Teach-Now Module 4 – Unit 3 – Activity 3

Teach-Now

Module 4 – Unit 3 – Activity 3

Activity 3: Blog Post

When I first began teaching, I was advised that I should have a list of rules, and so I would spend the first 30 minutes of the first class each term explaining each rule and why and what would happen to the students if they didn’t follow them. It wasn’t always successful and I realized that a lot of the rules were a bit pedantic.

And so now, I start with two rules – Don’t be rude and listen when others are talking. For me, the ‘don’t be rude’ is one of the most important standards that every classroom must have. If the teacher is willing to put some effort into it, it’s possible for all of the students – regardless of their gender – to generally like and respect one another. But I know some teachers who let their students tease each other, or just half-heartedly tells them to not be mean, and the genuine respect never materializes. However, I think it’s so necessary to have because it makes everything in the class – from participation to group work –run so much more smoothly, and I think we should be aware of the fact that our students are just children, and how they’re treated when they’re in elementary school can have long-range effects on the mental and emotional stability later on.

After explaining these rules, I usually then ask my students what THEY think the rules should be, and – to be honest- they’re often way more strict than I would be –

- No eating in class

- No drinking in class

- No bathroom

- Must always raise hand

- No chewing gum

- No talking

- No using pens while writing

Etc..and I will agree to most of them, and ask the students why they think they’re necessary, but I’m always willing to make concessions if need be. Sometimes students do have to go to the bathroom. Or something they are really thirsty. If we’re just doing something simple in class, and they ask to get some water, I know they’re not trying to avoid work or anything like that. Our classes are three hours longs, with two five-minute breaks, and ten year old children shouldn’t be forced to sit motionless for that long of  a period.

However, if they just had their break time and just played on their phone, and then they ask to go to the bathroom as soon as break time is finished, I’ll warn them that the next time, they need to use their break time more wisely or I’ll say no. This also helps because other students can hear and realize that they should probably remember that rule for the future.

For food, most teachers say no eating in class, but I’ve said that they can eat as long as it doesn’t distract the students around them. If they can discretely munch on something from their bag, then…why not? But if they’re obvious about it and other students are begging for some chips, then I take away the food privilege for a couple of days.

The same is true with raising their hands. Yes, it’s good to have the students raise their hands most of the time, but sometimes, if you ask a question and you want the students to respond to it and one another, then the teacher needs to have the authority and the willingness to let the students know that they don’t ALWAYS need to raise their hands before speaking.

When students do break my rule about being kind to each other, I’ll usually take the student into the hallway and talk to them about why they acted how they did, and how they think that made someone else feel. Sometimes, if I feel it’s  needed, I’ll re-address the rules and have the students explain to me why they shouldn’t behave in a certain way, and if they ever have anything to add, or they want to change something, then I’m always willing to discuss it.

Rules should be seen as fair, logical directions that are easy to follow. I’ve had teachers before who strictly authoritarian and it completely destroys the class dynamic s and any positive relationships that the teacher could’ve built with the students.