This week has been all about patience in fourth grade. Between a shortened week to celebrate MLK day, altered schedules for testing, and some of our friends still getting back into the groove after winter break, this past week has been a chaotic jumble of lessons and activities. Yes, teaching did happen and learning did occur, but with many a distraction here and there. As a result, everyone’s patience was tested… and tested.
In a way, I am grateful for the chaos; this week was the perfect platform to reflect and learn more about my classroom management strengths and areas to grow. One of the highlights of my week was a class discussion on expectations and acceptable behavior. After many attempts to get the students to remain on task and be kinder to friends and peers, it became apparent that a discussion would be necessary. Instead of us, the teachers, reminding the students of what was expected of them, my co-teachers and I decided the discussion should be centered around what the students expected of themselves.
Together, both teachers and students, we engaged in a discussion on how we can be the best classmates, friends, and role models for each other. From this discussion, we created a “social contract” of classroom expectations. Each student had the opportunity to share and respond to what went on the list. At the end of the discussion, everyone signed the contract. Here is what we created:
In a way, I am grateful for the chaos; this week was the perfect platform to reflect and learn more about my classroom management strengths and areas to grow. One of the highlights of my week was a class discussion on expectations and acceptable behavior. After many attempts to get the students to remain on task and be kinder to friends and peers, it became apparent that a discussion would be necessary. Instead of us, the teachers, reminding the students of what was expected of them, my co-teachers and I decided the discussion should be centered around what the students expected of themselves.
Together, both teachers and students, we engaged in a discussion on how we can be the best classmates, friends, and role models for each other. From this discussion, we created a “social contract” of classroom expectations. Each student had the opportunity to share and respond to what went on the list. At the end of the discussion, everyone signed the contract. Here is what we created:
One direct result of the contract was the shift in accountability for appropriate behavior from the teachers to the students. However, much more was gained from the conversation. Not only did the students gain a new perspective of their peers, but my fellow teachers and I also gained new insight into student needs and expectations of the learning environment. By opening the floor for discussion, we allowed our students to have a safe space to voice their concerns, opinions, and feel listened to. A large portion of the conversation was spent reflecting on patience and understanding that as a member of the learning community, we all must practice patience towards others. As a class, we identified ways in which we can be models of patience and tactics to work through when we struggle with patience. From this discussion, I have learned that patience is a virtue held by many, mastered by few, but worth teaching to all.