"Great teachers are very clear about their approach to student behavior. They establish clear expectations at the start of the year and follow them consistently as the year progresses."
- Todd Whitaker
In Chapter 3, Todd talks a lot about expectations, rules, and consequences. Expectations speak volumes when it comes to everyday behavior for everyone, not just students. There are expectations at work, at home, on the road, at the store....everywhere. So, as educators, what do our expectations entail and how do we go about communicating that every moment of every day to our students and community and ourselves?
What does your expectation look like? How is it communicated?
?Is it a banner that is hung on the wall?
?Is it a poster that has the "steps to greatness"?
?Is it is a song that is sung over and over again?
?Is it a "bought package" that is distributed to everyone?
OR
?Is it a mindset?
?Is it the way we interact and the language we use?
?Is it the relationships that we establish?
?Is it the overall climate of a campus and is engrained in every facet of everything that we do every day?
Reflect:
- What do you do to communicate your high expectations to your students?
- Are your expectation for your students different than your expectations for yourself?
- How much do you use "consequences" as a motivator to "greatness"?
- How much does a relationship play into anyone's willingness to achieve "greatness"?
Watch this video, many of you have seen it before but it is a great reminder for us all: Rita Pierson
To Do:
Post an expectation that you have for your students and how that expectation is communicated to both students and parents.
One of my biggest expectations is that you respect others and their possessions. I model that by interacting with kids in a way that shows respect, with my language, tone and actions. Never let up on how you present yourselves to the kids. They remember...
ReplyDeleteAllow others to learn.....
ReplyDeleteWe discuss this expectation at the beginning of the year and I constantly remind students about this expectation until it just takes a glance to redirect unwanted behavior. I have not sent my list of expectations home before for parents, but certainly can include it with all the other info at the beginning of the year.
Along with modeling mutual respect for others, another expectation I have is perseverance. In our classroom, we celebrate everybody's differences and know that things do not always come easily. By modeling perseverance and helping students learn to stick with things, even when they become difficult, the students realize that sometimes the best victories come out of the toughest struggles. I think it is important to communicate on an ongoing basis with parents and let them know what the expectations are from the beginning. I think they need to be in the loop when struggles arise, and then when goals are accomplished.
ReplyDeleteRespect is key. This is a big one for my classroom. If kids respect one another, all other expectations will follow. This is a rule that is both posted and modeled.
ReplyDeleteWe are your family away from your family! I'm mom away from your mom and you're my kids away from my kids! We'll care for each other in that way and support each other through successes and trials. I often repeat this to the students when there is a problem to help them redirect their actions or to praise them when I see/hear them support each other -- sometimes, I'll even hear them say "Don't treat my brother like that." Or even better than that, when they accidentally call me "Mom" -- I respond, "Yes, what can I help you with?" Lots of giggles follow. This sure helps support a team atmosphere!
ReplyDeleteLove this!
DeleteDo unto others as you would have them do unto you. The Golden Rule is posted above my door and it is something that I feel is very important to remember and to live by. It is important for my students to show respect to their fellow students and to their teacher.
ReplyDeleteTreat others the way you want to be treated. It's so simple, yet we must model to our students what this looks/feels like. The words and actions show our true heart. The relationships we create in and out of the classroom are built on a foundation of respect.
ReplyDeleteBe kind ❤️ Students need reminders about kindness. Modeling & discussing creates a positive & safe learning environment.
ReplyDeleteI use the approach from "Capturing Kids Hearts." Starting on the first day of school, my students and I build a social contract together, displaying it in the room and everyone signs it. The students and teacher come up with words or phrases that we all believe will help us as a community of learners function as a whole. Words commonly added to the contract are: Respect, Showing Effort, Be Kind, Fair, Trustworthy, Compromise, etc. are typically added to our Social Contract. After the "contract" is written we all sign it, and a copy is sent home to the parents explaining these are the behavioral standards that we have set for one another in our classroom. This approach gives students some ownership to our classroom climate. If someone breaks the contract, first I ask the student a series of 4 questions. "What are You doing? What are You supposed to be doing? Are You doing it? What are YOU going to do about it? This typically takes care of any mishap we may have in class, and they take ownership of the problem and they fix it. I truly believe that giving the kids some say in the way things will be handled by all, including the teacher, helps our classroom climate. It builds mutual respect, and we love each other like family.
ReplyDeleteInspire and empower each other to do our very best. Building rapport with students and praising positive behavior from the start is key in achieving this goal. My expectation is that this type of peer support behavior will create an enviornment where students will hold each other accountable and mutual respect will flourish. I hope to create an open line of communication with parents allowing them to share the positive changes they see, stories we can learn from, and the areas where the message is missing. In our class we will have a peer recognition board where students are encouraged to give praise/shout outs to their fellow students and acts of kindness are spotlighted. My hope is that this activity will be a constant reminder of the characteristics we need to model to lift one another up and achieve more.
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DeleteLove this!
DeleteWhat a great idea!
DeleteRespect is my biggest thing. I discuss it with my classes and stress to them to respect all adults, their classmates and finally themselves and we will have a strong learning environment. It is posted on my wall as a daily reminder and is modeled daily.
ReplyDeleteI let my students (and parents through an intro newsletter) know right off the bat that our entire class is going to be held to the same character, classroom and educational standards - and that these standards are high! I say this with a smile on my face and lots of eye contact. I tell them we begin the year this way so we are always striving to be our best. I further explain that I know they can reach these goals and standards because I (personally) and their parents believe in and love them, they are a very bright group of kids, and that we are Brock!
ReplyDeleteI then yell "Go win this game!" and they roar onto the field, J/K! ;)
Be somebody that makes everyone feel like a somebody!!!
ReplyDeleteAs a paraprofessional, I mold to the individual setting in each classroom and embrace, personally the idea found in the following quote:
ReplyDelete"Don't underestimate me. I now more than I say. I think more than I speak. And I notice more than you realize." - Author Unknown
Working with special needs students and those students that learn on a different level, I have come to realize that once the student knows you believe in them and do not see them as different they are going to thrive in the classroom and enjoy learning. Never underestimate your students!
Strive to be your best, always. You should always state your expectations at the beginning of the year as well as communicating this to your students daily. If you state your expectations with parents and students at the beginning of the year, there will be success.
ReplyDeleteThis is huge for me as a Capturing Kids' Hearts advocate. We always establish our expectations at the beginning of the year while creating the social contract. They come up with these expectations and take ownership of them. I let the students know that we are all a family and we will all treat each other with respect. I explain that I am the best listener ever and will do my best to take care of them if they are ever in need. This helps them realize that I want them at school. I very rarely have discipline problems, and that is a wonderful feeling!
ReplyDeleteI try to establish an expectation of caring and respect for each other. I discuss this with the kids and try to model it everyday. I also communicate this to parents through the newsletter and interaction.
ReplyDeleteThis is an important expectation I have. Respect for their peers, teachers and all staff, and themselves.
ReplyDeletePreparation and responsibility. These are not exclusive but students may think they are. From the very beginning, students are informed of how they are to be responsible for their own instruments and materials along with the preparing for the next day. One has a direct affect on the other. We talk about it in class from the beginning, along with a written format sent to the parents. Parents and students return a signed page expressing their understanding of these expectations. one way I can hold the students accountable to these expectations is that I hold my self to the very same ones. I have to prepare for the same lesson that they are practicing for. I have to be responsible for my materials so that they can focus on their own responsibilities. The more the students see me hold my self accountable, the more they will reflect those expectations.
ReplyDeleteRespect for one another and conducting themselves with integrity...doing things the right way, doing the right thing, even when nobody is watching. I would like every student to strive to be the type of person that makes those around them want to be better people. This is done by their actions and the way they treat others. I want them to understand the importance of being kind to those that they know and those they don't know. Whether it's the way they treat their friends, a fellow student, a waiter, the person taking their order at the drive through, the person at the checkout or just a stranger that they are passing, I want them to understand that their words and actions matter. They have the ability to have a positive impact with their actions and words and it's up to them to how they want to impact others.
ReplyDeleteOne expectation I am stressing to my students in special education this year is to have a growth mindset. I want my kids to understand the power in the words they use in the classroom and to have a mindset that is always willing to grow and learn more. Instead of saying, "It's good enough." They will learn to ask themselves, "Am I proud of this?" I also have a handout to give to parents to encourage this mindset out of the classroom as well with phrases that they should encourage. These phrases will be posted in my room and spoken on a daily basis.
ReplyDeleteYes Halsey! If you can teach the "growth mindset" to your students and help them get rid of their "fixed mindset" your students will flourish. Praise their effort, their hard work and not the grade.
ReplyDeleteI expect my students to strive to always be their best, and to be kind towards others. With a positive attitude and self respect, they will be able to make a difference in the classroom. It starts with their belief and knowing they can achieve anything. I communicate these expectations on my syllabus, posters, and through daily lessons. "Believe in yourself. Know that there is something inside you that is greater than any obstacle." ~Christian D. Larson
ReplyDeleteI expect my students to be respectful and prepared everyday. I model respect and encourage the same behavior in my students. We spend time throughout the first six weeks learning to work in groups. We model good and appropriate behavior for team building. I encourage all students to apply these skills to all aspects of their life.
ReplyDeleteMy biggest expectation is that students give me all they have and work hard to live up to their potential. I don't want to see my kids do things halfway. I know they are capable of achieving extraordinary things and I want to push them to realize that. I do not tolerate intellectual/educational laziness. It's one thing if a student does not understand, but it is completely different if the student doesn't try. I want them to give it their all and I also try to do the same for them.
ReplyDeleteI expect the students in some situations to not be afraid to think for themselves (mainly GT). Each student is treated with respect by everyone else and never should be afraid to put their personality into their work.
ReplyDeleteShow everyone kindness and respect by being the friend you want other to be. While verbalizing these expectations is important, actions speak louder than words. Be the embodiment of your expectations.
ReplyDeleteAlways try to do your best, and don't give up after the first try. Nothing worth having comes easy.
ReplyDeleteAlso, mutual respect for one another.
I have always taught 3 rules. Respect yourself, respect each other and respect our things. I model this daily with kids and have clear expectations for what these "look like". I apply these to my life as well in my family and friendships. Respect is key. I find success to be the greatest motivator. Finding ways for kids to reach authentic successful goals will
ReplyDeleteMotivate them to continue their hard work.
My biggest expectation for the students when they come in to the office is RESPECT. When they are talking to their parents, other students, and the staff they should maintain a respectful attitude.
ReplyDeleteEach year I clearly communicate my expectations to the students and to their parents. I expect them to show respect in the classroom to me and to each other just as I show them respect. Also I expect them to come to class prepared and ready to give their best effort. This is also what I expect of myself in the classroom and in all my relationships.
ReplyDeleteTo understand and respect that everyone learns at a different pace and use differentiation when teaching.
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