Let me tell you a little story to explain why my classroom policies are a bit different than you might see in other classrooms. You see, I am a rule follower and people pleaser. I never want to break the rules or cause problems. If you give me 2 rules, I create my own 100 just to make sure I never cause a problem. So, a typical list of classroom expectations, such as, be on time, work hard, come prepared, etc. works well for me because I would personally add things like, be early, never give up, raise my hand, make sure I have everything I could need at every class, don't get in arguments, use my Chromebook responsibly, walk on the right side of the hallway, don't yell in the hall, etc.
Someone else I know, on the other hand, works hard to bend the rules without breaking them. If you tell them to be on time for class, they will be there ON TIME, never early. If you tell them they can't rip up their paper when mad, they will CUT up the paper when mad instead. If you tell them not to run, they will speed walk. You could give them a list of 1,000 rules and they would STILL find a way around the rules, all while not technically breaking them.
While working through my student teaching a friend gave me a book that introduced the concept of simply not causing a problem, for yourself, or anyone else, and it stuck. It is what my 100 personal made-up rules accomplish, I don't want to cause a problem for anyone. This concept also works amazingly well for the rule benders. You can't possibly make a list of rules to cover every scenario but not causing a problem does a pretty good job.
So, my expectations look different, but the same "rules" apply. Here are some examples:
Students who show up unprepared cause a problem for themselves (they can't learn as efficiently without the proper supplies) and it causes problems for their peers (class is delayed, impeding learning).
Students who are on their phones in class cause problems for themselves (they are not able to focus on the task at hand) and problems for their peers (cell phones are distracting in a learning environment).
Expectations for Ms. Osborne
1. I will treat you with respect so that you will know how to treat me.
2. I listen to students who raise their hands & wait to be acknowledged and who talk to me with a respectful voice.
3. I argue at 5 pm and on weekends only. I am always up for respectful discussions at appropriate times.
4. I provide up to full credit on work that is turned in on time.
5. I grade papers that have the correct information in the heading.
6. I will spend most of my time helping you see what you do well.
Classroom Expectations
1. Feel free to do anything that doesn’t cause a problem for anyone, including yourself.
2. If you cause a problem, I will ask you to solve it.
3. If you can’t solve the problem or choose not to, I will do something.
4. What I do will depend on the special person, the unique situation, and school policies.
5. If you feel something is unfair, whisper to me “I’m not sure that is fair” and we will talk.