Classroom Culture, Procedures & Expectations
Our Classroom Culture
- Respect will be established within the classroom atmosphere by the teacher and for both the students and teacher.
- Students will work together on the first day of school to come up with definitions for what respect means to them before collaborating to come up with ways in which the teacher and students can show respect throughout the school year and enforce these ideas.
- The teacher must believe in the abilities of each student and make it known.
- Student abilities and progress will be communicated with each student and their parent(s)/guardian(s) on a regular basis (weekly, monthly, etc. depending on the child) either in person, over the phone, through email, etc.
- Every student is unique and has a voice in the classroom that will be heard at appropriate times.
- The teacher and students will give each other opportunities to share ideas so each child’s opinion can be voiced.
- Rules and routines established by both the teacher and students should be followed in order to allow for students to generate ideas and create a strong and inviting learning environment.
- Such rules and routines will be created and implemented on day one by the teacher and students.
- The teacher will work as both the facilitator and teacher in order to help students reach their goals and will not do their work for them.
- Each and every day the teacher will lead students in lessons and exploring new topics. The teacher will use questioning to spark student interest while encouraging students to ask questions when they are curious and to help deepen their understanding.
Important First Day and Daily Procedures
- Enter the classroom in the morning calmly and quietly; be sure to say good morning to your teacher! (First day as well as all others)
- Locate your name tag at your table/desk. (First day)
- Introduce yourself to your tablemates and the rest of your classmates. (First day/week)
- Students will get the opportunity to rotate amongst the other tables to meet each student in their community.
- Practice arranging the desks/tables for the first team meeting. (First day)
- "Meet your teacher" time
- Introduction to the classroom and learning community setup
- How to behave in the hallway, hang up jackets and backpacks, etc.
- How to select your lunch choice each morning using the Smartboard
- Establish the teacher's expectations for both the teacher and the students
- Create and write up classroom rules as a team to make and sign a classroom contract
- When it is time to clean up, take responsibility for materials on, under and around your working area; help pick up possessions of other students who sit by you when you can.
- Turn in assignments to bins labeled by subject area at the start of each day.
Teacher and Student Expectations
The Teacher is expected to...
- Build positive and strong relationships with colleagues, parents and students at the very start of the school year.
- Always be confident (even when it is hard) and a positive role model for the learners - use and make positive words, actions, choices, etc.
- Support each individual when lesson planning by making adjustments, adaptations and extensions when necessary.
- Be explicit and over-explain when giving instructions and establishing expectations than to not provide enough support and details for the students.
- Hold important and effective classroom meetings with students to team build within the learning community.
- Be consistent with procedures, enforcing rules and handling discipline.
- Have or want to have a relationship with the teacher in which they can comfortably bring anything to the teacher's attention.
- Come to class prepared each day - materials, assignments, attitude, etc.
- Follow all rules and procedures and respect other individuals in the learning community. If rules or procedures are not followed, the student will understand and comply to consequences that will be put in place.
- Encourage and compliment others.
- Contribute to the team and have FUN!
- Use bathroom privileges wisely - students may use the restroom when they choose (and when the bathroom pass is available, unless it is an emergency situation) and are responsible for obtaining information being learned that they miss out on when and if necessary by asking a friend, setting up a time to meet with the teacher, etc.
- Work at their desks, classroom learning areas, or other areas of the classroom and school at the appropriate times.
- Complete all in-class work and hand in assignments that can be completed at home the day after they are assigned (or on their due date).