Green Sheet Student Rights and Obligations
This year, our class expectations will surround effective 'argument' through productive classroom talk within the learning environment. Students will be obligated to form and defend their own thoughts and opinions, as well as support and challenge those of others. Unfortunately, when people hear the word argue, they think of a verbal sword fight with a winner and a loser. NO WAY! In education, an argument is a discussion with the goal to promote as much understanding of a situation or concept as possible and to persuade colleagues of the validity of a specific idea. Argumentation, especially scientific argumentation, is ideally about sharing, processing, and learning about ideas. These are all really complex descriptions of a simpler idea. In our classroom, we will talk about our thoughts in an intelligent and respectful manner. These student rights and obligations will help to produce a safe environment for students to construct knowledge through talking with classmates in small and large groups. We won't start the year mastering these rights and obligations - it will be a process! But, I am confident that, over time, students will feel valued and safe enough to share in such a thought provoking and invigorating learning environment!
Student Rights 1. You have the right to make a contribution to an attentive, responsive audience. 2. You have the right to ask questions. 3. You have the right to be treated civilly. 4. You have the right to have your ideas discussed, not you, personally. Student Obligations 1. You are obligated to listen for understanding. 2. You are obligated to agree or disagree (and explain why) in response to other people's ideas. 3. You are obligated to speak loudly enough for others to hear. Consequences
There are always consequences connected to every choice we make. Some consequences are positive: like learning something new, a close friend, a happy teacher. Others are not as happy: like a hurt friend, redoing an assignment, interrupting a classmates learning. I want to empower students to reflect and make changes in their behavior choices to achieve their desired outcome/consequences. This may look different with each child and each situation, but the basic order is the following: 1. Warning 2. Think Time w/think sheet (sometimes this takes place during recess) A think sheet is a written reflection and action plan. It is not a punishment. It is an opportunity to reflect and make a change for the next time. You will probably see one of these come home at one time or another. Please have a discussion with your student about how you can help him/her with their plan. Then sign and return the sheet so that I know you are aware of the difficulty and are on board to help. Each student has very individual needs and strategies that work for them, so this is very individualized. 3. Letter/Call/Email Home w/think sheet If the student continues to have difficulty, even after devising a plan, contact home will be made. This may be in the form of a note in the planner, an email, or a phone call (depending on the need), however, I will always communicate with you in whatever way that works best for you! At times, we may need to all get together to help support a student with a challenge that they are facing. As a team, we can support students to achieve their goals for educational success! |
Clippin' For Character
Our class community and learning environment will very closely reflect our character values. In order to build a safe environment for students to be themselves, take risks, and grow as individuals, we will be studying and reinforcing character traits. Class discussions surrounding each character trait listed below will help to foster awareness and understanding of positive character traits. Each day, students who are seen exemplifying a character trait will be asked to move their clip to that trait on the clip chart. Also, students will record when they move their clip, and to where, on a calendar in their P.R.I.D.E. Binder so you can celebrate your child's positive character at home! |