Classroom rules should consist of teacher and student written rules and procedures that are discussed during the first few days and weeks of school. The children will be able to remember and understand the expectations, see them written down somewhere that is accessible in the classroom, and students will be kept accountable by the staff members. The rules are important for the safety of the children, the security of their social and emotional health, and in keeping a predictable expectations in the classroom.
With these in mind, the topic of opportunity relates to rules because students will be able to participate in classroom activities, learn from their mistakes, develop social skills, and grow in academics.
Rules also relate to the story "The Most Magnificent Thing" as the little girl finds that there are many ways to create her magnificent thing. She learns about the power of friendship with her dog, how to use her imagination to learn, and the value of persistence when a problem occurs. The girl finds that when she is respectful and honest about her emotions she can think more clearly and accomplish more than she expected to. Overall, she turns her negative attitude into a positive one which makes all the difference.
by Robert J. Marzano, Barbara B. Gaddy, Maria C. Foseid, Mark P. Foseid and Jana S. Marzano
http://www.ascd.org/publications/books/105012/chapters/Section-1@-Rules-and-Procedures.aspx
The essential for this artifact is creating and implementing classroom rules/procedures early on in the school year. This idea relates to the InTASC standards of Learning Environments as well as Leadership and Collaboration:
Standard #3 Learning Environments: The teacher works with others to create environments that support individual and collaborative learning, and that encourage positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self motivation.
Standard #10 Leadership and Collaboration: The teacher seeks appropriate leadership roles and opportunities to take responsibility for student learning, to collaborate with learners, families, colleagues, other school professionals, and community members to ensure learner growth, and to advance the profession.
The goal in any classroom environment I enter into is that it is safe to learn and play in, encourages positive social interactions, and is emotionally supportive. It is important to start the school year with clear expectations of classroom rules and procedures to ensure efficient behavior management and safety. Especially in a 4K classroom, learners need to know what to expect from others and have structure in place for when behavioral challenges occur. Further, rules and procedures can be created with other staff members and students at the school. When students are involved in this process they will be able to put more meaning to the rules. Working as a school to implement rules that are set across grades and the school as a whole (teachers, the principal, counselor, and special education staff) will be more effective. Further, notifying families of rules and expectations is crucial to ensure there are no surprises and parents or guardians can help their children understand and follow the expectations.