Monday, August 27, 2012

Class Contract

Even though I came up with the classroom rules for this school year, I decided that the students could help create a classroom contract.  During the first week of school, we took the time to discuss what good teachers do and what good students do.  I had the students brainstorm individually, then share their ideas in a small group, and then we discussed the "top 5 attributes of good teachers/students" as a whole group. 

We decided that good teachers do the following:
  • Grade tests in a timely manner
  • Give advance notice on projects
  • Provide hands-on learning activities
  • Are helpful
  • Use rewards
  • Listen to students
  • Are slow to anger
  • Have a sense of humor
  • Are organized
  • Explain things well
  • Pray for their students
We decided that good students do the following:
  • Show respect to the teacher and other classmates
  • Turn in work on time
  • Pay attention in class
  • Listen well
  • Try their best
  • Obey rules
  • Participate in activities
  • Pray for their teacher(s)
It was definitely interesting to hear the students' opinions on what makes a good teacher.  We had a lengthy discussion until we had a list both parties could agree on (one student was convinced that good teachers provide candy/gum for the students, but I couldn't go along with that).  ;)

I typed up our contract, everyone signed it on Friday, and we each have a copy we can refer to.

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