Create a Strong Culture

Question 1

What are the five principles of a strong classroom culture?

Answer 1

1. Discipline, teaching the habits and processes of being a successful student.
2. Management, the process of reinforcing behavior by consequences and rewards.
3. Control, the capacity of the teacher to cause someone to do what you ask, regardless of consequences. It supports freedom.
4. Influence, inspiring students to believe, want to succeed, and want to work for it for intrinsic reasons.
5. Engagement, giving students plenty to say yes to, plenty to get involved in, plenty to lose themselves in. The student should be busily engaged in productive and positive work.

Question 2

What is the “Entry Routine” technique?

Answer 2

Every student gets a packet when they enter a classroom; Every student has the same place to sit; every class should start with a “Do Now” activity.

Question 3

What is the “Do Now” technique?

Answer 3

This is a short activity that you have written on the board is is waiting at their desks before they enter. It must be done every day.

Question 4

What are the four aspects of the “Do Now” technique?

Answer 4

1. It is something students can complete without any direction from the teacher or any discussion with their classmates.
2. The activity should take three to five minutes to complete.
3. The activity should require putting a pencil to paper.
4. The activity should preview the day’s lesson.

Question 5

Describe the “Tight Transitions” technique.

Answer 5

They are quick and routine transitions that students can execute without extensive narration by the teacher. They include point to point transitions of students and materials.

Question 6

What is the “Binder Control” technique?

Answer 6

It is the system for the storage, organization, and recall of what your students have learned.

Question 7

What are some good standards for “binder control?”

Answer 7

Have a uniform format for organizing papers;
Have a place for students to leave their binders.
Have a uniform manner for organizing all binders.

Question 8

Describe the “Slant” technique.

Answer 8

This is a technique for concentration in the class.
Sit up.
Listen.
Ask and answer questions.
Nod your head.
Track the speaker.

Question 9

What is the “On Your Mark” technique?

Answer 9

Every student begins class ready to learn. Be explicit about each expectation.
Set a time limit, like in seconds.

Question 10

What is the “Seat Signals” technique?

Answer 10

Regulate how students go to the bathroom or get water or go to the pencil sharpener.
1. The request must be made from the seat.
2. The request must be made non-verbally.
3. The request must never be a distraction.

Question 11

Describe the “Props” technique.

Answer 11

This is public praise for students who demonstrate excellence or exemplify virtue.

Question 12

What are the keys to effective “props”?

Answer 12

1. They are quick.
2. They are visceral - they rely on movement and sound, especially percussive sound. Have them drum!!s
3. Universal - have the whole class join in!
4. Enthusiastic, fun, and lively.

Question 13

What are four good ideas for props?

Answer 13

1. The hitter: pretend to swing and hit a ball out of sight.
2. Motorcycle: vroom the handles.
3. Two snaps, two stomps.
4. Drum roll…