The second framework covers the teachers ability to create a working Classroom Environment based on the needs of creating an environment of respect and rapport, establishing a culture for learning, managing classroom procedures, managing student behavior, and organizing the physical space.
In Becoming Naomi Leon, a key characteristic for the protagonist is both her anxiety and her skills in carving that stemmed from her great-grandmother having her take up soap carving to calm her nerves. As a final project at the end of the semester, students had the opportunity to take part in this activity for themselves. Desks were moved to the side and table cloths draped across the floor. Each student lined up to receive a cut popsicle stick and a bar of soap before taking a seat along the table cloth.
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After a District wide writing assessment, I had time until our next activity. I selected a short, information play from our curriculum we wouldn't reach this year. To drum up interest, I sketched an elephant on the board, introduce the topic with a mind-map completed in students' small groups, and had drums playing in the background. I created a semi-circle at the front of the class with five seats for each character in the play. The students who volunteered to read sat in the desk corresponding to their character.
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To encourage students to feel a part of and to feel agency in the function of the classroom, I created a list of duties to be accomplished throughout the week in the classroom. Students chose which they'd prefer to do. These jobs range from passing out papers, returning graded work, Chrome cart operator, and janitor. At the end of the week, students are "paid" in tickets they can use to purchase goodies at the class store.
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