Teacher Comments: I work in a Title I school with "at-risk" students. Over the years, I have found that spending a few minutes every day during the first month going over and then reviewing our classroom rules as well as our routines and procedures makes the entire rest of the year a pleasure to teach.
I usually spend a week on each of most important rules: Remaining quiet while the teacher is talking; Refraining from touching other students and their property; Being respectful.
I always teach the critical attribute of each rule or routine. For example, what exactly does it mean to "remain quite" while the teacher is speaking? Does that mean students may quietly ask questions of one other? What happens if a visitor walks in? Finally, I offer the students many examples and non-examples. For example, what exactly does respect look like, what does it sound like?
REQUIRED MATERIALS. Bring the following materials to class each day:
-two sharpened pencils/pens
-pencil pouch with sharpener, hi-liters
ENTERING THE CLASSROOM . We enter the classroom in a calm, quiet manner. Sharpen your pencil if necessary and take a seat. Remember: Once the door is closed, you must be in your seat and working. (That means having the necessary materials out on your desk.)
READING NOTEBOOK . This is an important tool. Bring it to class with you every single day . The notebook will be graded twice during each 9-week grading period. Your notebook grade is 20% of your final 9-week grade.
ATTENTION SIGNAL. When I hold up my hand I will say, "Give me five." That means the entire class should be absolutely silent and still within 5 seconds.
ASKING QUESTIONS.LEAVING YOUR SEAT.GETTING HELP . Raise your hand and I will acknowledge you.
CLASSROOM BEHAVIOR. Your responsibilities in this class are to: be on time, be prepared, be productive. All team members are expected to be polite and respectful to one another---and that includes the teacher. No student will be allowed to disrupt the learning of his or her classmates.
MAKEUP WORK. When you are absent you are expected to make up any work you missed. On the day you return, check the appropriate folder for any missed work.
HOMEWORK. Homework, when assigned, will be due at the beginning of class. Have it out on your desk ready to be picked up.
END OF CLASS DISMISSAL. Two minutes before class ends, I will tell you to start getting packed up. We will straighten the room. Then, I will give you any last minute instructions and dismiss you.
TARDINESS. You are expected to be in your seat when I close the door. If you come in late and do not have a pass, quietly sign the tardy sheet at the front of the room. You are allowed three unexcused tardies for the nine weeks. The fourth unexcused tardy results in a referral and a call home. If you are late (unexcused) for more than 5 minutes, this is not a tardy. You are considered to be "out of area" and you will be given an automatic referral.
RESTROOM PASSES. You are expected to use the restroom between classes. No bathroom passes (or any passes) will be issued the first ten minutes of class. You are allowed two passes (of any kind) per nine weeks. Use them wisely.