What is one non-negotiable rule that all kids must follow in your class? 

Which one to choose!

There are several different rules and expectations that I have in my classroom. It would be very difficult to choose just one. I’m going to talk about my top 3 and hopefully when I’m done, I will be able to choose just one.

1. Being respectful to all that enter! -This means that whoever enters the classroom; let it be another student, a teacher, administrator, parent, observer, coach, paraprofessional, and so on; students need to treat that person with respect. I try my best to teach them to treat people the way that they would want to be treated. Under being respectful, includes using appropriate language.
2. Try your best each and everyday! -This is one of my favorite rules because students will always say, “Miss, I don’t know how to do this?” My respond always is, “Well, just try your best, thats all that I ask each day from you.” When students know that you just want them to try and do their best students are more opt to do it!
3. Take responsibility for your actions- This rule is very important in my classroom. I reference many times through out the day. When a student does something and I don’t see who did it, for example throw a pencil across the room, I ask them to take responsibility for their actions. 80% of the time student do take responsilbity. Another part of being responsible is bring your materials to class. Having the responsilbity to bring a writing utensil to school. This is a concept that seems to be very difficult for my students this year.

When I asked my students which class expectation is most important, students say:

“# 6, Your trying to say to us to never give up and try your best everday on your work” Said by Student C

“# 2, Being respect to all so that they are respectful to you” Said by Student A

“# 1, Use appropriate language cuz if someone comes in and you are swearing you can get in trouble and that will make the teachers look bad” Said by Student A

“# 4, Take responsibility -because like if someone comes in and your not taking responsbility for your actions you can get in trouble.” Said by Student AC

I think at this moment in time that my number one chose for what rule is non-negotiable would be always try your best. One of my students made an excellent point when he explained his reasoning. “Your trying to say…” Students realize that I am not just there because it is my job but because I care. When students realize that you care about how they do and who they are, they begin to make other changes in their lives too.

So, Try your best each and every day!