The Game Changer
Respect Agreements are regarded as a classroom game changer. Not so sure about this whole Restorative Discipline thing? This is a great starting point, a first step.
In the early days of the school year, facilitate a discussion about respect. What does it look like/sound like to give respect? To receive respect?
Jot this ideas and suggestions down and...voila!...a respect agreement is born! Consider having students sign this agreement. After all, these are their guidelines, not yours. Although I'm sure you heartily agree with their sentiments! This agreement will live in a prominent spot in your classroom and can be used to frame any difficult conversations stemming from a breach of this agreement.
Also, appoint or have as a rotational job a "new kid" buddy. Let's face it- sometimes students that are new to your campus/classroom can have a hard time transitioning. Your New Kid Buddy can review the guidelines and allow them to sign, signifying their full-fledged membership in your classroom. Presenting these principles in a kid voice is best for everyone. The hearer is more likely to engage because it shows that the other students are invested. The speaker is reminded of the expectations and their importance. The teacher is free to keep the class moving all while having their heart warmed when they overhear bits of the dialogue.
In the early days of the school year, facilitate a discussion about respect. What does it look like/sound like to give respect? To receive respect?
- In the upper left-hand corner, discuss and record what it looks and sounds like for students to show respect to their teacher.
- In the upper right-hand corner, what does it look/sound like when the teacher respects their students?
- In the lower left-hand quadrant, how do students show respect to one another?
- In the lower right-hand corner, discuss what it looks like for students (and the teacher) to respect their environment- their classroom, hallways, playground, cafeteria, etc.
Jot this ideas and suggestions down and...voila!...a respect agreement is born! Consider having students sign this agreement. After all, these are their guidelines, not yours. Although I'm sure you heartily agree with their sentiments! This agreement will live in a prominent spot in your classroom and can be used to frame any difficult conversations stemming from a breach of this agreement.
Also, appoint or have as a rotational job a "new kid" buddy. Let's face it- sometimes students that are new to your campus/classroom can have a hard time transitioning. Your New Kid Buddy can review the guidelines and allow them to sign, signifying their full-fledged membership in your classroom. Presenting these principles in a kid voice is best for everyone. The hearer is more likely to engage because it shows that the other students are invested. The speaker is reminded of the expectations and their importance. The teacher is free to keep the class moving all while having their heart warmed when they overhear bits of the dialogue.