Blog post#7 asks about class rules and how they are enforced. In Ms Sede's 4th grade class the rules are posted on the wall. Simple rules: Respect others, respect yourselves, etc. They are placed in an obvious area where they can be readily seen by everyone. Ms Sede has good systems in place for recognizing good behavior. They have the "clip up" system. She will often tell kids, "Thank you for being on task, clip up." Or "Good work on following directions, clip up." If the whole class is on the right track she has a treasure jar they are trying to fill for a "class prize" ie extra recess, gum chewing day, etc.
I haven't seen her need to stop any "rule-breaking" behavior, just staying on task reminders mostly. But I do know the class has certain steps that co-ordinate to when they have to "clip down". If they get to the lower levels, they loose recess, or have to send a note home, etc.
A few of the procedures that I have seen that make the class run smoothly are: The clip system and incentive jar. The routine of their day. They go over the main points for the day, which I think gives the students comfort to know what is coming next. She has organized the room with a good flow of where things are turned in and the kids know where those areas are. She also has a few actions that have meaning to them - like sign language. When she taps her head with her fingertips, it means "Everyone be thinking of an answer and I am going to ask for one in just a minute, be ready!"
In kindergarten, the rules are enforced by constant vocal reminders. But they are almost always worded the same way - I think the consistant wording helps them to know what the expectation is. For example, ""Childs name", check your hands." This is what the teacher asks when the students need to make sure they are doing what they should be doing. In this example, maybe they are grabbing their neighbor or something - this ss a way to let them figure out they need to keep their hands to themselves.
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