Question: How do I create a peaceful, creative, and productive classroom? I am looking for tips, articles or books to improve my classroom climate.

Answer: Have you registered at edweek.com or read Harry Wong's book "The First Days of School".  Wong introduces the idea of classroom management early in this book.  use applied bahavior strategies by telling and showing your students exactly how to behavein your classroom.  Walk them through the procedures for how class should begin, how papers should be turned in, how to work independently, how to ask questions.  Quiz your students on this introductory unit on class rules and procedures.  By the end of the first week of school, students should have signed their "contract" for behavior that they collabortively drew up with your guidance.\n\nBeyond that, make sure they get the "big picture".  They need to understand that education is a two-way street.  They are a responsible for their education as you are.  They need to understand that without their cooperation in following class rules and procedures, you cannot be an effective teacher.  In order for teachers to teach, students must be willing to learn.  Never settle for behavior that does not meet your expectations.  Make students accountable for their behavior and the thoughts behind it.
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