WBT Chapter 7

Chapter 7: Five, Powerful Classroom Rules

Describe how you will teach, and continue to reinvigorate for the school year, one of the Five Classroom Rules.

In my classroom we recite rules throughout the day. I love all the powerful rules but the one I will focus on for this exercise is, keep your dear teacher happy!  The one rule that can back me up, when there is no other.  The rule is so ambiguous and doesn't have a straight forward meaning, which I love. It allows me to challenge the children daily and empower them to make good choices rule # 4, which makes me happy.  I find they often go hand in hand in my class.  Our class will have practice (role play) sessions to help them understand what things make me happy. Examples: following the rules, helping your classmates, using your manners, and being truthful are just a few of the things that make me happy.  We rehearse what does not make me happy as well, just so there is no confusion on what does make me happy.  I want them to really know and understand the difference.

Being mindful to have a positive learning environment to teach, I empower my most diligent leaders to lead the class rules and be peer mentors in class.  This helps to empower other children to want to do the same. It is an entitled position in our class.  They get to pass out papers, pencils and any materials needed for class.  To reinvigorate the rules, I will give little “Thank You for Being Sweet” cards out, when I see that someone is doing something generous without being told.  Just one of my positive reinforcement tools! I also try to challenge them to see how quickly they can do certain rules by using a timer.  Followed up by trying to beat the last time we had.  I make it very playful and game like, I also use a lot of excitement in my voice, which builds eagerness in the children.  I can’t forget the one I use on “a very good day”.  I have a special box with games the kids love to play. If we have one of those “WOW, I can’t believe it was an amazingly easy day”, they earn a game hour on Friday.   They know how good they have been when these come out of the box!   I am continually amazed to find, that something this simple works.   I am one happy teacher!