Rules and Logical Consequences

Within the first few days of school each year students share their Hopes and Dreams for learning. These are posted in the room and reviewed throughout the year. Classroom Rules are made based on the students' Hopes and Dreams. Classroom rules are modeled, discussed, and practiced regularly so that each student's Hopes and Dreams can come true. Teachers and staff work to reinforce rules, remind children of the rules, and redirect them to the rules that they developed. Schoolwide Rules were developed through a "constitutional convention." Each classroom was represented, classroom rules were shared and building rules were established:

• Treat others as you want to be treated.
• Take care of yourself, each other, school property and materials.
• Do your best in everything you do.
• Be safe in all you do.

When teachers see that a child is having difficulty focusing, but has not yet broken any rules, that child is asked to move to a quiet, visible place in the room to 'Take A Break' before emotions escalate to a point where rules are broken. The 'take a break' before emotions escalate to a point where rules are broken. The 'take a break' spot may have something for the child to do quietly until they regain self-control. If students choose to break a rule, they are given a Logical Consequence that is related to and relevant to their action. There are three kinds of logical consequences: 1 - "you break it-you fix it". 2 - loss of privilege. 3 - "take a break'/time-out.

In order to make any program a success, there needs to be a delegation of responsibilities to the individuals involved. The following are responsibilities that we see for ourselves, the students, and parents:

Student Responsibility...

Principles and practices of social development are modeled for students daily. These concepts are often introduced during the Morning Meeting segment of the day. Each class works together to brainstorm and develop rules they feel are important. These rules will ensure a safe and caring learning community. When the expectations are clear and understandable to all, the children are then responsible to adhere to the guidelines. Children are expected to respect and care for themselves, each other, and their school.

Parent Responsibility...

Parent communication and involvement are essential. Parents are asked to think about what they feel is important for their child to work on this year. Through parent communication we find out about children's interests, habits and struggles. As partners, the more we are able to identify a focus for a child, the better we can help your child's academic and social growth. Support of the school and classroom teacher is essential for strong academic and social growth.

Staff Responsibility

The goal of The Responsive Classroom is to create a learning environment in which children thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. This goal is accomplished through activities and learning appropriate to the child's developmental stage. Classroom teachers have developedthe components of the program. Teachers and staff implement and model The Responsive Classroom techniques. Adults use language to encourage and direct students to take responsibility for their behavior and learning.