Embedded Files
Haven is unique in the ways it combines the best practices in trauma-sensitive education, Positive Behavior Systems, Responsive classroom, and other evidence-based programs focused on the social emotional well being and growth of the whole community. Responsive classroom is a key part of Haven’s toolkit, and provides a consistent and predictable environment while allowing each teacher the flexibility to create their own blend of practices.
The core components of Responsive Classroom used a Haven are:
Redirecting: When teachers need students’ attention, they will use consistent redirecting language to quickly get the whole group on the same page. While each teacher has their own unique style and language they use, some examples are “1-2-3, eyes on me,” or “freeze, everyone back to your seat.” Teachers may use redirecting language for transitions, or if the class or an individual needs to return to focus on a lesson.
Reminding: Reminding language is a positive way to keep students on track with their work or behaviorally. Rather than telling them what they are doing wrong, the teacher will instead remind them of what they should be doing (not what they should stop doing).
Reinforcing Language: Teachers reinforce what students are doing well on build on their strengths through using reinforcing language. Each teacher will have their own way to do this, but Haven has school-wide reinforcing language such as cheers (good job cheer/ bubble gum cheer) and classroom chants.
Morning Meeting: Morning meeting is the start to the day for all Haven students. This time serves as a bridge from home to school and is a proactive “temperature check” to know which kids will need extra support during the day (or who are doing great and we can pull back on planned supports). Ideally this time is held before the start of academics for the day and sets the tone and what to expect for the day ahead. While morning meeting is a mandatory time in every classroom, each teacher can lead the time in their own style.
Closing Circle: Closing circle is the end-of-day counterpart to Morning Meeting. Closing Circles closes out the day, gives kids a chance to reflect on what happened during the day, provides a space to share any announcements and shout outs, and is the bridge between school and home.
Take a Break Space: Every classroom at Haven has a designated “take a break space” where students can go to “reset” and take a break. This space is not to be used for a “time out” or as a punishment, but rather as a physical and separate space to be calm and self-regulate. Every teacher at Haven designs their own Take a Break Space with input from their students about what they need. For the youngest grades, teachers will have kids practice using the Take a Break Space to proactively have kids get used to transitioning between this individual space and being with the whole class.
Class Contract: we combine the component of the Responsive Classroom class contract with the RULER approach’s Classroom Charter to take the best practices from both approaches that match the Haven Way. Learn more about the RULER Classroom Charter in the Haven Way Course all about RULER.
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