Dear parents/guardians,
As a teacher, my role is to teach your student(s). I LOVE that role. I want our classroom to be a place of learning, and I strive to make sure all students in my classroom have an opportunity to learn. In order to create a classroom environment conducive to learning, it is imperative that our classroom management program is in place and supported by parents at home.
Ms. Brubaker's Classroom Rules are as follows:
1. Listen and follow directions
2. Use hand signals and stay on task
3. Keep your hands and feet to yourself
4. Respect your classmates, school, and teacher
Every time a a classroom rule is broken, a consequence is given. Our classroom consequences are as follows:
1. Redirect (a verbal warning)
2. Side Line (break in a specific area in classroom)
3. Think Time (fill out a Think Time sheet and find a calm place in the classroom if needed)
4. Letter Home (letter home to parent that must be signed and returned)
Consequences are not a bad thing; in fact, I believe that we become the best version of ourselves when we take responsibility for our actions. In my class, a redirect acts as the first warning. For example, if your student is talking while I’m teaching, I will calmly give them a single redirect, as opposed to giving them constant reminders to stop. I find that by doing this, behavior starts to change immediately, because they know I will be consistent the first time and every time. More importantly, they know that I am not angry or frustrated with them for their behavior. Oftentimes, redirects will be given for interruptions that may not have been intentional, but my purpose is to hold ALL students accountable without them thinking they are "in trouble." In order to build and maintain trust with all students, I will be as consistent as possible with this policy.
If a redirect does not help to change the behavior, a sideline serves as a way to help the student reflect, breathe, and decide what they want the rest of their day to look like. While in the sideline, students are still expected to complete all required work to the best of their abilities. The sideline is not meant to be a "time-out" or a place of embarrassment, but rather, a place where self-reflection takes place. Once students feel ready to follow our 4 rules, they can return to their desk on their own accord.
If a redirect and sideline has still not helped to get the student back on track, they will be given a Think Time sheet, where they write their responses as to what they think happened, how they are feeling, and what their plan is to get back on track.
Ultimately, I expect all students to adhere to our classroom rules and rise to meet our classroom expectations. It is imperative that these rules are followed so I can preserve a positive classroom environment and give all students access to learning.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Ruiz