Blog Entry Assignment #3

What does the cooperative teacher do to encourage a positive classroom community?  

The teacher I've been observing does a fantastic job of fostering a positive classroom community! She encourages every child to participate in whatever way they're comfortable, and when a child is concerned with making a mistake, she says things like, "If we make a mistake, are we gonna be okay?" which, I think, allows the students to feel like mistakes are an expected part of the learning process and gives them the confidence they need to not only participate, but to encourage their classmates as well. When they're doing group work and learning something new, she says things like, "Keep fighting for it! We're going to get better at this!" and always says things like, "I'm so proud of you." She is constantly encouraging her students that she values the "process" over the end result. 

What does the cooperative teacher do to establish a positive relationship with each student?  

Something I loved that she does is that she always calls her students by their names when talking to them. Just last week she took the time to clarify with one of her students what they wanted to be called since there had been some confusion the week prior. She really prioritizes remembering all their names (which, as the music teacher, means she's learning 377 names!) as a way to connect with them. Some other things she does to help build positive relationships is to make eye contact when she talks to them, and then praises them intentionally and specifically by saying, "Thank you for singing out today!" or "I love how you...". Nearly every single thing she does is intentional and supports her goals to have a positive relationship with her students and in the classroom.

What clear routines are established in the classroom?  How do they support a productive learning environment?

This teacher has signs posted around the room that she taps or knocks on, loud enough for the children to hear it, so they know what they're expected to be doing next. If they're up and moving around the room and she wants them to sit on the carpet, she'll knock on the carpet sign and the children know exactly where to go and what to do. She has signs for circling up around the room, lining up at the door, standing up in place, and sitting at the carpet. It's an effective way to transition between activities without her having to corral them all.