Classroom Rules
I have only three classroom rules that students are expected to follow every class period.
If we all follow these three simple rules, we will never have any issues. :)
- Respect Yourself, Always. Do NOT put yourself down, say you "can't" do something, call yourself stupid or dumb. If you say something long enough, you start to believe it. If you believe it, you become it. I would never allow another student to put you down; I won't allow you to put yourself down, either.
- Respect Others (Peers and Staff). The Golden Rule: Always treat others the way you would like to be treated. Easy peasy.
- Respect Property. This goes for other students' property as well as school and staff property. Do not touch or take others' "stuff" without permission. Do not purposefully destroy or deface school or teacher property.
If we all follow these three simple rules, we will never have any issues. :)
Food & Gum
Gum and healthy snacks are allowed in my room, provided they do not provide a distraction to others.
Gum must never be seen--as in snapping or blowing bubbles or in inappropriate places like the classroom sink or under desks One violation (such as gum being spit in the sink) will result in a "No Gum" policy in the literature classroom.
Healthy snacks would consist of fresh fruits or vegetables, granola bars, almonds, etc. No candy or highly processes foods will be allowed (i.e. cheez-its). If the snack has a wrapper, it must be thrown in the trash. If this becomes a problem, then snacks will not be allowed.
Water bottles are always allowed. Absolutely no soda or similar drinks. Flavored water is acceptable.
Gum must never be seen--as in snapping or blowing bubbles or in inappropriate places like the classroom sink or under desks One violation (such as gum being spit in the sink) will result in a "No Gum" policy in the literature classroom.
Healthy snacks would consist of fresh fruits or vegetables, granola bars, almonds, etc. No candy or highly processes foods will be allowed (i.e. cheez-its). If the snack has a wrapper, it must be thrown in the trash. If this becomes a problem, then snacks will not be allowed.
Water bottles are always allowed. Absolutely no soda or similar drinks. Flavored water is acceptable.
Electronic Devices (Cell phones and reading devices)
Cell phones are never allowed in class during school hours.
Reading devices such as Kindles, Nooks, iPads, etc. are allowed for reading purposes only. "One Strike, You're Out!" rule: Students that use their electronic reading devices to play games, take pictures, go on social media, etc. will be "banned" for that student for the remainder of the school year. There are no exceptions to this rule. We have over a thousand in-class library books for "old-school" reading purposes.
**A note about music: I do allow students to listen to music while reading/working to tune out background distractions, on two conditions: 1). the student must have a pre-existing playlist ready PRIOR to class, or the ability to stream music (searching for music that takes away class time is not allowed), and 2). students must have their own headphones/earbuds and the volume must be turned low enough so as not to bother other students around them.
Reading devices such as Kindles, Nooks, iPads, etc. are allowed for reading purposes only. "One Strike, You're Out!" rule: Students that use their electronic reading devices to play games, take pictures, go on social media, etc. will be "banned" for that student for the remainder of the school year. There are no exceptions to this rule. We have over a thousand in-class library books for "old-school" reading purposes.
**A note about music: I do allow students to listen to music while reading/working to tune out background distractions, on two conditions: 1). the student must have a pre-existing playlist ready PRIOR to class, or the ability to stream music (searching for music that takes away class time is not allowed), and 2). students must have their own headphones/earbuds and the volume must be turned low enough so as not to bother other students around them.