1
Tool Kit:
Having a tool kit is a very helpful as a teacher. As a teacher using different ideas
and combing them to come up with your own perfect classroom management style is very
important. If a teacher were just to use one specific model or idea for their classroom,
they would run into some issues and it would not work. Each style talked about
throughout this paper has its positives and negatives. This is why if a teacher makes their
own style based on a combination of these different ideas it is a better learning
environment for the classroom as a whole. As a teacher it is important to be flexible and
change things if they aren’t working. A lot of older teachers focus more on one specific
plan to run their classroom, than developing their own. When teachers develop their own
classroom management style it tends to be a creative way for the class to stay involved
and engaged throughout the day, and something that will work in the classroom based on
the atmosphere of the class. If a teacher just has one specific plan that they stick to
throughout the year there is no variety that they can look into if their plan to manage the
classroom is failing. Throughout this tool kit are different ideas we have talked about in
class, and the general idea of them. This will help me to distinguish which tools will be
helpful to use in a classroom and which tools I will stay away from.
2
Charles “Jim” Fay – Love and Logic
Charles Fay’s ideas of his love and logic plan were a system that attempts to teach
children to be responsible and have fun while leading to acceptable behavior. Fay’s
versions of love and logic are teaching, parenting, grand parenting, magic for lasting
relationships, solutions for special needs, and marriage. His teaching version of this sets
limits without anger, supports the underachievers, manages the disruptive students,
attempts to keep student’s attention, and helps students solve their own problems. His
reasoning for this was when students must solve problems and thinking leads to foresight.
Along with his theory there are three rules. They are use enforceable limits, provide
choices within limits, and apply consequences with empathy. The discipline part of this
of this has two approaches. The system approach has rules and punishments and the
principles approach is based on a set of beliefs.
This love and logic idea is very interesting to look at. The teaching version of this
makes some very good points. I really like the versions that go along with it. They set
limits without anger, support underachievers, manage disruptive students, keep the
student’s attention and help a student solve problems. These versions of this model are
very realistic to have in a classroom. Charles Fay’s love and logic idea is very realistic to
use in a classroom and can definitely see it being used in different classrooms.
3
William Glasser – Reality Therapy, Quality Schools, Choice Theory
William Glasser’s model has three different parts. Reality Therapy, Quality
Schools, and Choice Theory are the three different sections that Glasser stresses through
his model. The Choice Theory is based on motivation and 5 basic needs. These needs
are to survive and be secure, belong and be loved, gain power and respect,
,and have
fun. The choice theory stresses that we are responsible for our own behaviors. The
Reality Therapy focuses on the finding self-worth. This therapy part of Glasser’s model
states that you can give love but you might not be able to learn anything. The Quality
School part of this model means you must meet 6 criteria to be considered a “Glasser
Quality School. There is a training that goes along with this quality school theory. In a
school like this all assessments are open book and open note.
Glasser’s model was very confusing to me. The Quality School part of this model
was very strict and potentially not the best learning environment for some students. The
Choice Theory is similar to other models we have talked about in that you are responsible
for your own actions which I agree with and find very important in a learning
environment. However Glasser’s model is very “my way or the highway”. This is one
criticism I have with this model. I believe that especially in teaching it is important for
teachers to be open to change depending on the classroom chemistry and I feel like
Glasser’s model does not support change and is very black and white when it comes to
classroom management.
4
Diane Gossen – Restitution
The restitution model’s goal is the address the discipline by focusing on how the
student can correct their mistake. Similar to the “Responsible Thinking Process” this
model focuses on self-correction. The restitution model assumes that the students are
self-motivating and that they have strong values, ideas and beliefs. The restitution model
helps students to learn from their mistakes. According to this model there are 5 different
traits or people the teacher should be. The teacher should be a buddy, a punisher, a
guilter, a manger, and a monitor. Gossen says that it is important to explain a student in
trouble that you can’t force someone to do anything, but then they will have to face the
consequences. The conversation part of this model is the most important piece to
success.
I can relate to restitution. I believe that it is important for students to understand
the reason why they are in trouble as well as grow with their values, ideas and beliefs. It
is also very important for students to learn from their mistakes. The one criticism I have
with this model is the different traits a teacher should be. While it is important to manage
a classroom in a successful way, and be a friend to their students – a punisher and guilter
sound very demeaning to a relationship with a student. It is important for students to
understand that because of this action, these will be your consequences. This model I
believe would very much help students to understand why their actions led to the
consequence it did as well as starting to take responsibility more for the students own
actions.
5
Tim Bennett – Attitude Check
The Attitude Check is a way to have a kinder gentler classroom setting. The way
it has been set up in Bennett’s classroom in the past was the use of a golden box. This
box helps to eliminate catty behavior, poor sportsmanship, tattling, and scapegoating.
Students were able to share their feelings on anything that was going on in their life. This
is a good way for students to remain focused through the rest of the day. It is a pretty
know fact that if students are struggling with something at home or outside of the school
they are going to have issues learning throughout the day at school. If things are
addressed in the middle of the day this helps students to continue to be focused and also
reduces the drama in the classroom among students. The attitude check is a time that is
regularly scheduled for about a 15 minute time period. The attitude check can be any
subject and all attitude checks are able to receive feedback. The one stipulations of the
attitude check is no names are allowed to be used. By using no names it focuses more on
solving the problem instead of just the person and their problem.
I really like the idea of the attitude check. I think it is a great way to get all the
“fluff” out of the classroom. A lot of times there can be drama between students and it
can affect the learning or alter the chemistry of the classroom. With the attitude check I
can see how it would be very successful in a classroom and help avoid the constant
tattling that usually happens in a classroom. This is definitely something that I will use in
my classroom. Not only will it help with the chemistry of the classroom it will also help
with the teacher student relationship that is the vital part of being a teacher.
6
Strategies for engaging all the students all the time
There are many ways to keep all students engaged throughout the school day and
in specific subjects. Partner work is always helpful to gage if the students are listening to
what you have to say or just zoning out. Things like think, pair, share are also helpful in
these situations because it gives the students a chance to come up with their own answer.
There are other ways to keep students engaged when reading by using Popsicle sticks or
popcorn reading throughout the chapter. This will help the students to pay attention to
where they are at, because they don’t know if they will be called on to read next or not.
There is also a lot to be said for using manipulative or interactive technology in a
classroom. These tools are used to learn and especially if they are interactive it will keep
all students involved in the conversation and interacting with one another. Another big
thing that can play a role in students being engaged is the arrangement of the classroom.
If the classroom is much cluttered and not a lot of room for movement students will have
trouble paying attention in the classroom. If the environment of the classroom is very
calm and comfortable then learning and the attention of the class will be easier to
maintain.
Engaging students throughout the school day is a very important part of being a
teacher. The list that we talked about in class gave me some really good ideas to use in a
classroom to do just that. As we talked about these in class I realized that some of them I
have seen used before from the student prospective and did not like them. A lot of my
teachers growing up used popsicle sticks and I was not a fan of these at all because I was
not a strong reader. Another thing that I have seen used is popcorn reading. While this
can be fun to do as a class, sometimes it is challenging to get the point across of what the
7
reading says and is instead focusing on the engaging part of the class. While it is
important to keep students in engaged it should not be the main focus in the classroom
otherwise no learning will get done throughout the day.
8
Harry Wong – The First Day of School
Harry Wong’s model shows three characteristics of an effective teacher. These
three characteristics are classroom management, teaching for mastery, and positive
expectations for student success. Wong stresses through this model that what you do on
the first day of school, impacts the rest of the school year. Things like welcoming the
students and greeting them as they walk in the door are crucial for the first day. Wong
also touches on the 4 stages of teaching according to him. These stages are fantasy,
survival, mastery, and impact. The impact part of teaching a teacher must work hard at to
maintain according the Wong. Discipline, Procedures, and Routines are very important
to having a successful classroom.
Harry Wong’s model is old fashion, but makes a lot of sense. I really like the
advice that he gives for the first day of school and what you can do make the school year
a success right from the beginning. Harry Wong stresses professionalism in his model.
To me, this is common sense. You want to look professional and you want to have a
relationship with your students by getting to know them and greeting them when they
enter the classroom. I agree with Harry Wong’s model of being professional and having
a relationship with your students. I find that this model will be very helpful in the
classroom in the future and a constant remind of how important it really is.
9
Barbara Coloroso – Kids Are Worth It
Barbara Coloroso’s model Kids are Worth It, focuses on discipline and techniques
teachers use. Coloroso believes that there is an inner discipline in which teachers act like
guides and the ability for students make their own decisions. Coloroso’s model has three
different types of teachers, schools, and families as well. These three are the brickwall,
the jellyfish, and the backbone. The brickwall is very strict and uses their power to
control children. The jellyfish is the exact opposite and has little structure with a very lax
discipline. The backbone is just what a backbone is, provide support and structure when
necessary for a student. Coloroso also believes that threats and punishments work when
we want the student to do what we want. She also believes that punishments don’t teach
students what is right and wrong. This goes along with the inner discipline that Coloroso
talks about and if students are threatened or punished they are not able to develop their
own inner discipline.
Barbara Coloroso’s model is similar to other theories we have talked about to use
in our classrooms. I really like the inner discipline of this model. I strongly believe that
the teacher serves as a guide and should let students make their own decisions. I also
really like the threats and punishments part of this model. I agree that if students aren’t
given a chance to make their own decisions or mistakes they will not develop their own
inner discipline. I believe that it is important to be the backbone in a classroom, but have
room for conversation as well as inner discipline. This is definitely something that
students can benefit from in a classroom and develop a way to make decisions for
themselves as well as find their inner discipline.
10
Daniel Goleman – Emotional Intelligence
Daniel Goleman’s theory focuses on emotional intelligence verses IQ. Goleman
believes that IQ is failing us because there is not a relation between a high IQ and how
successful someone will be in practical life. He believes that emotional intelligence has
no stagnant, or is constantly learned throughout one’s life. With emotional intelligence
there is also the ability to get better and grow. According to Daniel Goleman there are
five skill sets that are associated with emotional intelligence. They are self-awareness,
managing emotions, motivation, empathy, or social skills. Goleman looks at emotional
intelligence on a stop light scale. If you are in the red, you may be angry or needing to
focus more on your emotional state before you make a decision. If you are in the green,
you are good to go and able to make rational decisions. If you are in the yellow you are
somewhere in the middle and maybe need to spend a little extra time thinking about your
decision before you decide.
I believe that Goleman’s theory is very good and definitely gives you something
to think about. I personally know a lot of people that are not necessarily book smart, but
have a lot of common sense. This correlates with Goleman’s theory about your
emotional intelligence. You could be very book smart, but make no great decisions
because your emotional intelligence may be in the red. Goleman also states that our
emotions can impact our ability to take in information. This is also proven to be true
through examples I have seen. If a student is having a bad day because of something that
might have happened at home it will affect their learning in the school environment. I
really like Goleman’s theory and believe that it could be used in classroom and also help
with the relationships with have with students on an emotional level.
11
Lee Canter – Assertive Discipline
Lee Canter’s believes on assertive discipline are very interesting to look at.
Canter believes that the teacher’s rights are to establish the optimal learning environment
and respect as well as expect appropriate behavior from students. From the other side of
things, Canter believes that students can choose how they want to behave. He believes
that discipline does not hurt the student and they will resolve it themselves eventually.
He also states that teachers are not able to control the situation. Canter has steps that he
believes with change the behavior of students. Step one is to remove the roadblock, this
means that home life and other things that are going on with a student should not affect
them in the school environment. Step two and three involve being assertive and also
setting limits among the students. Step four touches on the difference between threats
and promises. Canter believes that it is important to follow through and never to make
threats and only promises.
Canter’s ideas on assertive discipline are very absurd to me. Canter shows
through his believes that discipline doesn’t hurt the student, which in every case has
proven to be untrue. It is very important for the relationship of the student and teacher to
be strong. Through Canter’s believes I don’t believe there would be any student teacher
relationship. I can see why we have talked about Canter’s ideas in class. This is
something you see a lot of in classrooms. Consist discipline with no room for
explanation, or the teacher just ignores the problem all together.
It is important to
discuss how this is not an effective belief to use in a classroom. As it has been proven
there are many other models or beliefs that teachers can use in a classroom to maintain a
manageable
12
Alfie Kohn – Rewards and Punishments, Grades and Intrinsic Motivations
Alfie Kohn’s beliefs are backed up by research. Alfie states in his model that
punishments are very destructive towards students, and strongly believes that rewards and
punishments have the same effect on students. He also believes however that motivation
is a key to learning. Alfie Kohn’s big belief in his theory is his take on grades. Some of
his beliefs on grades are that they lessen students interest in learning, lessen a student’s
desire for more challenging tasks, and they can change the curriculum. Kohn also
believes that grades are not a reliable way to assess how a student is doing. As a teacher
it is important to have a strong relationship with your students as well as your students
have a strong relationship with their peers. Alfie Kohn says that these different
relationships can also be affected negatively by grades in a classroom.
While there is no way to actually get rid of grades, Alfie Kohn’s theory makes
some sense. I can see where grades can get in the way of students relationships with
peers as well as the teacher. This has happened to probably all of us. How many people
have not liked a teacher because of a poor grade they have gotten on a test or an
assignment? I can also relate to rewards and punishments being interchangeable.
Rewards and punishments both can affect the relationship with a student and a teacher,
and don’t always address what the problem truly is in the classroom.
13
Edward E. Ford – Responsible Thinking Process
The purpose of the Responsible Thinking Process all involves success. The two
beliefs that go into this tool are that someone cares and respects you enough to help you
success and that it is possible to succeed. Through this tool, students are taught to
monitor their own behavior by taking responsibility for what they do. The teacher is
never required to yell, lecture or tell a student something, but instead ask questions.
There are six questions that a teacher is required to ask the student when there is a
conflict in the classroom. First, what are you doing? This question asks the student how
they are handling themselves in the classroom. Then, what are the rules? This question
ties the behavior that is happening to the rules that are expected in the classroom. What
happens when you break rules? This question requires the student to reflect on the
behavior that is happening. The next question that is asked is, is this what you wanted to
happen? This question gives students time to think about the response from their
behavior. Did they accomplish what they wanted by doing this behavior. The next
question is where do you want to be? This question has the student reflect on how they
want to be for the rest of their life. The next question that is asked is what will happen if
you disrupt again? This question makes the student aware of what will happen the next
time they have poor behavior in the classroom.
This tool could definitely be used in a classroom. I really like the idea of having
the students think about their actions. This way the student in a way has a natural
consequence for their behavior in the classroom. Being responsible for your actions is
very important part of maturing as well as learning in a classroom. The one criticism I
have of this tool is that there isn’t any room for teacher direction. While it is important to
14
take responsibility for your actions there must also be some direction from the teacher
and consequences for your actions. When a student “thinks” about their actions and
behaviors, they don’t always have a natural consequence for their actions. If there are
behavior problems in a classroom, there needs to be consequences for their actions.
15
M.B. “Flip” Flippen – Capturing Kid’s Hearts
Capturing Kid’s Hearts and Flip Flippen’s ideas have been installed in many
classrooms. The main objective of this model is to develop a healthy relationship
between members of the school district and the students in the classrooms. This program
has five primary skills that it uses to do this. The first skill is EXCEL which stands for
engage, explore, communicate, empower, and launch. This skill focuses on leadership,
relationships, and the teaching model that can be used. The social contract is next. This
is a way to get students talking about the expectations in the classroom and holding
themselves accountable for their own actions. The next is the four questions for
misbehavior. This skill focuses on what the student is doing wrong and what they are
supposed to be doing. This skill is an important conversation. The next skill is the four
questions for disrespect. These questions are similar to the misbehavior ones and the
main focus is the conversation you are having with this student. The final skill is the
SOLER listening skills. SOLER stands for squaring up to the person you are talking to,
open posture; lean in, eye contact you make, and relax and respond to the conversation.
These are the skills that Flippen says are important to capture kid’s hearts.
I have seen Capturing Kid’s Hearts used in a classroom before and I agree with
most of it. I really like the idea of the social contract and how it can hold the students
accountable for their actions. All of the other skills that are used to capture kid’s hearts I
also agree with. They are very important to gain relationship between teacher and
student. Because this is something I find very important as a future teacher I agree with
Mr. Flippen’s ideas of “If you have a child’s heart, you have their mind”. The one
criticism I have with this program is that it is a program. It is something that schools
16
must pay for in order to gain the knowledge of this awesome idea of capturing kid’s
hearts. While it is a program there is still a way that you can instill some of Flippen’s
findings in your own classroom and that is what I plan to do.