Dear Nancy - I have taught for about 15 or so years (I've lost track!), and I agree with those who suggest that the students should have input regarding class rules. The teacher that I just helped to interview (thanks for the input, folks!) had a very good idea: start with the kind of classroom that the kids want to have. What is important to THEM, and ask them how we can get that kind of a classroom?
So if it's important to them that they feel safe and respected, what does everyone need to do? Perhaps the first right of all students might be: We will all feel that we important here - when we are called on in class, we can talk without being interrupted by other people. OK, I didn't phrase that very well. You can do better! But you see what I mean? The teacher suggested a Bill of Student Rights, making sure that the kids understood that to get there, specific behaviors are necessary. You might want a little cheat sheet in front of you before you start...so you can kind of lead them where you want them to go. With learning disabled kids, you'll want very clear language. It has to be short. I agree that there should NOT be consequences listed right now, because you'll need to fit the consequences to the actions and to the kid. Fair is not always the same to every kid, because every kid is radically different esp. in your new classroom. If you know a kid has ADD, and you suspect junior is off his meds that morning, you'll need to adapt - and if you've written up consequences, you may have a rebellion on your hands. Sometimes a teacher has to be more of a Philosopher King /Benevelont Dictator than we really want to be...I know, I know...we always are in charge anyway! But you really REALLY have to adapt with these kids! Good luck...been there, done that, feel free to write to me at [email protected] Amy -- Amy Lesemann, Director, Independent Learning Center, St. Thomas the Apostle School _______________________________________________ The Literacy Workshop ListServ http://www.literacyworkshop.org To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/lit_literacyworkshop.org. Search the LIT archives at http://snipurl.com/LITArchive
