This is poem on classroom management. Mitchell in the poem was my professor on classroom management at CSUDH. He was a strong personality who really took charge of the classroom and offered a model for me to follow. This is how I summarized my ideas on how to effectively manage a class. I will include the commentaries on the verses periodically.
Ode to
M.A.N.A.G.E.M.E.N.T.
Good M.A.N.A.G.E.M.E.N.T. is what we all do seek,
Therefore we meet here every other week.
Modeling, is first item on the list.
Do as I do, teaching not to be missed.
Assertive I messages to teach rules,
Treat students as people, please not as fools.
No, no, no, no is what the rules all say,
Instead, tell students, “Yes, you can,” “Yes, you may.”
Always stay calm, cool, never ever yell,
Under control, focused, the students can tell.
Good of the class, all the students should think,
“From my duty to help, I will not shrink.”
Environmental control, positive
Arena in which to study and live.
Monitoring, watching, being there,
Keeping them busy, showing them you care.
Exactly what’s happening, all should know
Tell them the plan, now class let’s go, go, go, go.
Non-verbal cues, here a nod, there a smile
You remain in charge, though quiet a while.
Talking alone, for silence you must wait,
Then you speak and open the learning gate.
M.A.N.A.G.E.M.E.N.T., for every teacher a must,
Raise your right hand, the oath “In Mitchell we trust.”
