1. Norms and Expectations
1.1. Myself and my students will collaborate to create our classroom norms
1.1.1. I feel very strongly about giving my students a voice and allowing them to create the classroom they would like to see
1.1.1.1. This creates a community rather than myself making all of the decisions
1.1.2. The students deserve to choose some of the norms they would like to see
1.1.2.1. This list of about 5-10 classroom norms would be created on the first or second day of class
1.2. However, I have a few that will definitely be put on the list.
1.2.1. In a middle school or high school, if you have to go the bathroom. Go.
1.2.1.1. These students are old enough to know when they have to go to the bathroom
1.2.1.2. This creates trust between student and teacher, I trust them to be responsible and they trust me to give them a bit of freedom.
1.2.2. Raise your hand when you would like to speak or have a question.
1.2.2.1. This shows respect towards myself and your classmates.
1.2.3. Respect other people's property and personal space.
1.2.3.1. This is a good practice of consent and respect within students, these are fundamental requirements in society.
1.2.3.1.1. This sets students up to be a respectful adult and be successful.
2. Classroom Organization
2.1. I will keep a very organized and tidy desk, with creative aspects to it
2.1.1. Monkey see, monkey do.
2.1.1.1. I have to be the example for these students. If they see that I am able to keep a clean desk while it also being fun they will likely do the same.
2.2. I will change seating arrangements bi-weekly
2.2.1. This will allow for everyone to learn from each other, new ideas all the time.
2.3. Group seating, rather than individual desks
2.3.1. This allows for students to collaborate with one another
2.3.1.1. They aren't only learning from me but from each other as well
2.3.2. 3-4 students at a round or square table. If we don't have those available we will put 4 desks together.
2.4. I will keep old student projects in my classroom
2.4.1. These will play as excellent exemplars for projects we do in class
2.4.1.1. Students can get inspiration from other students projects from previous years
2.4.2. This will create a goal for them as well: they will want to do great work so I keep it in my classroom as an exemplar
3. Dignified Discipline for a Positive Learning Environment
3.1. Don't reward disruption with attention.
3.1.1. There are lots of students who act-out in order to get attention and if you give them that attention they will continue to do it.
3.1.1.1. In this scenario, typically there is more to the story and maybe it is a family issue. Digging deeper into the situation could be best.
3.1.1.2. The student will start to trust you and you have solved an issue by being a supportive role-model in the child's life.
3.2. Wipe the slate clean every day.
3.2.1. It is important that your student knows that every day is a new day and a new chance for them.
3.2.2. I will not hold a grudge over something they did the day before because every child deserves as many chances as it takes.
3.3. Students have to know that it is their behaviour you dislike and not them.
3.3.1. If students begin to think that you dislike them, they continue these unacceptable behaviours. This is important to make clear.
3.4. Every student will receive a verbal warning in order to remind them of the norms we had made on the first day of school.
3.4.1. If they continue doing the unacceptable behaviour then we will take steps that had been previously negotiated on the first dat of class until they understand that they shouldn't be doing that.
3.4.2. Although if the action continues I think it is very important to have a discussion with the student because something may be going on at home.
3.4.2.1. If it keeps occurring, have a meeting with the students and their parents to see what we can do to stop this behaviour.
4. Creating a Community of Learners
4.1. Lots of group discussions in class
4.1.1. This allows for students to start feeling more comfortable around their peers
4.1.1.1. Students will begin to be more open-minded in class and more willing to raise their hands
4.1.1.2. When students become more comfortable around their classmates they create meaningful relationships with the people around them
4.1.2. Lots of students learn by discussing
4.1.2.1. When students discuss a topic with the entire class they gain more ideas and knowledge that is very beneficial to their education
4.2. Weekly check-in's
4.2.1. This will be for me to see how each student is feeling about my class and their grades or life in general
4.2.1.1. The students begin to feel more comfortable and around me and trust me
4.2.1.2. RELATIONSHIPS. RELATIONSHIPS. RELATIONSHIPS.
4.2.1.3. Students feel that they can come to me to talk and I am able to help them with their school work or find help for any problems at home
4.2.2. These can be in the style of a Google Form or one-on-one discussions with students
4.3. Group Goal
4.3.1. As a class we can choose a goal for the semester and what they will have to do to earn the reward
4.3.1.1. Ex. A pizza party at the end of the semester if everyone completes a our weekly journals.
4.3.2. Students will have to work together as a class to reach this goal of theirs
4.3.2.1. This creates teamwork and in turn, a positive classroom environment
4.4. Give shout-outs and compliments
4.4.1. I will consistently give students shout-outs and compliments when earned
4.4.1.1. I will encourage students to do the same and compliment their classmates as often as possible
4.4.2. People, especially younger folk, thrive off of positive reinforcement
4.4.2.1. They will strive to work harder and hear how good of a job they are doing