Comments by Rayan Karim

Understand why rules are valuable and useful.

Tue, 02 Nov 2021 20:03:05 -0400

For many students, the ideas of classroom rules feels oppressive and unfair. However, if classroom rules are built on collective classroom values and if the students are included in the rule making process, they will most likely respect and follow them. I usually keep my rules simple for my kindergarten students and give the students time at the beginning of the school year to reflect on the rules and to discuss consequences and rewards.

Building a classroom community is the key for successful school year.

Mon, 01 Nov 2021 22:14:27 -0400

I believe building classroom community allows students to feel safe and secure in the classroom which in return will help students focus their energy on learning. I noticed over the many years of teaching Kindergarten that fostering a sense of belonging by simply greeting each student at the door of the classroom plays a significant improvements in academic, engaged time as well as in reductions in disruptive behaviors during morning meeting and throughout the day.

Demonstrating consequences and modeling breaking a classroom rule are beneficial to enhance understanding of the rule and the consequences of breaking it.

Sun, 05 Dec 2021 17:03:35 -0500

Investing in meeting the behavioral goals in a classroom setting is the key for a successful classroom environment. Student modeling of breaking a rule can be a uniquely powerful strategy. This type of modeling will allow the students to picture themselves following the precise path created for their safety or visualize themselves breaking the rules and having to deal with consequences. One of the most critical steps to effective modeling is to select a student to follow the rule and another one to break it. The modeling will remove any and every excuse to break a rule in the future.

Suggested Revision

Mon, 01 Nov 2021 22:14:27 -0400

If students recognize the rationale and positive side of rules, they are more likely to become invested in them.