Creating a Classroom Code

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Creating a Learner Centered Culture with creating a Classroom Code

Google Docs and printable copy of the classroom code directions

Classroom Code

Learning Targets

I can…

Create a learner-centered culture by collaboratively creating a classroom code with my students.
Keep the classroom code alive in the classroom by continually referring to the code as needed to redirect, reinforce and celebrate student behaviors.

Shared Vision = WHY

Long Term Goal

Classroom Code = HOW

Actions That Will Take Us to Our Shared Vision

“Ideally, the class should establish rules and procedures through discussion and mutual consent by teacher and students.” - William Glasser, Author of Schools Without Failure and The Quality School

The Classroom Code should be developed through discussion and mutual consent by the teacher and students. It is used to ensure students understand classroom expectations, promote positive attitudes in students and govern the behavior of students in and beyond the classroom.

Your task is to identify specific actions you and your students can take to begin to value and develop your learner-centered culture.

Using the Affinity Process (as listed below) and have your students help create the Classroom Code.

Process for Creating the Class Code (using the affinity process)

Divide into groups.
Post guiding questions:

3. Individually reflect (quiet time) and brainstorm answers for the questions.

Separate sticky note/note card/piece of paper for each separate idea!

4. Round Table Sharing

First person reads idea on 1 sticky
Place in center of table
Anyone else with same idea, place sticky on top
Second person reads one of their ideas
Continue around the table until all ideas (stickies) are shared and grouped

5. Label Similar Ideas

Combine group ideas in each group
Label each set of ideas in each group

6. Power Vote (back together as a class)

Create a master list of all ideas for the entire class
Give every student 3 sticky dots or markers
Have students use their dots to vote for ideas they want to see included in the classroom code
- they can use dots on different ideas or 2 or 3 on the same idea
Narrow down to 3-5 ideas for the entire class

7. Create classroom code using the final core ideas.

Hints for Creating a Classroom Code

Keep it positive: focus on the behaviors you wish to see (if you have PBIS words predetermined you may use these)
Avoid vague language: as it is difficult to understand and monitor
Focus on the learning: not quantity (never, sometimes, most of the time, always)

Examples of Classroom Code

8. If you teach multiple classes, you can either...

Have multiple versions of the classroom code, one for each class period
- But each class period should go through the entire process as the important part is the discussion.
Or, you can synthesize them into one classroom code, having each period approve the condensed final version.

9. Make a copy of the final classroom code and post in the classroom

Make it big enough for all to see
If available use a poster printer.

10. Have students sign the final copy of the classroom code

11. Keeping the Classroom Code Alive Throughout the School Year

Post the Classroom Code in a large format in the room
Refer back to the Classroom Code throughout the school year
In some classrooms and/or with some students, you may want to have students set behavior goals, monitor those goals and reflect on their progress towards meeting those goals.

Possible Extensions of the Classroom Code

1. Unpacking the Classroom Code

Under each word add 3-4 bullets
- i.e. Respect
  - We use manners
  - We use kind words
  - We treat each other the way we would like to be treated

2. Looks Like/Feels Like Chart

Create a chart with 3 columns (looks like, sounds like, feels like)
Have students write ideas on sticky notes for each column to share ideas for the classroom
Look at the ideas on the sticky notes to create classroom code
Gain consensus for code

Classroom Code Educator Reflection Tool

Technology That Can Be Used to Support This Strategy in a Face to Face or Virtual Setting

Peardeck
Google JamBoard
Google Slides
Padlet

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