Classroom Rules and Expectations
In my class, I will have rules and expectations for my students because I want to ensure that my class is a safe and fun learning environment. It is of the utmost importance to me that my students respect me and respect their peers as well. I want my students to be able to come into my classroom knowing that they will learn a lot and have a great time doing it as well. I plan to apply some of the ideas from the theories of B.F. Skinner and William Glasser. One of the main theories from Glasser that I plan to apply in my future classroom is the idea of fun, but having set rules that are expected to be followed. I think it is important for students to have fun while they are learning because then they will look forward to learning more. The ideas I want to take away from the theories of B.F. Skinner are specifically the positive and negative reinforcement. These ideas from B.F. Skinner will help maintain order in the classroom if I am consistent with the reinforcement. Students should be recognized for when they exceed expectations and they should also have consequences when they do not meet expectations. By using the ideas of Skinner, I will try to shape the students behavior. I will continue to encourage my students consistently so that they receive that positive reinforcement that Skinner's theories consist of.
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I will have the Classroom Rules posted in the front of the classroom for all of the students to see. I will also give a copy of the classroom rules to the parents of the students in the students take home folder and in an e-mail to the parents as well in case the copy gets lost. My ideas align with the Social Emotional Standard 2C.1b. - Demonstrate appropriate social and classroom behavior. When my students follow the classroom rules, they will be demonstrating appropriate classroom and social behavior.
Rule #1: Always Try- This rule is important because I want my students to always try even if they don't understand what they are doing or aren't very good at a certain task. I want them to always try.
Rule #2: Be Cooperative- This rule is important because I want my students to learn how important it is to work together.
Rule #3: Be responsible- This rule is important because I want my students to be responsible for their learning.
Rule #4: Do your best- This rule is especially important because I want my students to always do there best even when it is hard. This rule is very similar to the always try rule but this one is more about doing the best that you can.
Rule #5: Treat everyone with respect- This rule is one of the most important rules because I want everyone to be treated well and you should always treat others how you want to be treated.
Rule #6: Keep hands and feet to yourself- This rule is important because I want my students to understand personal space and boundaries.
Rule #7: Follow Directions- This rule is important because I want students to listen to my instruction and follow directions and if they do this they will be more likely to succeed.
Rule #8: Stay on Task- This rule is important because sometimes it can be hard to stay focused, but if you stay on task you can get more work done.
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On the first day of class, I will go over the rules of the class and have my students repeat after me. After that, I will go over the rules of the classroom on every Friday before we start class to serve as a reminder. I will address parental communication through weekly emails and daily notes in the students take home folders to let the parents know how their child did. I will also invite them to the classroom to participate in a Show and Tell Parents Edition and field trips throughout the year. I will also make sure to make phone calls to parents for praise not only discipline. I want to have a positive parent-teacher relationship.
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Letter to Parents:
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Dear Parents,
My name is Mrs. Brittany Licka and I am your child's 2nd grade teacher. I am so excited to have your child in my class this year! I wanted to reach out to you so that you were aware of the rules and expectations of my classroom. I will be providing a copy of the classroom rules that I will put in your child's take home folder. I will be sending a communication note home with the students each day so that you will know how they did for the day. In the communication note it will have 3 different faces. If your child gets a smiley face then your child had a good day. If your child gets a sad face they didn't have the best day. Lastly, if they get a mad face then that means they had a bad day and there will be follow up in a phone call within the next couple days. I am looking forward to getting to know you and your child. We will be having field trips and activities throughout the school year that I would love if you could participate in. I will send a list of the activities home with your child, along with the copy of the classroom rules.
If you have a questions or concerns do not hesitate to contact me.
Thank you,
Mrs. Brittany Licka
815-450-0442
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