Rules and Expectations

RULES & EXPECTATIONS:

My rules and expectations are set high for all students. I expect that through my modeling, as well as the rules and expectations being posted throughout the classroom, the students will be able to understand what is expected of them at all times. I believe that by setting clear and concise rules and expectations, as well as modeling, and following through, will be key factors in creating an environment where the students have structure, feel safe, and are not confused as to what the rules and expectations are at all times.

Below are basic rules and expectations that are to be followed at all times, and on a daily basis. This will be the base as to how students will behave.

1. I WILL BE POSITIVE

Creating a positive classroom is the fist step in allowing the students to be positive. This begins with me, the teacher. In order to have the expectation that my students be positive, I must show them what positive looks like.

A positive classroom is a safe place to be. This is a place where the rules and routines are taught and modeled regularly. The way in which you speak and are spoken too have a dramatic impact on how you feel about that person. The tone of voice, and choice of words must be well thought out and have a positive purpose. For more information regarding positive classrooms and philosophies that I believe in, see these three links-

Robert DiGiulio: Postive Classrooms

William Rogers: Models of Discipline

Love and Logic

3. I WILL PARTICIPATE

Participation is key to learning. It is imperative that every lesson is made appealing to each student. Simpy talking and lecturing to students is not only boring, but studies have shown that being interactive and working in groups can create a better learning environment. While lecturing cannot be avioded it is up to me make the lecture interesting, interactive, appealing, and fun. For more information about various strategies of teaching to produce participation click on this link- Methods for Presenting Subject Matter.

While it is my job to encourage participation, it is important for students to hold themselves accountable for the work that they do, and how much they choose to paricipate. It should also be stated that their are various forms of participation. As stated in "My Pedagogy," each student is different, and have various learning styles. It will be up to me to figure out what type of learning style each student requires for optimum learning.

2. I WILL RESPECT OTHERS

I am a firm believer that respect is earned. For the students to respect me as both a person and a teacher, I must first respect them. I like the golden rule, but am a follower of the platinum rule. The golden rule is "do unto others as you would like others to do unto you." This is a fair way to respect others but to really gain someones respect you must follow the platinum rule- "Treat others as they would like to be treated." This begins with gaining an understanding of what type of person the student is. Not everyone wants to be treated as I would like to be treated. I know my personal beliefs and my expetations as a person. The Platinum Rule accommodates the feelings of others. The focus of relationships shifts from "this is what I want, so I'll give everyone the same thing" to "let me first understand what they want and then I'll give it to them."

As with being postive I will set the example of how to be respectful and what to do in situations where someone feels disrespected. Click on "How to Accentuate Respect And Eliminate Disrespect In Students" for more information on how to gain respect and eliminate disrespect

4. I WILL TRY MY BEST

I expect that every student will give their best effort. It will not be expected that every student will give 100% all of the time. Just like adults, children have good days and bad days. It will be very important for me to know the background of each student and gain an understanding of why a student may be in a bad mood, or not giving their best; and that I do not create an environment where any student feels inadequate or unsafe. The students will know that as long as they do their best and put forth their best effort- that will be enough.

I will make sure that I remain positive and understanding, and that all students feel safe to discuss any issues. This will allow for an open forum for discussion which will result in the students putting forth their best effort.

Part of putting forth their "best effort" is the idea that the students will become self-motivated. This will be up to me as a teacher to allow for students to appreciate the work that they do, and be excited about it. For more information about putting forth their "best effort" and being self-motivated click on this link "The Skill of Trying Your Best."