Aricka Ladebu- Classroom Management

How effectively do you feel you discuss and implement the rules of the classroom with your students?  After reading and reflecting on the secrets of this chapter, what changes do you foresee making when you have a classroom of your own?

In one classroom I am currently teaching in I didn't go over any rules with them before I started teaching.  My co-op had everything working so smoothly that it just didn't seem necessary.  I entered in on what he was already doing and just kept the expectation that same as he had it.  The students never batted an eye.  They just continued behaving as they had for my co-op.  

However, in another classroom I'm now teaching in, I did have to remind them of the rules of the room.  I hadn't yet read "Secret Two" in our book so I approached the procedural aspects of the classroom as rules.  The very next day I read the book and kicked myself for not having read it sooner.  But since the kids don't know the difference between procedures and rules, it's turning out fine.  

I had to remind that classroom of the "rules" the teacher had already posted on the wall because they were not following them very often.  They would get noisy and not quiet down until he raised his voice to get their attention.  But I noticed his proximity was lacking severely and that was definitely contributing to the problem.  The first day I was in front of that class I had a noise problem, but ever since then they have been very obedient.  I think they just needed to see that I meant what I said.  I had to remind them a few times that I really did mean that they HAD to raise a hand AND be called upon before they were allowed to speak.  It's a great class now - just because I established the rules/procedures and am not letting up on them.  

When I have my own classroom I will definitely differentiate between classroom procedures and classroom rules.  The students will know exactly what the consequences will be for breaking rules and procedures will simply be expected to be followed.  As I do now, I will talk about the need for respect that goes both ways.  I will treat them with respect and will expect them to treat me and the rest of the class with respect.  A huge part of being respectful in the classroom is following the rules/procedures.  Treating students with respect means having those private conversations with them about their behavior.  I think they feel honored when we treat them like an adult in a sense - by talking rationally and not yelling at them or embarrassing them.  

I also love the "bell-to-bell" teaching.  The best way to keep them out of trouble is to keep them busy.  We don't get them for very long, so we might as well make the most of the time we DO get with them.