Our Classroom Rules (as discussed today in class)

In terms of classroom conduct, the main ideas we will explore this year are 

being responsible for your actions, 

making good choices, 

and following a series of directions.  

My motto: If we follow the directions, we can have fun.

I began the school year by introducing a model for the students to follow when I have directions to give.  This is a “quiet signal” to help get their attention. When the students hear me say, “Can I get a High-Five?” this means: 

1. Eyes on the teacher, 

2. Ears listening, 

3. Mouths closed, 

4. Feet quiet, 

and 5. Hands still. 

Making good choices and following directions always results in something positive. There are three ways I reward good behavior in our classroom: 

1. Stickers to feed our tree pet, Warren Fuzzy (just something fun to keep the kids guessing!); 

2. Good Behavior/Good Work Awards (awards are available daily and a prize drawing is every Friday); 

and 3. Super Points for our Super Word Wall (each day, a “Super” goal is set to be met by the entire class by the end of the day. If the entire class, for instance, was “Super Polite” for the day, a letter will be revealed on the Super Word wall. The letters spell a sentence, revealing a class prize).  

If, unfortunately, a child is having a rough day and not making good choices, I feel its important to give that child an opportunity to make a better decision for him/herself. We have a “Time to Think” chair in our room for just this.  This is how it works:  each child is given two warnings when poor choices are being made.  If a third warning is reached, I ask him/her to spend two minutes in the thinking chair to make a decision: Do you want to stay in the classroom or do you want to leave?  If they want to stay, the child is given the opportunity to start the day anew (as simple as reentering the classroom on a clean slate).  If they child wants to leave, he/she will leave the classroom to talk to Ms. Diane.  Hey, some days are just terrible, horrible, no good, very bad days... Knowing this, each child is given two chances in the “Time to Think” chair each day.

Lastly, I have a ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY for bullying (i.e. hitting, spitting, name-calling, etc.). If a child hits another student, he/she is sent to the office. Period. Also, I do not accept a simple “I’m Sorry” for bullying behavior.  This year, we are going to pay special attention to “I feel” statements to work out our problems.  I will help the students “talk it out” and make sure they end by “hugging it out, too.”  Everyone should feel loved in our classroom!

From the bottom of my heart... the only place I want your child to be is in our classroom.  I can honestly say - our classroom is a better place with your child in it.  Each of us our worthy of an education and the love and respect that comes from being in a safe, productive classroom. 

If you have any questions, concerns, or comments about this policy, please do not hesitate to email me, stop by the classroom, or talk to Ms. Diane.

Thanks for your help reinforcing our behavior models for the school year,

Mrs. Stuhr