At the beginning of each year, I will refer to a large poster that says "We will always be caring, honest, respectful, and safe."
Then, with the students' help, we will fill in what each of those adjectives mean. We will draft each definition on the white board before copying our final explanations onto strips of paper and taping or stapling them to the poster! By doing this, students are actively involved in the rules, guidelines, and expectations. Additionally, by getting every student involved in the drafting process, everyone will be on the same page and understand how to follow our rules.
Then, with the students' help, we will fill in what each of those adjectives mean. We will draft each definition on the white board before copying our final explanations onto strips of paper and taping or stapling them to the poster! By doing this, students are actively involved in the rules, guidelines, and expectations. Additionally, by getting every student involved in the drafting process, everyone will be on the same page and understand how to follow our rules.
These guidelines are key in providing for student success both academically and socially. Students need to be caring in order to make everyone feel included and understood. When everyone feels accepted and cared about in a classroom setting, more meaningful relationships develop and students will do better in their work. Students need to be honest in order to keep all classmates safe. Safety is the obvious need; I would never want one of my students to get physically hurt or threatened in my classroom. An unsafe environment does not foster growth or success. Finally, students need to be respectful so that everyone can learn and be heard. Every human deserves respect.