CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT
CLASS RULES: Rules are responded to with greater cooperation when they are created by those they are intended for. Rather than demanding specific behaviors from my students, I ask that they sign an "agreement" at the start of the year. The agreement is a code of conduct that the students assist me in designing by suggesting rules of their own. With (and at times, even without) guided questioning, a number of rules are decided upon that include: life.
Respect: Treat the feelings of your classmate's and teacher
with care. Think carefully before speaking and
don't forget your "please", "excuse me" and "thank
you"!
Patience: Raise your hand to be called upon and before
leaving your seat.
Responsibility: Care for all materials and supplies as if they
belonged to a good friend.
Encouragement: Share with your friends when you appreciate
their work!
Listen: Follow directions the first time; eyes on the speaker
and mouths quiet to be a respectful listener. Use
an inside voice while working to avoid distracting
other artists.
Be Brave!: Try new things, don't be afraid to ask questions,
and have an open-mind!
"PAT ON THE BACK"s: These recognitions of achievement or progress are a personal compliment for students. After observing a behavior specific to a student that deserves acknowledgement, I create a decorated note. It describes the success and why I am so proud, and is then presented to them. The reasons can be an act of kindness, a mastery of a skill, determination exhibited during a difficult lesson or any accomplishment that I witness. Students in the past have excitedly taped these to their desks or folders as tiny awards, and taken more pride in their efforts. These "Pat on the Back"s aim to create a sense of value in their hard work without relying on the validation of a grade.
CHOICES: If a student is displaying inappropriate behavior or making poor choices, an option is given. In some situations, the options may be that they conduct themselves properly or take a minute to collect themselves in the hallway before returning. Depending on the student's personality and misconduct, the choices vary. But I believe that threats and demands only serve to distance a child further, making them feel challenged or resentful. By giving them the opportunity to choose their path, they become aware of their responsibility for their behavior. More often than not, they make the mature decision.
SECRET WALKERS: For students in the elementary grades, I encourage responsible conduct in the hallways by announcing "secret walkers" when we reach the classroom. Students who are deemed "secret walkers" and those who display consideration for other classrooms, pausing for faculty members or other students to cross into a classroom, and by keeping their hands to themselves. A sticker or decorated "certificate" is usually awarded to the secret walkers to encourage this behavior, and the students strive to earn this reward.
Respect: Treat the feelings of your classmate's and teacher
with care. Think carefully before speaking and
don't forget your "please", "excuse me" and "thank
you"!
Patience: Raise your hand to be called upon and before
leaving your seat.
Responsibility: Care for all materials and supplies as if they
belonged to a good friend.
Encouragement: Share with your friends when you appreciate
their work!
Listen: Follow directions the first time; eyes on the speaker
and mouths quiet to be a respectful listener. Use
an inside voice while working to avoid distracting
other artists.
Be Brave!: Try new things, don't be afraid to ask questions,
and have an open-mind!
"PAT ON THE BACK"s: These recognitions of achievement or progress are a personal compliment for students. After observing a behavior specific to a student that deserves acknowledgement, I create a decorated note. It describes the success and why I am so proud, and is then presented to them. The reasons can be an act of kindness, a mastery of a skill, determination exhibited during a difficult lesson or any accomplishment that I witness. Students in the past have excitedly taped these to their desks or folders as tiny awards, and taken more pride in their efforts. These "Pat on the Back"s aim to create a sense of value in their hard work without relying on the validation of a grade.
CHOICES: If a student is displaying inappropriate behavior or making poor choices, an option is given. In some situations, the options may be that they conduct themselves properly or take a minute to collect themselves in the hallway before returning. Depending on the student's personality and misconduct, the choices vary. But I believe that threats and demands only serve to distance a child further, making them feel challenged or resentful. By giving them the opportunity to choose their path, they become aware of their responsibility for their behavior. More often than not, they make the mature decision.
SECRET WALKERS: For students in the elementary grades, I encourage responsible conduct in the hallways by announcing "secret walkers" when we reach the classroom. Students who are deemed "secret walkers" and those who display consideration for other classrooms, pausing for faculty members or other students to cross into a classroom, and by keeping their hands to themselves. A sticker or decorated "certificate" is usually awarded to the secret walkers to encourage this behavior, and the students strive to earn this reward.