Behavioral Expectations

Set Your Face Like Flint

I tend to wear a serious face when I first enter a classroom. I do not think it is an unpleasant expression that I am wearing though. My goal is to stay calm and collected. As the day wears on, depending on the personalities in the room, I may smile before the day is over. I have a job to do, and that is my primary focus. The first few minutes will determine how my day goes. The students are watching me like a hawk, because they want to know how the day is going to go. I am not a bully. I model the behavior that I expect to see in the students, respect for self, respect for others, and respect for the rules.

Behavioral Expectations

I make my behavioral expectations pretty clear immediately. I have my name on a 8.5 x 11 sign. If the teacher has a management system that is clearly defined, I use it. Otherwise, I use my own management system. I have my introductory PowerPoint with my behavior rubric, if there is a project or Smart Board. Otherwise,  I have my signs ready with my rewards and consequences. I have my sign out sheet for students that want to leave the room. The sign out sheet is a non-threatening way to create accountability. I let the students know that I will leave leave the sign in sheet along with a detailed report for the teacher when he or she returns.

I made up the signs as part of my substitute tool kit. I do not like turning my back to the students for more than a few seconds. Having the signs ready made with information I want to share with the students immediately means I do not have my back turned to a large group of strangers. It avoids students having the opportunity to engage in mischief behind my back.

Following the Rules

I follow the rules of my educational agency, which stresses being professional, not making physical contact, making comments about student appearance or being alone with a student in a private space. If a student wants to come into the room during lunch period for example, I ask who else is coming. I make it clear that they should bring someone to keep them company, so that I am not alone with them. If there is an indoor dismissal in the classroom and there is one student left, I am walking towards the door as a signal that it is time to go to the office. I cannot go wrong if I follow the rules.

Link to Civics and Social Studies Lessons:
http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/Ms-Powerpoint-Queen/Category/Social-Studies