1. Teaching Resources

http://lauracandler.com 

 Classroom structure is one of the key components in being an impressive and successful teacher because this is where it all begins. When a classroom has a solid structure, there are less distractions, while student learning is increased and the environment is safe.

 • Teaching Resources is an educational website created by Laura Candler. A teacher herself, for over 30 years, Candler’s website offers advice and materials on literacy strategies, classroom management, mastery and cooperative learning and learning centers. Although Teaching Resources is geared towards teachers of students in late primary through middle school and older children in special area classes, Candler’s curriculum can be modified to cater to students in lower grades and regular education classes, for children in higher grades.

• Candler’s website gives tips and resources on various subjects within the classroom but what stood out the most to me was her skillful approach to classroom structure and management. Here, multiple sources are used to help teachers positively control their classroom, by implementing strategies that encourage participation. Everywhere from ways to seat students and how to set up class teams, was explored.

➢ Examples that Support Successful Learning Environments:

ü  Teams within the classroom - Candler suggests that each class should be divided into teams (four students maximum, per team), to support cooperative learning.

ü  Groups should include both boys and girls

ü  One advanced student, along with two average and a remedial student should make up each team.

ü  Various ethnicities and cultures are placed, in each group.

ü  Groups will stay together, for 6 weeks maximum and shall sit together, whether in groups or rows.

ü  Stickers are given to groups that display positive behavior, once a day. When they receive 16 stickers are given, the group will receive incentives like free homework passes and other prizes.

 ü Classroom Management as a whole – a procedure should be established, at the beginning of the school year, to promote a successful and consistent environment. These procedures should include lining up, bathroom schedule and morning and dismissal procedures.

     I enjoyed researching the Teaching Resources website because it provided with mass amounts of information. Although I focused on the classroom structure aspect, Candler's blog is resourceful in various ways. One thing that really stood out to me was that although Candler's work was geared towards those in a certain grade group, with some tweaking, these resources can help all. Various learning styles have been kept in mind, while creating this website.