I am certain many have heard the adage, "Rules are made to be broken".
I feel it would be counterproductive for me to have "rules" and post
them as such.
Clearly, I must have expectations of my learners as it is
necessary to manage the ebb and flow of our time together.
But, more
than that, when the children promise to:
- Follow directions quickly
- Raise your hand to speak or stand
- Keep your hands and feet to yourself
- Listen when others speak
- Be safe, be honest, be kind
...they are sowing the seeds of skills they can utilize across
the span of their life.
Of course, they won't raise their hands at a
board meeting, but waiting to be acknowledged and listening when others
speak are norms expected in mainstream society.
As I have expectations of my learners, I think they should
expect much of me.
I want them to expect me to be prepared, to be
patient and to be kind among other things.
I want them to know that I
will do all I can to safeguard not only their physical well-being while
they are with me, but their social-emotional selves as well.
Our
classroom management program is based on a stroke of genius found on
Fairy Dust Teaching created
by Sally Haughey.
This
management system provides each learner with a kangaroo and a pouch.
The five principles of behavior act as the foundation for classroom
decorum. If a learner is having difficulty adhering to one or more of
the guidelines, it is a perfect opportunity for me to redirect the
behavior. If the learner chooses not to comply, their kangaroo will
leave their pouch for the safety of mine. When the learner is ready to
modify their behavior, they will return to their own pouch.
Consequences will be reasonable and logical, and adhere to the
district-wide
Positive Behavior Support system currently in place.
