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Classroom Organization and Management Plan

Philosophical Statement:
The classroom will be a safe place for students to find themselves as artists and as social beings; give
them opportunity to think differently about the world around them; find and explore the world inside
themselves; give them inspiration to be anything they dream to be. Learning will be immersive and
diverse to give all students the best possible opportunity to learn.
NO student shall be discriminated against in the learning environment due to race, gender/ gender
identity, religion, economical status, ability, sexual preference, or any other circumstance. This
classroom will be a safe, open, accepting learning environment.

Class Rules and Procedures

Classroom rules are always subject first to state, district and school guidelines and regulations.
Rules should not prohibit any personal expression, unless that expression puts that individual or
others in danger/ subject to discrimination.
No gum or food will be permitted in the dance room. Water bottles that are able to be sealed are
allowed and encouraged.
ClassroomEtiquetteandDressRequirements

Materialrequirements:journal,apparel,shoes

Studentsshouldcomereadytomove.Thisincludes:

Modestclothingthatthestudentisabletofreelymovein(yogapants,leggings,longsleeved
shirts,formfittingtanktopsandshirts,etc.)
Solidcolouredleotardandtights(ballet)
Socks(whensafe)/barefeetorspecificshoes(balletshoes,tapshoes,etc.)
Dressinlayersduringthewinter
Solidcolours
Hairpulledback,securedoutofface
Noexcessivejewelry,largeearrings,bangles,etc.thatcancomelooseorcauseinjuryduring
partnering/floorwork.

Journalingisanimportantpartofreflectivepractice.Studentsshouldhaveanotebookandwriting
utensilsolelyforthisdanceclasstodoreflectivejournalingandjournalassignmentsin.I[will]havenew
journalsandlooseleafpaperavailableforstudentsiftheydonothaveaccesstosupplies.Itwouldalsobe
goodpracticetohaveafolderforanyclasshandouts.

Participation/observation,Attendance/latearrivals

Movementclassesarebasedmajorlyonparticipationitsadanceclass.
Ifastudentneedstositout,theymustletmeknowassoonaspossible.Whensittingout,a
studentcanmakeupparticipationpointsbywritingnotesontheclass
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Ifcominginlate,pleasedonotdisrupttheclassinsession.Quietlydoanypreparationandcatch
onintothelesson.Studentshouldmeetwithmeafterclassfortardyexplanation(orrisk
forfeitingparticipationpoints).
Ifastudentismorethan15minuteslatetoclass,theyaretositoutandfilloutobservationnotes.
Ifastudentneedstositoutforanextendedperiodoftime,specialaccommodationscanbemade
forthatstudenttolearnthemostfromthegivenlessons.

Cellphones

Cellphoneusageissubjecttoschoolrules,whichwillbeadheredto.
Cellphonesshouldbeoff/silentduringclasstosavefromdistraction.
Ifthereisasituationwhereastudentneedstohaveimmediateaccesstotheircellphone,they
needtocommunicatepriortoclassofthesituation.
Sittingoutdoesnotmeanyoureallowedtobeonyourcellphonesifyouwouldliketovideo
anypartofclass,itwillbeuptoteachersapprovalandonlytheteacherwillbeableto
demonstrateanycombinationsforvideopersonaluse/reference.

**Ifanystudentneedsanyexceptiontotheseguidelines,theyneedtocontactmyselfpersonallyfor
arrangements/accommodationsandassistance.

SafetyProcedures

Safetyisalargeconcerninanyphysicalmovementenvironment.IwillbeCPRandFirstAidcertifiedin
theeventofarelatedemergency.

Allsafety/emergencyprocedureswillbesubjecttotheschoolandcommunicatedonthefirstday
ofclass.
Liabilityformswillbesignedbeforeastudentcanphysicallyparticipateinclassandwillbekept
onfile(emergencycontactinformation,insurancepolicy,etc.)
Allstudentinjuriesthathappenduringclasswillhaveanappropriateaccidentreportformfilled
outandfiled,withtheappropriatemeasuresbeingtaken.
Studentsmustcommunicateanypreviousinjuriesorphysicallimitationstotheteacheratthe
beginningoftheyear/asithappens.
Studentsareliabletotakecareoftheirownbodiestodancetothebestoftheirability(do
personalwarmups/stretchingbeforeclass,eathealthy,getenoughsleep,etc.)
Anystudentwhoisasafetyrisktothemselvesorotherswillbeaskedtositout/accommodations
willbemadeforthemindividuallyonincident.
Studentsareencouragedtobringawaterbottletoclasstocombatdehydration.

ClassroomProcedures

StructureofClassTime

Prepareforclass:Studentsaretocomepreparedtodanceunlessotherwisenoted.Studentsare
totakeinitiativeandstartwarmingupandstretchingassoonastheyarechangedandthebellhas
rung.
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Changing:Asateacher,Iwilltrytoallotfortimeatthestartandendofclassforstudentstoget
changedintotheirmovementclothes.Thereshouldbelockerrooms/bathroomsavailabletodo
this.Itisalsopossibletohaveasmallcurtainedareaintheroomifstudentsarecomfortablewith
thataswell.
Journaltime:Theremaybegiventimeforreflectivejournalingorwrittenassignmentsduringor
attheendofaclassperiod.Studentsshouldalwaysbringtheirjournalandawritingutensilto
class,unlessspecificallynoted.Iwillalsohavelooseleafpaperandwritingutensilsavailablefor
use.

Methodofinstruction

Correctionandtouch:Therewillbeinstancesinwhichtheinstructormayhavetocorrect
throughtouchtohelpthestudentkinestheticallyunderstandthecorrection.Theinstructormay
alsohavethestudentstouchotherstounderstandmuscles/qualitiesfoundindancetechniques.
Anytouchinginthisclassisdoneforinstructionalpurposes.

**Ifanystudenthasconcernsaboutcorrectionandtouch,theyareencouragedtocommunicateany
concerndirectlytotheinstructor.Addressingconcernsregardingtouchwillbedealtwithandwillnot
affectastudentsgradeorlearningcapacity.**

StudentExpectations:

StudentswillbeexpectedtoStudentswillabidebytheClassRulesandProceduresorrisktheirgrade.
Studentswilllearnandpracticegooddisciplinedpresence,concentrationskills,abilitytoselfmotivate
andapplycorrections,beenthusiasticandexecuteaqualityparticipationinclassactivities.Studentsare
alwaysencouragedtogivefeedbacktoteacherabouttheirlearningexperience,communicateany
concernsoraccommodations.Ifanystudentfeelslikethelearningenvironmentisnotuptothestandards
setoutintheseguidelines,theyareencouragedtocreateanopenconversationwiththeinstructor.

TeacherExpectations:

Theinstructorwillbeexpectedtofollowguidelinesandrulesoftheschoolandspecifictothisclassroom
setting.Theinstructorwillfollowstatecurriculumguidesforthestudentstogettherequiredknowledge
oftheirclasses.Theinstructorwillprovideanopen,caring,explorativedanceenvironment.The
instructorwillmakeaccommodationsforstudentssothateachstudenthasthebestpossibleprospectof
successandlearning.Theinstructorwillcontinuallyencourageopencommunicationbetweenstudents
andbetweenstudentsandtheinstructor.Theinstructorwillrespectallstudentsandstudentswishesin
regardstotheseguidelines.

Acknowledgement of Student Expectations:

I have read and understand the Classroom Rules, Classroom Etiquette and Dress Code
Requirements and will, to the best of my ability, respect and uphold these rules and guidelines
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for Ms. Heikkilas class. Again, I am free to contact Ms. Heikkila directly should there be any
needs, questions or concerns.

Printed Name:_______________________________________________ Date: ______________

Signed Name: ______________________________________________________

Any Concerns about Physicality you wish to address to the teacher (past injuries, movement
limitations, etc.) :
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

Any other concerns you wish to communicate to the instructor?

______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________

**THEFOLLOWINGISFORTEACHERREFERENCEONLY**

All students will have access to any required accommodations and materials to provide the best
environment and ability for success. This can include (but is not limited to) additional/
substitution assignments, paraprofessional assistance, assistance to individuals before and after
class, accommodations provided by the school for technological (if needed) or reading/writing/
language assistance.
Class goals will be discussed during the beginning of semester and will be decided upon the
syllabus as well as any additional goals or visions agreed upon by the majority of the class. These
goals should be posed in a visual area for all to reference to either individually or as a group
during instruction.
Personal goals will be decided upon by the students of what they hope to accomplish by the end
of the semester. These goals should be more abstract and not executional or numbered (i.e. TO
understand the mechanics and the structural workings of turning rather than to be able to do a
triple turn). Students will provide the instructor with a copy of their goals as a written
assignment and will be asked to reflect on their progress or modify these goals throughout the
semester. As the instructor, I will try to guide the instruction for practice of these goals as well as
mention how they are going to use the material I provide to best succeed at their goals. **It is
always best to mention importance of smaller or day-to-day goals and to be reflective and not
discouraged if they feel as if they arent meeting the class goals or their individual goals.
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Actual variety of work/ assignments/ assessments will be framed by state curriculum guidelines
and the district/ schools regulations and guidelines. These methods of instruction should include:
daily points, written work, terminology, final project/ assessment (like a concert/ practical
evaluation/ choreography), notebook (for reflective journaling and outside observations), any
online work/ assignments (subject to school technology available).
As the instructor, I will try to follow the timelines of units/ lesson plans given to the school at the
beginning of the school year. The actual timeline of lessons may fluctuate due to the nature of
dance classes- I dont ever want to rush students to where they feel theyre not learning. This
fluctuation may require lessons or daily plans to be made shorter or longer. I should always have
some lessons readily available in case of special circumstances/ need for substitution.
The instructor is responsible for addressing critical pedagogy. Reflective practice is essential for
completion of goals, individual goals being succeeded and for keeping the learning environment
and open, engaging, safe learning space.
Communication with parents/ guardians is also essential, especially when it comes to any
behavioral concerns. Creating an open, positive communication with parents/ guardians can help
improve the education of the child as well as request of any special accommodations for the
student. Dont assume you know the student/ parent or guardian relationship. Treat all parties
with respect and always encourage communication but also, take action by what is best for the
student. Administration is also a good resource for special circumstances and should also be
aware of any communications being made.
Communication between instructor and student, parent/guardian, administration, etc. should not
only be used in negative circumstances, but should also be a reward for good behavior and
positive learning feedback for the student.
Aspecificclasssyllabuswouldincludeinadditiontothefirsthalfofthisdocument:Course
Description,Coursegoals(Bytheendofthiscourse,youshouldbeableto:),specificattire
ormaterialrequirements,schoolspecificattendanceanddisciplinaryguidelines,specific
emergencyprocedures.(Subjecttochangeorbeaddedto).

WhenTeachingRemember:

Callingoutastudentbyname(whethergoodorbadreasoning)canbeembarrassingtothat
studentortheotherstudents.Assessthetoneoftheclass,butsolongasthereisnotanunspoken
hierarchybetweenthestudents,thiscanbeapositivewaytolearnfromeachother.Dontjust
givenegativefeedbackpositiveaffirmationscanbeareward(butshouldbespreadevenly
amongstudents).
Encouragethatchangeinthelearningprocesscanoffernewwaysoflearning.Thiscaninclude
workinginagroup,workingalone,takinginitiativeinlearningmovement,watchingvideos,
doingwrittenwork,exploringavarietyofstyles,facinganewdirectionorstandinginanew
placeintheroometc.
Ifyourecomfortable,focusedandorganizedintheeducationalsetting,thestudentswillbemore
trustingandopen.Dontputstressongrades,dontmakethreats,giveavarietyofexamples(that
canappealtoalllearningtypes),dontbetootechnicalandallowforthemtomaketheirown
decisions,keepapositiveattitudeanddontdiscouragestudents(eitherintentionallyor
unintentionally).

PracticalClassroomSafetyandOrganizationalProceduresmightinclude:
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Roomrequirements(apparelmightchangedependingonfloortype,roomtemperature,safety
hazards).Anyconcernsregardingthelearningenvironmentwillbeaddressedtothestudentsand
parentsifnecessary.
Studentsaretohaveanavailablespacetokeeptheirbelongingsoutoftheway,safeandtonotbe
adistraction.Thisareashouldbebythedoorandstreetshoesarenottobeallowedon/acrossthe
dancingareaofthefloor.
Therewillbeasignaddressinganyfood/drinklimitationsnearthedoor.
Thesafety,emergencyandanyotherspecificprocedureswillbeavailableinapublicviewinthe
classroomforreferenceatanytime.
Afirstaidkit,icepack,etc.shouldalwaysbeonhandandreadilyaccessibletoinstructorand
students.
Thedancefloorsshouldbekeptcleanandclearofanyhazardsnosharpobjects,noexcessive
largeobjectsthatstudentscanhitandgethurton,etc.
Keepasupplyofextrajournals,paper,andwritingutensilsonhandforstudentswhodonthave
accesstothesematerials.Itwouldalsobeprudenttocollectdonateddanceshoesforrequired
classesincasestudentsdonthaveaccesstothesematerials.
Keepasmallcollectionofcleanlostandfoundclothingforanystudentswhoneedmovement
clothing.Thesematerialscanalsobecollectedfromelsewhere.
Allhardcopiedassignmentsshouldbeneatlyfiledinclassfoldersand/orindividualstudent
folders.Thenecessaryinformationshouldbeavailableonfileaswellasinacomputerfile(s)
respectfully.
Substituteteacherinformationshouldbeinanaccessibleplace,withallmaterialsreadyforuseor
cleardirectionsprovided.Anylessonplansgivenshouldbesubjecttonotknowingwhoisgoing
tosubstitutetheclass(andwhattheirdance/movementexperienceis,ifany).
Allonline/technologicalfilesormaterials(videos,music,etc.)shouldbeorganizedandeasyto
access.
Theclassroomenvironmentshouldencourageparticipation,safetyandmostimportantly
creativityandexpression.Ifpossible,theremaybeencouragingposters,pleasantorprovoking
visualreferences,goodwarm/controllablelighting,aqualitysoundsystemandreadilyavailable
storageandfilingsystemsinplace.