No Rules...Just Expectations

Expectations

I announced to the class this morning that there would be no rules in my classroom.  That statement got some confused looks, almost scared looks, and a couple faces that were trying to figure out if they could cheer.  I followed that up with the statement that we wouldn't need any rules because our expectations will be so high that we will push each other to be the best.

My Expectations:

1. SMILE - We talked about the most important thing that you can do everyday is to wipe all the bad energy and negativity off your body and dump it in the garbage at the door.  Start your day with a smile and we will all feel better.  I am going to be huge on positive affirmations this year.  I asked every student to look in a mirror tomorrow morning and start their day with "I am the best student at Central Elementary!"  I am going to start my day with Ali's "I am the greatest."

2. Respect - Everything in the Cardinal Code and every rule that exists at school is based on respect.  When students learn my expectations about respect, they won't need rules because they will think of others before themselves.  I have high expectations and I will push us to have the quietest lines in the hallway, the cleanest classroom, and the most well thought of students in the school.  Respect is a life long journey and lesson.

3. Integrity - We talked about the trust tower today and how it can take months to build someone's trust and yet it only takes one huge mistake to ruin that trust that you have built.  I also talked about how we can start the trust tower again if we make a mistake, but it is better to never knock it down.  I talk about integrity often and how you sometimes only get one chance at integrity and you want to protect it as best you can.  It is important to me to help develop honest and trustworthy young people.

4. Effort - We will continue to talk about trying our best everyday.  I want to encourage students to take academic risks and to never give up.  I want to teach perseverance in problem solving.  I also talked about setting goals and not comparing yourself to others but working towards your own goals.  I run a stress free environment where students should never worry about an assessment, because we will re-teach it if they don't do well.  I want them to feel comfortable taking chances and they will learn to do their best everyday.

5. The TEAM, The TEAM, The TEAM - Teamwork is everything.  I like to use mountain climbing as an example for our work at school.  I talked to them about how a good climbing team supports their teammates that slip and helps pull them up to their feet.  We are a team, a community, and a family this year in our classroom and I hope to teach life-long lessons and develop life-long relationships.

Overall, You should be very proud.  It was a rocking first day.  I won the lottery this year.  These kids are great and I can't wait to continue to share our successes on this blog.  Please feel free to comment and share as we grow and learn from each other.  Be proud of your kids and give them a high five.  I can't wait to spend another day with them.