Standard 6. Teachers create a supportive learning environment that encourages appropriate standards of behavior, positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self-motivation.
Teachers…
6.1 use principles of effective classroom management to establish classrooms in which clear rules and standards of behavior are maintained
6.2 establish a safe, secure and nurturing learning environment that supports the active engagement of all students
6.3 provide and structure the time necessary to explore important concepts and ideas
6.4 help students establish a classroom environment characterized by mutual respect and intellectual risk-taking
6.5 create learning groups in which all students learn to work collaboratively and independently
6.6 communicate clear expectations for achievement that allow all students to take responsibility and advocate for their own learning
Artifact #1: Library Expectation Posters
Description:
The library expectation posters I created follow the school’s general behavior expectations of respect self, respect others, and respect property with specific library related concepts. These library specific expectations are visible and understood by all students, they are referred to regularly, and they are used to reinforce correct behavior when necessary.
How artifact demonstrates meeting the standard:
This artifact demonstrates meeting standard 6 by showing effective classroom management through clear rules and standards of behavior. In addition, the library expectations follow the school’s model of expected behavior; therefore, students are already familiar with the overall expectation themes of respect self, others, and property. The familiar expectations that carry through from the classroom to the library provide a secure and smooth transition for students.
Why I chose this artifact:
I chose this artifact to demonstrate mastery of standard 6 because the library did have a behavior matrix posted pertaining to the schoolwide expected behaviors; however, they were very generic and did not pertain well to the library environment. I worked with my students and the school PBIS team to brainstorm and decide on the best expectations to comprise expected behaviors specifically in the library. The posters have been used to encourage students to take responsibility for their behavior and overall learning.
Artifact #2: “I Love Library Because” student work, 5th grade Fun Friday pictures
Description:
The “I Love Library Because” student work examples were created in all library classes to celebrate Library Lovers’ Month in February. Students drew pictures or wrote words as to why they love library. Many students wrote or drew about all the book choices, some chose coding, makerspace activities, or typing. A few of my favorites were about how they got to “touch a dead wolf!” or how they think their “teacher is awesome”.
I also included pictures of some of my 5th grade students that choose to spend their Fun Friday time with me in the library or with me outside on the trail on nice days. We spend this time talking about favorite books, building in the makerspace, and building relationships between teacher and student.
How artifact demonstrates meeting the standard:
These artifacts demonstrate meeting standard 6 by showcasing the safe, secure, and nurturing learning environment that has been established. Through this established supportive learning environment, students are more comfortable to share their ideas, are eager to learn, and they understand they will always be safe and respected.
Why I chose this artifact:
I chose this artifact to demonstrate mastery of standard 6 because building relationships, trust, and respect with my students is something that I wanted to happen right away, but I knew would take time. Continually building each relationship, creating a safe and nurturing environment, and supporting each students’ own learning path has developed into an overall amazing experience during my first year. I can feel the love everyday from my students’ smiling faces and hear their joy as they are engaged in their learning, but these artifacts provide evidence that I can hold on to forever.
