Class Code of Conduct & discipline model

My class code of conduct would look like a set of predetermined classroom guidelines(rules) that the students will be introduced to on the first day of school. Classroom rules are the foundation for a functional and successful classroom in any setting. Rules vary from procedures as they determine what the classroom looks like, what type of behavior is acceptable and encouraged, and help students work towards a common goal. In other words, they set the tone. Establishing classroom procedures early on saves time during the year, helps students focus on the real work, and reduces stress in the classroom. If the rules are set and put into place on day one, then students know that these are the expectations for the year.

Lee and Marlene Canters believed in assertive discipline, an approach to help teachers take charge in the classroom by interacting with students in a calm, insistent and consistent manner. They were very big on using corrective language and/oractions and not using harsh discipline. They created a discipline hierarchy, which is an approach to classroom management that uses a tiered system to approach discipline. Most hierarchical systems have four general tiers. Tier 1 is for a first infraction of a behavior, and can result in something like a nonverbal reaction from the teacher. Tier 2 is the next tier up, and involves a verbal warning. Tier 3 would be a student/teacher conversation. The tiers would continue to result in more severe punishments. The Canters' have a method for giving verbal warnings while still speaking to the student in a clam and consistent manner. They suggest that if a child breaks a rule, the teacher should remind the child of the rule and give a warning, then, next time the child breaks the same rule, the teacher should say something like ”Amy, you knew the rule listen quietly while others are speaking and you chose to break it and get 5 minutes time out”. The student needs to know that this was their choice, and the consequence is a result of their action. By saying this when the child receives their consequence, they learn not to repeat the action if they don’t want the corresponding consequence. This way the rules are being enforced effectively and students understand why they are receiving punishment. I will use these practices and more to successfully manage the behaviors of students in my own classroom.