Comments on: Chapter 7 – Classroom Management

By: Beth

Beth — Tue, 01 Apr 2008 04:13:11 +0000

I work for a non-profit organization with a 35 year history of teaching teachers and counselors to incorporate social and emotional skill building into their classes and curriculum. When working with children to build norms (rules) at the beginning of the year, we use some tools that help students break apart words like “respectful” by asking – what does respectful look like, sound like and feel like. Our premise is that if you come from an emotionally and physically safe home, or from a specific culture or what have you, the way you show respect or how you are respectful…is very different. This exercise…done of flip chart paper, in murals, using all kinds of processes…helps take the subjectiveness and lack of clarity out of a word like respect. Our norms usually look more like: Be Here; Be Safe; Be Honest; Care for Self and Others; Set Goals and Move on and let go. Unlike “rules” these are norms that guide toward positive behavior, aren’t loaded and are easily discussed. Just food for thought.

By: thinton

thinton — Tue, 26 Feb 2008 02:46:25 +0000

Corey, you are right on the money. I too think that our students are often disrespected. I see teachers roll their eyes and make comments and negative gestures in the presence of students. What message does that send? I’ve heard you interact with your students and I can see how they respond to you. They love you and know that you have their best interest at heart. Keep up the great example! Many of are inspired by you.

By: R Wells

R Wells — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 21:00:14 +0000

Nicely designed site with really interesting, candid ideas. Thanks