Colleen McGillicuddy outlines her classroom management plan in three key areas: schedule and environment, curriculum, and procedures. She believes that most management issues can be addressed by reflecting on these areas and making adjustments. The plan emphasizes establishing clear procedures from day one, maintaining high expectations for students, and using positive reinforcement to build a strong learning environment.

1. Colleen McGillicuddy’s
Classroom Management Plan
Included here are my beliefs on how to implement successful classroom management.
First, it falls on the teacher.
 A majority of classroom management challenges can be eliminated when the teacher
reflects on her own actions first.
 Three main areas to focus on are:
o Schedule- is there a varied flow of the schedule between active and focused,
doing and learning? Is there idle time? Are transitions smooth? How are plans
made for children’s varied arrival times?
o Environment- Is the room organized? Are there areas where children are out
of view? Could there be a better seating arrangement for certain students? Do
the students perform better on a carpet or at desks?/in a more open or
structured environment?
o Curriculum- Is the content challenging enough? Is the material within the
child’s zone of proximal development? Is there enough differentiation? Does
it connect with the children’s interests or prior knowledge?
 When these questions are answered and adjustments are made, the need to talk to the
children about the issue is often eliminated.
Procedures in Place
 From day one, the teacher needs to have organized procedures throughout the day so that
students know what is expected of them.
 Especially during transitions, the beginning, and the end of class time, procedures help
students stay focused, stay on task, and stay purposeful.
 Procedures provide structure that is beneficial for children’s development.
High expectations
 High expectations communicate to the students that the learning, teaching, and work done
in school is important and deserves respect.
 By teaching students to take responsibility for their actions by consistently pairing
consequences with choices children learn not only what’s required but can excel within
the structure and boundaries.
With discipline, it’s about what to do rather than what not to do.
 Focusing on positive reinforcement is most beneficial for children’s growth in self-
esteem and can be most effective when done creatively
 Positive reinforcement and focusing on the things done right also builds a strong, safe
classroom environment.