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Fancy Ideas for the Everyday Classroom

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Thinking about the rules…..

August 24, 2012 By fancyfreein4th

Today was my first week back and it was great.  I am excited about my class and the first three days of going over routines, rules and procedures went well. To introduce my three class rules I used my  Thinking about the Rules Activity.  Not only was this activity interactive, and engaging but allowed the students to use Thinking Maps. It was great to see the students take ownership of the 3 class rules: Be Safe, Be Respectful and Be Responsible. This activity led to a great discussion about classroom expectations and norms.
They started on their own in their teams coming up rules that they think we should have in our class.

 We made a class circle map to share all of the ideas that were generated.

Then they worked together to sort different scenarios on the Tree Map. The first 2 teams who organized them correctly and the quickest earned table points.
It was great to see the students work as a team, have meaningful discussions with their peers and it is a lot better than me telling them, “Do this, Don’t do that…”

I have had other teachers use this activity in the beginning of the year and they loved it as much as I did.Here are the worksheets that go with this activity…. Check it out and maybe you can start your year off with this activity too….

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Filed Under: back to school, rules, thinking maps, Uncategorized 4 Comments

Comments

  1. Mrs. Brown says

    August 24, 2012 at 3:13 am

    My kiddos did this activity as well! It was great to see what their ideas were for good classroom rules. Such fun!
    Erin
    http://adventuresinthirdgrade-brown.blogspot.com/

    Reply
  2. Cassandra says

    August 24, 2012 at 3:56 am

    Those are my rules too and this activity is in my plan for the first week!

    I think I'm going to do mine with big posters and sticky notes though.
    Adventures in Room 5

    Reply
  3. Fran Kramer says

    August 25, 2012 at 8:32 pm

    Hi Layla,
    I just worked out with a teacher from your school and they are thrilled to have you as a part of their staff! Hugs to Michelle. Have a fantastic year with some of my best friends in the world.
    Fran@kindergartencrayons
    I just started to follow you too! I might need your help rolling out the Commnon Core (LOL)

    Reply
  4. Layla Wiedrick Henry says

    August 26, 2012 at 4:23 pm

    Fran,
    Your comment made my day! I feel right at home at JMF. I love it there and the staff has such an open and accepting energy! I would love to do anything you need for Common Core! Just let me know.

    Reply

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