An Introduction to Responsive Classroom

Responsive Classroom An approach for creating safe classrooms Guiding principals: The social curriculum is as important as the academic curriculum How children learn is as important as what they learn. The greatest cognitive growth occurs through social interaction. To be successful academically and socially, children need to learn and practice specific social skills: cooperation, assertion, responsibility, empathy and self-control. Knowing the children we teach- individually, culturally and developmentally- is as important as knowing the content we teach. Knowing the families of the children we teach is as important as knowing the children we teach. How we, the adults at school, work together is as important as our individual competence: Lasting change begins with the adult community.

Turn and Talk Turn to a neighbor. Guiding principals: The social curriculum is as important as the academic curriculum How children learn is as important as what they learn. The greatest cognitive growth occurs through social interaction. To be successful academically and socially, children need to learn and practice specific social skills: cooperation, assertion, responsibility, empathy and self-control. Knowing the children we teach- individually, culturally and developmentally- is as important as knowing the content we teach. Knowing the families of the children we teach is as important as knowing the children we teach. How we, the adults at school, work together is as important as our individual competence: Lasting change begins with the adult community. Turn to a neighbor. Reflect and Discuss: questions or surprises about the guiding principals.

Morning Meeting 4 components: Greeting Share Activity Message Why do we do Morning Meeting? Creates a community of trust and respect Sets up learning for the day Allows children to begin their academics in a safe environment (circle of friends) Offers an opportunity for self-reflection Promotes social and academic skills: Active listening Self-control Cooperation Assertion Organizing Speaking clearly Thoughtful questioning and respectful comments 4 components: Greeting Share Activity Message

Interacting with the Morning Message

Sharing the approach with our colleagues Grade level morning meetings Between grade meetings (2DR and 3JH) Presentations at Faculty Meeting Presentation at Excellence Meeting

Responsive Classroom An approach for creating safe classrooms The Power of Language 3 types: reinforcing, reminding and redirecting language Should be clear, simple and direct Is genuine and respectful Gives specific positive feedback rather than general praise Focuses on the child’s action or behavior rather than generalizing about the whole person Avoids qualitative or personal judgment Shows faith in child’s abilities and potential Don’t use praise to manipulate Pay attention to tone, volume and body language

Responsive Classroom An approach for creating safe classrooms Morning Meeting Academics are practiced in morning meeting- it is a tip off to the day’s learning Skills developed in meeting are then extended into the school day Promotes active listening, self-control, cooperation, assertion Academic skills include active listening, summarizing, planning, organizing, presenting information, speaking clearly, articulating information

Responsive Classroom An approach for creating safe classrooms Interactive Modeling Proactively Teaching Behaviors A way to get routines and expectations for the year Examples- lining up, sharpening a pencil, going through the cafeteria lunch line, listening to a speaker, putting things away Interactive modeling of problem-solving scenarios

Responsive Classroom An approach for creating safe classrooms Rules in School Hopes and Dreams School-wide rule creation Hot spots in school- halls, stairs, cafeteria, recess areas Sharing rules with substitutes and specials teachers

Responsive Classroom An approach for creating safe classrooms Logical Consequences Must be respectful, relevant and realistic! Stop the rule-breaking behavior Maintain safety Help recognize and fix mistakes- you break it, you fix it! Help develop internal control of their behavior

Responsive Classroom An approach for creating safe classrooms Activities and Energizers Build community Share about ourselves Refresh and stimulate the brain Double, Double, This, This! Shakedown! Funga Alafia: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yGtvctF_Tbk

Responsive Classroom An approach for creating safe classrooms Questions??