Maintaining an Environment that Promotes Learning

An effective teacher creates and maintains a classroom environment that encourages and supports student learning.  In this context, the term environment refers to both the physical surroundings and the affective climate of the classroom. This standard focuses on environmental factors that a teacher can reasonably be expected to control.

Welcome Mats

Welcome Mats

These are welcome mats.  The mats are used each class period.  As the students walk into the class, they step on one of the mats and perform the action or phrase that is displayed on the mat.  Some of the statements include: Smile, High Five, Firecracker, Hug, Pat on the Back, Hand Shake, Good Morning and Good Afternoon.  If the students' behavior was exceptional during class, they could use the mats as they exited the classroom.  There were also new mats added as a result of consistent good behavior.  The ultimate goal of the mats are to encourage positive relationships between the teacher and the students and to encourage respect.

---

Point System Chart and Team Cooperation Goals

The students were able to reveiw the team cooperation goals each day.  This was a reminder to students of what exactly exceptional team cooperation consist of.  As the teacher observed each of the goals, the students received Baby Bruin Points. 

There are several Thanks You notes posted on the board.  This was a way for me to express my appreciation for my students hard work and postive attitudes.  The students received a note after two consecutive weeks of good behavior and obtaining an average of 80 percent mastery.

---

Baby Bruin Reward System

To encourage active student participation, Baby Bruins were awarded to the groups that were actively listening, shared responses to open-ended questions and answered mastery questions correctly.  The goal was to receive at least 80 points each day.  If the students obtained an average of 80 or better by the end of the week, they were rewarded.

Rewards:
A treat
Five Points to Lowest Grade
Soft Jazz Music on Friday
Free Homework Pass

---

Blue Buck Reward

Robert E. Howard Middle School gives behavior bucks to students that are displaying BLUE Behavior.  This means that the students are following all rules prescribed by administrators and teachers.  The student can also be given blue bucks as incentives for displaying outstanding character traits and exceptional academic performance.

---

Strengths:
Promoting and Fostering Respect
Exhibiting enthusiasm
Promoting cooperation
Providing Rewards and Incentives