Classroom Norms and Expectations Household v School Norms

Classroom Norms and Expectations

Household v. School Norms • The communication and behavior norms in some households in which the students live might differ profoundly from what is expected in the school and the classroom. This does not mean that the household is wrong, but that in such cases, the school norms must be made very clear and if necessary, modeled and taught.

How would you address a difference in norms/expect between home & school • Emphasize what is acceptable in the classroom • “School Talk” vs “Home Talk”

Effective Teachers • Effective teachers to more than simply post and share rules, they make sure that students understand the rules and are able to put the rules into practice

Rules and Procedures • What is the difference between a rule and a procedure? • Both involve expectations, but a procedure is focused on a specific activity and usually emphasizes • A procedure is something a teacher may need the students to rehearse

Rules, Procedures and Instruction • Rules and Procedures should be presented in relation to active, meaningful and engaging instructional practices. • What does active, meaningful and engaging rules and procedure establishment look like?

Why not to establish rules and procedures on the first day of class, particularly for Secondary?

What is the recommended first day emphasis? • Community building/trust/safety is what should be emphasized the first day

Reflection on Behavior • VWhen dealing with problem behavior, students must be allowed to examine/reflect on their behavior.

How did the teacher's use of "choice" require reflection? • The teacher is not doing something to the student, but the student is making the decision • The student had to verbalize both the inappropriate behavior and the desirable behavior • Consequences-Choices

Rules vs Standards? Why are 'standards' recommended? • Rules have less flexibility • “Rules” imply a prohibition which some students might be more tempted to break (Standards can be lived up to) • Standards are part of community building that has to function effectively • Socializing students to what is expected in their subject matter and out in the world • Build up the real world relevance • Process vs. Terminology

How can 'constitutional rights' be applied to the classroom? Health and safety, property and possessions, Maintain Educational Process Beginning a socialization process Gives them a set of expectations about how they should be treated in society and how they should treat others. • Promotes an understanding of democracy-Democracy is a participatory process • Talk about the balance and what has to be sacrificed for the “greater good”. -John Locke • Connects to the important discourse of “bullying” • •

Students Can Develop a List of Standards with the Teacher • With younger children, role playing is recommended.

What is the benefit of standards being shared with parents? • Accompanied by statement of system or philosophy • Enabling you to get on the same page from the beginning so that they can support your enforcement of the standards • Parental participation precludes the “you don’t like my child”. • Help deal with conflicts between home and school

How do you integrate new students? • Peer Support approach recommended. • The ‘team’ process can socialize new students into the classroom standards. (Fosters immediate belonging) • New students observe and the teacher can direct the new student to material to help them understand what they are observing. • “Homework” based on socialization • Pair the student with a responsible peer who will then feel good about their being chosen

Set time aside to collectively reflect on behavior-System • Can coincide with reflection on your classroom 'theme' or system. • Students can reflect upon and help decide on consquences for standards violations

'Good Behavior Game'-Succcess Quotations • “As we look ahead into the next century, leaders will be those who empower others. ” Bill Gates • If you want to achieve excellence, you can get there today. As of this second, quit doing lessthan-excellent work. ” Thomas J Watson • “The only place where success comes before work is in the dictionary • ‘Responsibility’ • ‘Citizenship’ • ‘Civility’

VVTeaching Procedures • Discussing the need for the procedure • Possibly soliciting student input • Having students practice the procedure until smooth • Reinforce the correct approach

Routines • Routines enable learning to start immediately upon entering the classroom

What is 'positive narration' and how does it work? • Direct attention to a student who is performing effectively enabling that student to become a role model for the other students

What are some ways that you have established classroom rules? • Allow the students to come up with rules given the basic guidelines • A school store and reward system-’money system’