Classroom Management

&

Discipline Plan

By: Lauren Ferguson

TLED 479

The Newsletter
The next 5 pages are part of the newsletter that I would
send home to my students' parents. 
 Welcome!
Who Am I?
I am Ms. Ferguson and I will be your
child's 2nd grade teacher.  I am excited
to work with your child to ensure he
or she receives access and opportunity
to learn the skills needed to succeed. I
will hold each student in my class to a
high expectation because each child
has potential to excel in the five
content areas: reading, writing, math,
science, and social studies.

Little things about me!

"Teaching kids how to count
Birthday:
Favorite
February 17th
color: Purple
is fine, but teaching them
Favorite store: Target what counts, is best."
- Bob Talbert
Favorite movie: Trolls
Favorite subject: math

Contact me!
hello Lauren Ferguson
2nd Grade Teacher
Phone: 757-619-4790
Email: lferg002@odu.edu
 In the classroom...

Students will be expected to respect their classmates, their school, and to

me. I will not tolerate bullying, intolerance, and inappropriate behavior.
Students are also expected to be responsible. They will be responsible for
their actions and decisions. 
Our classroom will be a safe and positive learning environment.

* Please review the classroom rules with your child before the first day of
class

Classroom Rules
1. Be respectful to everyone and everything

2. Raise your hand and wait your turn to talk out loud

3. Use your listening ears when your friends and teachers

are talking

4. Bring your school supplies to school everyday and be

ready to learn

5. Follow directions quickly

6. Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself

 Discipline: The Button Banks
There will be consequences for students who do not follow the rules and rewards in
place for students who are exceeding expectations.

On each of the students’ desks, there will be little containers (dollar

tree- small storage boxes). These will be the students’ “button banks.”
On my desk, I will have a large container of buttons (sewing buttons).

Rewards Consequences
- The students will receive buttons -The students can also lose buttons. If a
when they are caught being good, child is not following the rules, having
following the rules, being a role behavior issues, etc., they will take a
model, etc. I will explain on the first button from their bank and put it back
day of class that they can receive into my bank.
buttons for any reason. This includes - Each student and myself will have a
helping a friend, picking up trash, Button Log. This button log will be on the
walking quietly in the hallway, etc.  side of the button banks, and will be dry
erase. Every time a student needs to
- On Friday, there will be a classroom give me a button back, the student
store. There will be coupons and the needs to write the rule # that was broken
coupons will be things such as a no on the log. This will restart each day.
homework pass, eat lunch in the 1. After the student loses 2-3 buttons,
classroom, bring a stuffed animal to they will receive a verbal warning.
school, wear a hat to school, sit in a 2. At the end of the day, if the student
rolling chair, be the line leader, etc. has written down 4-6 broken rules, he
Each of the coupons will cost or she will fill out a reflection sheet.
different amounts of buttons. There This reflection sheet will go home, be
will also be school materials such as signed, and brought back.
erasers and pencils that the students 3. Severe behavior: If a student has
can buy using their buttons. The had more than 6 rules broken in one
students will be able to participate at day, expressed severe behavior such
the store if they have buttons in their as destruction of property, violence
bank on Fridays.  towards classmates, it is an
automatic phone call home and then a
trip to the office.
 This week! 4/15-4/19
* Each week, your child will receive a "This Week!" In this, you will find what your
child will be learning in each subject. It will also include updates, notes, and school
calendar events. Please keep it at home where you and your child can can view
throughout the week. 

Reading Writing

Math

SCience Social Studies

Updates, notes, and events!

(Please note that this is an example of what the "This week" will look
like. It will be filled in on the actual one.
 Questions?
I look forward to working with your child. Together we
will work as a team to make sure he or she succeeds.

If you have any questions or concerns, please do not

hesitate to contact me by phone or email. 

At open house, we will have opportunities for you or

your child to select an object to donate to our
classroom to enhance his or her learning experience. 

As always, you are always welcomed to volunteer in

our classroom and assist with planning classroom
activities. If you are interested in being a room parent,
please reach out to me for more information. 

This will be such a great school year and I can not wait
to get started! Happy Learning!

                                                       Ms. Ferguson
 The Discipline Plan
There will be consequences for students who do not follow the

rules and rewards in place for students who are exceeding

expectations.

- On each of the students' desks, there will be little

containers (dollar tree- small storage containers with
snap on lids). These will be the students' "Button
Banks." On my desk, I will have a large container of
buttons (sewing buttons of all kinds)

- The student will receive buttons when they are caught being good,
following the rules, being a role model, etc. I will explain on the first
day of school that they can receive buttons for any reason. This also
includes helping a friend, picking up trash, walking quietly in the
hallway, etc.

On Fridays, there will be a classroom store. There will be coupons and the

coupons will include homework passes, eat lunch in the classroom, bring a toy

to school, wear a hat, sit in a rolling chair, be the line leader, and more. There

will also be school materials such as fun erasers and pencils. The students can

purchase these items for various amounts of their buttons. The students will be

able to participate at the store if they have buttons in their bank on Fridays. 
 The Discipline Plan
The students can also lose buttons. If a child is not following the

rules, having behavior issues, etc., they will have to take a button

from their bank and put it back into mine. 

- On the first day of class, I will discuss the reasons and ways students can lose buttons.
The students will know, on their own, if they need to withdraw a button from their button
bank. Each of the classroom rules can determine if a student needs to give me one of the
buttons.

- Each student, and myself, will have a Button Log. This log will be on
the side of the button banks, and it will be dry erase. Every time a
student needs to give me back a button, the student needs to write the
rule # that was broken on the log. This will be erased and restart each
day. At the same time, I will also be keeping track.

Tiered Consequences:
1. After the student loses 2-3 buttons, they will receive a verbal
warning.
2. At the end of the day, if the student has written down 4-6 broken
rules, he or she will fill out a reflection sheet. This reflection sheet will
go home, be signed by a guardian, and brought back.
3. Severe Behavior: If a student has had more than 6 rules broken
in one day and/or expressed behavior such as destruction of
property, violence towards classmates or myself, it is an
automatic phone call home and then a trip to the office if needed.
The Discipline Plan - Reflection Sheet
 Classroom Procedures
Procedures allow the classroom to function safely and successfully. Each of the students

will be made aware of the classroom procedures the first week of school. As a class, the

procedures will be practiced. 

 Starting the day

- There will be a poster with the procedure and the students will receive a copy to keep in
their morning folder.
1. Enter the room quietly.
2. Hang up coats/jackets.
3. Empty backpack and get materials ready for class.
4. Hang backpack up on assigned hanger.
5. Turn in homework, signed forms, or anything you need to give the teacher into the
turn in basket.
6. Read the class schedule for the day.
7. Write down homework or other notes in school planner.
8. Sit down and start morning assignment on the board.

 Dismissing the class

- The dismissal procedure will be up on the board for the first couple of months as a
reminder.
1. Put away materials from class time.
2. In number order (each kid has an assigned number based on last name), go to hanger
and get coats, jackets and book bags.
3. Put materials to go home in bookbag.
4. Make sure your desk is cleared off and neat.
5. Sit in your chair until the teacher gives you the signal to get up.
6. Push in your chair and line up quietly to walk to bus ramp.
7. Line up according you your way home - parent pick up, bus, and after school care - in
that order
 Classroom Procedures
 Collecting papers

- The students' desks will be arranged in groups of 4-6 depending on class size. At the
end of each grouping, there will be a small stand with a "turn in" basket. The students will
pass the papers to the end in which the papers will be put in the basket by the two end
students.
1. Look at each end of your table group to find the "turn in" basket.
2. Pass your paper to your end group mates.
3. The end students should place the papers in the basket facing down.
4. Sit quietly for next direction.

 Absent work

- The students will be responsible for an absent folder. There will be a basket with 8
folders labeled "Absent Work." When a student is absent, there will be a student that sits
next to them, and he or she will be responsible for getting materials for them that day. This
includes writing down notes from class, handouts, and other things the student needs.
When the absent student returns, he or she will get his or her absent folder and complete
the work inside during free time, finish early time, or at home.
1. Get an "Absent work" folder from the basket.
2. Place it on the absent student's desk
3.. Get a sticky note and write the student's name on the note and put it on the folder.
4. Throughout the day, put all handouts, notes, and activites into the folder.
5. When the student returns, make sure they are given their absent folder.
6. After all work is completed and turned into the "turn in" basket, the empty folder goes
back in the "absent folder" bin.
 Classroom Procedures
 Paper headings

- For the first assignment, I will model the correct information that needs to go on an
assignment and where. There will also be a poster with “Paper Heading” hints for the
students to look back to if they forget.
1. Student first name and last name
2. Student number (given based on last name) in top right hand corner
3. Date
4. Subject (Math, writing, reading, social studies, or science)

 Getting students' attention

- On the first day, I will model the signal and phrase I will use. The students will be told that
when they see the signal and hear me, they are to stop and listen.
1. I will raise my hand with all 5 fingers and say “freeze”
2. The students should freeze where they are, also give me 5, look at me, and listen to my
direction
3. They are to stay quiet until I unfreeze them, in which I will say “go”

 Bathroom Break
- Together, we will create an anchor chart of when students are able to ask to use the
restroom. This will include during recess and not during my instruction. If the student
needs to go to the restroom during class time, they should raised their hand with their
pointer and middle finger crossed (I will model). I will then either nod my head yes, or say
no if it is not an appropriate time, unless it is an emergency.
- When in the hallway transitioning to resource, lunch, or recess, the students will be able
to go to the bathroom as a class.
- To keep track of the students and where they are in the classroom, there will be a pocket
chart. The pockets will be labeled with student numbers. In the pockets will be Popsicle
sticks labeled with student number, my name, room number, and destination of the
student. There will be a stick for the bathroom, the office, the nurse, and an errand for the
teacher stick in the pocket. - The student will choose the correct stick before leaving the
classroom.
- This will be modeled and practiced on the first day of school.
 Classroom Procedures
 Keeping desks orderly
- On the first day, we will model together where our folders, notebooks, and pencil box
should go to keep a neat desk.
- All of the students will start off with an organized desk.
- Every Friday afternoon, the students will have “desk clean out” before dismissal.
- On the board, there will be a poster with a picture of the model desk. It will list the
materials the students have, and give a place where the material belongs. All loose papers
need to be put in the correct folder or thrown in the recycle bin.
- The students will also get one Clorox wipe from cleaning bin, and wipe down their desk
and chair.

 Classroom transitions

- The students will be taught the signals for transitioning in the classroom.
- I will let the students know when they have 5 minutes left on the assignment/subject.
- I will set the alarm on my phone, so the students trust the amount of time they have.
- When the alarm goes off, it will play one song, lasting about a minute. The students will
have the length of the song to clean up the assignment, sit in their seats quietly, and start
the next assignment.
- I will have the opening of the next assignment or subject on the board once the alarm
goes off (this will be a question for them to think about, a direction to take a textbook,
folder, or notebook out, etc)

 Finishing work early

- There will be a poster on the wall with “I finished early, what do I do?”
- On the poster will be a list of things the student can do, in order of importance.
1. Check your subject folders for unfinished work.
2. Complete a letter to a friend (practicing writing and writing letters)
3. Choose a free time activity from the “Free time basket” (includes puzzles, gifted
worksheets, and scavenger hunts for learning)
4. Read a book
 Classroom Procedures
Missing assignments

- For each handout and assignment, I will have extra copies and or a hand written
assignment sheet that we did.
- If a student is missing assignment, they have one more chance to do the assignment by
going to my extra copies drawers, and getting one more handout. They must withdraw a
button.
- If a student has a missing homework assignment, they will fill out a missing homework
form. They will get this form from the “Pink Slip” basket on the back table of turn in
baskets.
- On the form, the student will record their name, date, class subject, and missing
assignment name.
- The student will then select their reason
– did the homework, but left it at home, did not do homework, did not have materials at
home, or other with explanation
- The student will then have to sign the slip and turn it into the homework collection basket
when the homework is turned in.
- The student will have 1 more day to get the assignment turned in (this is stated on slip). If
they do not fill out a pink slip, they will not be able to make up the assignment. This is to
help students be responsible and admit to their actions.
- This process will be modeled and practiced on the first day of school

Lining up
- In front of the door, there will be tape on the ground marking the beginning of the line.
Each week on Monday, I will pull a student’s number stick. Whoever’s stick is pulled, they
will be the line leader for the week.
- I will call for the line leader, then the students will line up when their table group is called.
- The students will be expected to be quiet in line.
- Every student gets one warning. If they are talking, they have to go to the back of the
line.
- If they are spoken to again for talking, they will have to withdrawal a button from their
button banks (my discipline plan).
 Classroom Procedures
Working in groups

- When working in groups aside from tablemates or groups based on level, they will be
randomly assigned. This will be assigned based on number sticks that are pulled.
- The students will know the different working stations in the classroom, labeled around
the room – at the back table, on the floor, in the library, another place on the floor, at
another groups desk group.
- I will call on one person from each group and they will have to let the rest of the class
and I know where their group will work. Each person from the groups after that have to
choose a different space. I will then give the students the signal “go” to get started.
- In the groups, the students will be given 1 minute to assume jobs within the groups. This
will be timed on my phone.
- I will then let the students know how much time they have to work. When it gets to 5
minutes left, I will set the timer on my phone for the transition song to go off for the 1
minute they have to clean up.
- There will be a poster on the wall for working in groups
1. I am responsible for my work and behavior
2. I have to ask 2 group members my questions before asking the teacher
3. I must raise my hand for my teacher to come over and offer guidance to the whole class
4. When the alarm goes off, I must start cleaning up and go back to my assigned seat.

Fire drills

- There will be an emergency folder hanging on a hook next to the classroom door. In this
folder will be a school map with our assigned evacuation route highlighted, a class roster
sheet, and emergency procedures sheet for different emergency scenarios.
- The students will be made aware of the fire drill route outside. They will also be taught
the importance of following the Fire Drill procedure on the poster displayed in the room
1. Quickly and quietly exit the room toward evacuation route.
2. Stay together if possible.
3. Once outside at assigned evacuation space, form line in number order.
4. Put index finger over lips.
5. Stay Quiet until the fire drill is over
 My Philosophy
Classroom management Classroom Instruction

Classroom management is a plan Student-centered teaching keeps

to ensure student safety and the students engaged, motivated,
learning. It is to maintain a room and interested in learning. To
that reflects a successful and achieve this, it is important to
positive learning community. create lessons that keeps the
My classroom will be a productive students responsible for learning
environment for student learning. and fosters exploration of the
Students will be held to a high world. The instruction I provide
expectation and will be will not only allow students to
accountable for the procedures in practice academics, but also
the room. social skills. Most of the material
Each student will have a key role will be introduced, explained,
in making sure our classroom demonstrated, and then practiced
functioning at its full potential. by students. The students will
This will help eliminate disruptive engage in classroom discussing
behavior and encourage each to expose students to different
student to participate in our perspectives about topics.
classroom community. Movement will also be
incorporated into student
learning.
 My Philosophy
The student and the teacher
Students and teachers are dependent on one another to create an
effective classroom. The teacher assumes the role of a guide, protector,
facilitator, leader, role model, parent, teacher, and human Google.
Depending on the students, there are many roles the teacher is seen
as. Students assume the role as friends, citizens, learners, children,
and explorers.
Within the classroom, students and teachers both receive feedback
through formative and summative assessment. Students are given
responsibilities and are held accountable for their responsibilities. The
teacher will be walking around and available for help and feedback
during student practice. The student will be responsible for asking
questions to help the teacher know what needs to be retaught and
explained in a different way.
Teachers facilitate learning and come up with ways to make sure each
students is able to learn the material and exercise their right to learn.
Teachers are there not only to teach, but to foster a professional
relationship with the students. Most students need someone to care
and to support them, therefore, a teacher is so much more than just an
authoritative figure. Many students come to school from a home without
support and academic guidance. It is up to the teacher to get to know
the students and be able to support and facilitate learning.
Classroom Layout
 Classroom Layout
My classroom floor plan is designed to foster a learning
community. The students will be in groups, and the amount
of students per table can vary depending on class size.
Ideally, these groups would be made out of desks, not
tables. Also, at the front where the rug is, would by the
smartboard. The students would gather at the rug for whole
group lessons. I have my desk in the corner, able to see all
student desks, the library corner, and the door. This will
help me ensure safety and monitor all student behavior in
the event I do need to complete work at my desk. Facing
the board, I have my kidney table for guided reading
groups, as well as other groups that I will work with. On the
wall near the door will be shelves and or hooks for student
materials. There will also be storage at the back of the room
for teaching materials. Behind my desk, I have also added a
shelf for my personal teaching materials. To allow students
a place to go and read, there is a library corner away from
my guided teaching table and student desk. Of course,
every class is different, so some furniture may be changed
around if needed.