Classroom Management Plan for Success

Halle Cheek

University of Central Missouri

ECEL 4400 Classroom Management and Interactions

Professor Smart

February 5, 2025
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Walls / Ceiling Space

Assigning student jobs in the classroom fosters a sense of responsibility and community

among students. Researchers like Glasser (1998) and Kohn (2006) have highlighted the

importance of promoting student autonomy and involvement in the classroom environment.

Glasser (1998) argues that giving students responsibilities helps them feel more connected to

their classroom community, enhancing their motivation and engagement in learning. Similarly,

Kohn (2006) posits that when students are given meaningful roles, they develop a sense of

ownership over their learning environment, leading to improved behavior and academic

outcomes. By implementing student jobs, teachers can create a collaborative atmosphere

where students learn important life skills such as teamwork, accountability, and leadership.

In addition to fostering responsibility through student jobs, structured routines like

using a classroom calendar can further enhance students' sense of organization and

preparedness. Using a classroom calendar to organize activities and events helps students

develop time management and organizational skills. According to Marzano et al.(2003) and

Wong & Wong (2009), structured classroom routines, including calendars, play a crucial role in

effective classroom management. Marzano et al. (2003) emphasize that a well-organized

classroom environment with clear expectations and routines can significantly reduce disruptive

behavior and enhance student achievement. Wong & Wong (2009) also highlight that having

calendars serves as a visual aid that helps students anticipate upcoming activities, reduces

anxiety, and increases their readiness for learning. Incorporating a calendar in the classroom

allows students to plan their tasks and develop a sense of routine, which is essential for
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academic success.

Just as a well-organized schedule contributes to a structured learning environment,

maintaining a tidy physical space with designated storage solutions also plays a crucial role in

reducing distractions. Providing backpacks and coat hooks in the classroom helps maintain an

organized learning space and minimizes distractions. Vygotsky & Cole (1978) and Mussen

(1970) have both emphasized the importance of structured environments in supporting

cognitive development. Vygotsky (1978) suggests that an organized classroom layout can

facilitate social interactions and collaborative learning, as students can easily access their

materials without clutter. Mussen (1970) also argues that a well-organized physical

environment supports students' cognitive processes by reducing sensory overload and allowing

them to focus on learning activities (as cited in Mussen, 1970). By ensuring that students have

designated spaces for their belongings, teachers can create a more orderly and conducive

learning environment.

Beyond organization and structure, the physical environment including factors like

lighting also significantly influences students' learning experiences and overall well-being.

Proper lighting in the classroom is essential for creating an optimal learning environment.

According to research by Hathaway (1995) and Higgins et al. (2005), adequate lighting positively

impacts students' academic performance and well-being. Hathaway (1995) found that natural

lighting can improve students' concentration and reduce eye strain, leading to better overall

academic outcomes. Similarly, Higgins et al. (2005) discovered that well-lit classrooms enhance

students' mood and energy levels, which can contribute to increased engagement and

participation in learning activities. By prioritizing proper lighting, educators can create a

comfortable and effective learning space that supports students' physical and cognitive needs.

Floor Space

Arranging desks in groups fosters cooperative learning, allowing students to engage in

peer discussions, collaborative problem-solving, and social skill development. According to

Vygotsky’s (1978) Social Development Theory, learning is a social process where students

construct knowledge through interactions with peers. When desks are arranged in small

groups, students can support each other's learning, making sense of new information together.

Johnson and Johnson (1994) emphasize that cooperative learning structures, such as group

seating, increase student engagement and motivation. In Picture A (see Appendix), desks are

arranged in group formations, promoting communication and collaboration. This setup aligns

with research that supports student-centered learning environments, where interaction

enhances comprehension and retention.

Building on the importance of collaborative spaces, the meeting rug serves as an

essential gathering area for whole-group instruction, discussions, and morning meetings.

Responsive Classroom (2015) suggests that morning meetings conducted in a shared space like

a rug area help build classroom community, increase student participation, and establish a

welcoming atmosphere. Piaget’s (1964) Constructivist Theory supports the use of interactive

spaces where students actively engage with their environment, construct knowledge through

social interactions, and learn from one another. He emphasized that children develop

cognitively by exploring ideas, discussing perspectives, and building understanding through

hands-on experiences. The meeting rug facilitates these processes by encouraging structured

conversations, peer collaboration, and active participation, all of which promote deeper
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learning. Additionally, Piaget’s theory highlights the importance of social interaction in cognitive

development, making the meeting rug a valuable space for students to challenge ideas, ask

questions, and refine their thinking through dialogue. A well-defined rug area also allows for

smooth transitions between lessons, reducing disruptions and keeping students focused. Its

strategic placement ensures that all students have a comfortable and inclusive learning

environment where they can engage in meaningful discussions that support their cognitive and

social growth.

To support both student engagement and classroom management, the teacher’s desk

must be placed intentionally within the learning environment. According to Weinstein et al.

(2010), an effective classroom layout ensures that the teacher has clear sightlines to all areas,

enabling better supervision and interaction with students. Positioning the teacher’s desk in a

central but non-intrusive location allows for easy movement around the room, fostering both

authority and approachability. Research by Marzano et al. (2003) highlights that proximity to

students reduces behavioral disruptions and enhances engagement. An intentionally placed

teacher desk ensures that educators can provide timely assistance while maintaining an

organized and structured learning environment.

Beyond structured work areas and teacher placement, fostering a love for reading is another

key component of an effective classroom. A well-organized classroom library/reading area

provides students with access to diverse, engaging books in a comfortable space, supporting

literacy development. Krashen (2004) emphasizes that access to books significantly increases

students' voluntary reading habits, leading to improved literacy skills. Additionally, (Allington,
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2012), highlights that an inviting reading environment encourages independent reading, which

is critical for vocabulary acquisition and comprehension. The placement of a library corner with

cozy seating and a variety of texts creates a quiet, welcoming space where students can

develop positive reading habits. A designated reading area also allows students to self-select

books, fostering autonomy and a lifelong love for learning.

Materials / Supplies

Effective classroom organization is essential for maintaining an engaging and structured

learning environment. Storage solutions, such as labeled bins and shelves, help students access

materials independently, fostering autonomy and responsibility (Wong & Wong, 2018). In

Picture B, a variety of plastic containers with lids store toys, manipulatives, and learning tools,

ensuring accessibility while reducing clutter. According to (Evertson et al., 2022), a well-

organized classroom promotes efficiency and minimizes disruptions, allowing students to

remain focused on tasks. By implementing structured storage solutions, teachers can create a

seamless learning experience that supports both individual and group activities. Just as

structured storage benefits students, having an organized system for teacher materials ensures

smooth lesson delivery and effective classroom management.

Teachers require well-organized materials to facilitate instruction and respond to

students' learning needs effectively. Keeping instructional resources in designated storage areas

enables quick access, reducing transition time and enhancing lesson flow (Marzano, 2007).

Having a dedicated space for teacher materials, such as lesson plans, assessments, and

instructional aids, ensures that educators can efficiently manage their resources and maintain
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an orderly classroom environment. Evertson and Emmer (2022) emphasize that structured

organization not only benefits teachers but also models organizational skills for students,

reinforcing positive classroom habits. This modeling extends to student materials, where clear

organization fosters independence and responsibility in accessing their learning tools.

Providing students with clearly labeled and easily accessible materials fosters

independence and engagement in learning. When students can locate and return supplies

without teacher intervention, classroom routines run smoothly, increasing instructional time

(Wong & Wong, 2018). Designating specific areas for student materials, such as individual

supply bins or shared classroom resources, helps promote responsibility and cooperation.

Research suggests that organized student materials contribute to a structured environment

that enhances focus and reduces classroom disruptions (Marzano, 2007). One essential

component of student materials is access to books, which play a crucial role in developing

literacy skills and fostering a love for reading.

A classroom library with labeled book boxes and reading materials encourages students

to develop literacy skills and a love for reading. Providing students with personal or group book

boxes allows them to access age-appropriate literature tailored to their reading levels, fostering

motivation and engagement (Gambrell, 2011). Research (Allington, 2012) highlights the

importance of making books readily available to students, as accessibility directly impacts

reading frequency and proficiency. Organizing books in labeled bins further supports student

independence, allowing them to self-select reading materials that align with their interests and

abilities.

Technology
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Whiteboards are an essential tool in modern classrooms, facilitating both teacher-led

instruction and student engagement. They provide a dynamic space for educators to model

concepts, encourage collaborative learning, and integrate visuals that enhance comprehension.

As seen in Picture C of the Appendix, whiteboards can be used to display key lesson

information, such as the title of a story, while incorporating supplemental resources like books

and visual aids. According to Marzano et al.(2003), interactive and visual tools like whiteboards

help improve student achievement by fostering active participation and reinforcing lesson

objectives. The adaptability of whiteboards makes them a valuable asset for various subjects,

allowing teachers to accommodate different learning styles effectively.

Computer stations are another crucial technology in education, offering students

opportunities to develop digital literacy, conduct research, and engage with interactive learning

platforms. These stations allow for individualized instruction, enabling students to work at their

own pace and explore content tailored to their needs. Research by Jonassen (1996) emphasizes

the importance of technology as a cognitive tool, stating that computers support problem-

solving and critical thinking when integrated effectively into learning environments. By

incorporating computer stations in the classroom, educators can create a more inclusive and

engaging learning experience that prepares students for the increasingly digital world.
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Appendix

Picture A

Picture B Picture C
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References

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