Rules, Rules, Rules!

Rules, we all know how to follow them but what do they really mean? Our class spent one day tearing apart the reason why we create “Rules” in our classroom. Through exploring the concept of rules we discovered that their meaning ( in most cases) applies to more than just in a classroom, should be followed by people other than the students, and need to be defined because sometimes the things we think are simple really are a lot more complex when you take time to understand them. After discussing some of the rules that are being used in the classroom we were currently observing in my group found a couple of interesting facts. Some of the rules were very negative (no, no, no), some rules were similar amongst all group members, and some rules we really liked. With this information we came up with own rules and here is our list
1. Be Respectful
2. Be Reliable
3. Follow Directions
4. Give your best effort
5. Stop, think, react
After these rules were determined we had to break apart what they meant. Respect was the first one and the hardest one to define. As a whole class we decided that respect meant that you treat others they way you want to be treated, have actions and behaviors that you are proud of, learn from mistakes, let people be human, and value others ideas and opinions. If you are reliable then we feel that you are dependable in your work, contribution, and in your actions. Follow Directions was a rule that we felt we essential for creating a safe environment for everyone as well as creating a successful learning experience. My group felt that it was also important for students to give your best effort because a set standard is not applicable to every individual. We all have our weaknesses and our strengths. Finally we came up with the rule to stop, think, and then react since often your first initial reaction is not the best way to react. We then discussed that all of the rules that the entire classroom can be put into three categories; compassion for others, caring, and common good. Finally at the end of the discussion we felt that it was important for everyone, students and teachers, to feel some type of ownership and responsibility for follow the rules and came up with some ideas create this feeling. Some of our ideas were to come up with the rules as a whole class and to have students sign, finger print, or have some type of something that resembles each student on the rules sheet.