discipline, a positive climate, and school spirit. After teaching for several more years, she and her current coauthor and friend, Jill Lindberg, became the first full-inclusion teaching team in the school. In the fall of 2002, April was appointed Principal of Clement Avenue School. She has earned a master's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and she is pursuing a doctorate in education. Sharing her good ideas with young teachers and colleagues has been an extremely fulfilling experience. In the future, she would love to write and illustrate children's books.

Foreword by Christine Kadow Preface Acknowledgments About the Authors 1. Taking Care of Teacher Business Room Organization Teacher Desk Organization Planning Independent Activities While Teacher Works with Small Groups Reviewing Expectations Field Trips Making the Most of Your Paraprofessional Assistant 2. Creating a Positive Classroom Atmosphere Classroom Seating Decorating With Themes Classroom Monitors and Jobs Respect in Your Classroom Teaching Social Skills Ways to Include All Students in Classroom Participation Super Student of the Week Classroom Meetings Compliment Book Wall of Fame Tattling 3. Communicating With Parents Parent-Teacher Relationships Parent Conferences Using Email With Parents Using Cell Phones With Parentsl Classroom Newsletters 4. Helping Parents Teach Children Safe Internet Practices The Information Superhighway: Basic Information for Parents Limiting Children to Appropriate Internet Content More Tips for Safe Traveling Using the Internet for School Projects 5. Working With Diverse Student and Family Populations Working With Non-English-Speaking Students Making Non-English-Speaking Students Comfortable in Your Classroom Working With Non-English-Speaking Families Working With Family Members Who May Be Illiterate 6. Dealing With Personal Hygiene Issues Recognizing That a Problem Exists Talking to Your Class Talking With Parents Providing Personal Care at School Working With Support Staff 7. With-it-ness Teacher Behaviors Planning Ahead and Lesson Expectations If a Lesson Really Isn't Working Looks, Gestures, Posture, and Positioning in Room to Convey Expectations Demeanor and Actions During Lessons to Ensure Student Focus Modeling Expected Responses The Challenging Student 8. Transitioning One Subject to Another One Subject to Another: Moving Within the Room Moving for Group Learning Activities One Classroom to Another 9. Taking Care of Classroom Business Entering School Entering the Classroom Beginning the Day Absenteeism Homework Collection Failure to Do Homework Line Order Bathroom Procedure Drinks Pencil Sharpening Gum, Candy, and Other Forbidden Edibles Classroom Rules Indoor Recess Reentering the Classroom After Lunch and Recess Ending the Day 10. Integrating Into Your School Culture Becoming Part of the Team Teacher Buddies and Mentors To Socialize or Not to Socialize The Teachers' Room Ask for Help; Offer to Help Other Supports for New Teachers 11. Preparing Your Students for Standardized Testing Before the Test Testing Day After the Test Test-Taking Tips for Students 12. Organizational Time Desk Cleaning Supplies Mailboxes Non-School-Related Materials 13. Rewards Academic Rewards Extra Special Class Time Extra Art Time and Extra Gym Time Leisure Time Activities Lunch With the Teacher Good News Phone Calls Extra Classroom Chores Whole-Class Rewards Making Arrangements for Non-Reward Earners Stickers, Stamps, and Other Goodies Coupons Certificates Tokens and Play Money Edibles 14. Consequences Identifying Challenging Students Dealing with Mildly Challenging Behavior Working with Chronic, Highly Disruptive Behavior Suggested Readings Index

"The new chapters and strategies really bring the book up-to-date by addressing timely classroom issues such as safe Internet practices and standardized testing . . . the organization and layout make it the perfect 'go-to' guide for virtually and problem. This book will revolutionize my management methods." -- Amy M. Turkowski, Student Teacher "This book proves you can teach an old dog new tricks. I have been teaching for 16 years, yet the students and classroom settings are changing, and new issues constantly surface. An effective teacher must recognize this and find ways to adapt. (This book) offers insights into a number of current educational issues such as safe Internet practices, standardized testing, and increased parental involvement. New teachers will find it to be indispensable!" -- Dave French, Teacher "This book can help take place of an actual mentor teacher, especially since so many primary schools don't have funding for these positions anymore...it covers more practical information than I've seen compiled anywhere else." -- Deborah Gordon "Suited to all educators and a great reference no matter how long you have taught." -- Katina Keener "This book addresses some very difficult subjects for inexperienced teachers. It is written in a clear, clean, and concise format which new and busy teachers could use in piecemeal segments as they progress through the year." -- Thomas Kelchner "I believe that this book will be read by many, and should be used in college education classes to better prepare student teachers for classroom management challenges." -- Katie Keier "I believe the authors provide an important service to new teachers by addressing several topics that usually aren't mentioned in teacher resource materials, such as helping parents teach children safe internet practices, dealing with personal hygeine issues, and integrating into school culture." -- Steven Reifman Praise for the First Edition: "Wow! What a book! What a joy to read! Applying as many of these strategies as possible to your classroom management plan will result in a much easier and more successful year." -- NSTA Recommends, April 2002