The Real World of the Classroom: (A Practical Approach to Teaching)

By Zenobia Morris

Summer vacation is finished, and you are standing in the classroom of your new teaching assignment. How do you know you are ready? How do you turn all of the lifeless theories you have learned in school into exciting lesson plans for eager young minds?

This book aptly answers these and many other relevant questions in a simple, easy-to-follow method of instruction. Learn how to navigate through the common challenges that even the most experienced teacher faces at the beginning of each school year. Take a step-by-step look at how to organize your first few weeks of class to achieve maximum efficiency. Enter into the real world of the classroom unafraid.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jul 22, 2015
• ISBN: 9781503571006

Zenobia Morris

Zenobia Morris is a retired educator with over thirty years experience on both classroom and administrative levels. She has a masters of education in curriculum and instruction from Andrews University and a degree in early childhood education from Georgia State University. She currently serves as a coordinator for student teachers for Western Michigan University and an adjunct professor. Mrs. Morris has given numerous presentations on practical classroom management to both teachers and administrators. Zenobia Morris is married to Dr. Donald Morris and enjoys spending time with her three adult daughters, son-in-laws, and four grandchildren.

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Copyright © 2015 by Zenobia Morris.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Rev. date: 07/20/2015

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CONTENTS

Preface

Introduction

Chapter 1 Classroom Fears

Pre-planning Questions

Teacher Checklist

Chapter 2 Effective Instructional Strategies

Instructional Component of Organization

Instructional Approach

Ten Step Interactive Model (adapted from Nobori, 2011)

Instructional Model

Chapter 3 Lesson Planning

Learning Styles

Effective Planning Model

Chapter 4 First Week Of School

Classroom Norms

Rituals and Routines

Open House

Family Night

Chapter 5 Creating A Positive Classroom Climate

Team Building

Establishing Class Meetings

Meeting Norms

Chapter 6 Teaching Conflict Resolution

Resolution Model

Bullying

Chapter 7 Teacher Challenges

Parent Communication

Administrative Demands

Chapter 8 Organizational Management

Record Keeping System

Chapter 9 Behavioral Management

Behavior Modification Model:

Behavioral Solutions

Management Strategies

Problem Solving Stages

Non-Verbal Cues

Chapter 10 Benefits Of Assessment

Assessment Model

Conclusion

Bibliography

Appendix A Classroom Constitution

Appendix B Classroom Rules

Appendix C Classroom Job Descriptions

Appendix D Cooperative Team Roles

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DEDICATION

First, I would like to thank God for His wisdom and the gifts that He has bestowed upon me, which has enabled me to write this book. Next, I would like to thank my wonderful and supportive husband, Pastor, Dr. Donald Morris, who has been a patient and strong encouraging confidant throughout the years.

I would also like to thank our beautiful daughters (Denise, Andrea and Nyasha) and sons-in-law (Fernon and Duane) who have inspired me to share my passion through this project. Finally, I would like to thank my gifted grandchildren (Nia, Shane, Fernon Jr, and Jasmine), who bring such joy to my life. Thank you all for believing in my dream!

PREFACE

T HE PRIMARY PURPOSE of this First Edition of The Real World of the Classroom: A Practical Teaching Guide is to provide teachers with a quick reference guide to hands-on teaching and learning, classroom preparation, instructional practices, and behavioral management. This text will lay the foundation for important information for both the veteran and the novice teacher. Within this book you will find:

• Classroom concepts in a simple format

• The basic fundamental principles of education

• An insight into how students learn

• Case studies of real-life issues

• Additional resources

• Effective instructional methods in a practical and timely manner

• Classroom conflict and resolution strategies

• Strategies on creating a conducive classroom environment

INTRODUCTION

A FTER 30 YEARS of teaching, my goal is to provide beneficial advice, in hopes to make teaching more manageable for others. The recommendations provided within this guide are based on the current needs expressed by numerous instructors within my teacher support group known as Critical Friends,’ as well as years of testimonials. During each meeting, teachers were given a forum in which to discuss pertinent issues pertaining to their profession. Throughout the meeting, teachers would share effective teaching strategies and form bonds with both novice and veteran members. This sparked my interest to share my wealth of information with others.

CHAPTER 1

CLASSROOM FEARS

Y OUR FIRST CLASSROOM can be quite scary! Fear may derive