There are many different opinions on how rules should be established in the early years of school. Some educators believe they should be written in a positive statement like, for example; " I will use an inside voice." Others believe that children should make their own rules write them as the children say them, for example; "No punching in the stomach!" or "No taking the train away!"
I believe a mix of both of the philosophies are appropriate! Students should take ownership in their classroom rules, the rules should be discussed openly, they should be short and simple and with visuals.I find taking pictures of students within the classroom demonstrating appropriate behavior is most effective.
What is your opinion? How do you introduce rules in your classroom?
Melinda, I too have had these same thoughts over the last few years of teaching and while reading up on this matter, I have come to the conclusion that instead of always enforcing the rules and taking about the negative aspect, I am going to ask the students "What do they think they can do in school?'' My rules will start with I can .... help my friend, and when a child says "don't take my car"ask the other students what could they do and say and elicit the positive appropriate behaviors. I know I am rambling, but I am all about not what you can't do but what you can do !
ReplyDeleteI love that idea! Positive reinforcement seem to be more effective than negative reinforcement! It is also more benficial for building confidence and self-esteem. I also believe it is empowering for children to see their words in print. I have been blessed to have a visual impaired student in my classroom who forces me to rethink how i teach. I had to have more auditory and tactile cues for this student. I video taped/recorded the discussion and the rules and played it back for him and the rest of my students. It was empowering and so much more meaningful than having just a poster. This year I am going o make a video of the rules and have it displayed on the Mimio board for studets. I love technology!
Delete