Responsive Classroom is an approach to elementary teaching that creates a balance between a child's academic growth and his/her social growth.
What does Responsive Classroom look like in KG?
Morning Meeting:
Each morning, we gather in a circle to have Morning Meeting. Morning Meeting includes four parts: a friendly greeting, sharing, a group activity, and reading the Morning Message.
Rule Creation:
At the beginning of the year, the students in KG set learning goals for this year. We used their Hopes and Dreams as a way to create four important class rules:
1. Have fun.
2. Be kind.
3. Have a safe body.
4. Listen and follow directions.
Positive Teacher Language:
In my interactions with students, I use words and tone as a tool to promote their active learning, sense of community, and self-discipline. Students will hear me saying "I notice...", "I see...", "I hear..."
Logical Consequences & Time Out:
In KG, I respond to misbehavior in a way that allows children to fix and learn from their mistakes while preserving their dignity. Students may be asked to "take a break". This quiet area in the classroom gives students a chance to regain their self-control without missing out on what is being taught. A teacher typically checks in privately with the student afterwards to discuss why they were asked to take a break. This helps to hold students accountable for the choices they make in school.
Classroom Organization:
Our classroom is set up in a thoughtful way that encourages students' independence, productivity, and cooperation.
Collaborative Problem Solving:
We use a variety of strategies, including role-playing and conferencing, to help students solve problems that may arise throughout the day.
Interactive Modeling:
This practice helps student to notice expected behaviors when completing a task (i.e. putting away materials, pushing in chairs, using the planning board during choice time).
Working with Families:
Throughout the year, you will be invited to share in your child's education. Your insights and knowledge about your child are important for me when helping them to be successful in the classroom. It is important that you notify me of any major changes to your child's schedule or life at home that may impact them in school. Your input in your child's kindergarten experience is an essential for a successful year.
For more information about the Responsive Classroom approach, please visit:
http://www.responsiveclassroom.org
What does Responsive Classroom look like in KG?
Morning Meeting:
Each morning, we gather in a circle to have Morning Meeting. Morning Meeting includes four parts: a friendly greeting, sharing, a group activity, and reading the Morning Message.
Rule Creation:
At the beginning of the year, the students in KG set learning goals for this year. We used their Hopes and Dreams as a way to create four important class rules:
1. Have fun.
2. Be kind.
3. Have a safe body.
4. Listen and follow directions.
Positive Teacher Language:
In my interactions with students, I use words and tone as a tool to promote their active learning, sense of community, and self-discipline. Students will hear me saying "I notice...", "I see...", "I hear..."
Logical Consequences & Time Out:
In KG, I respond to misbehavior in a way that allows children to fix and learn from their mistakes while preserving their dignity. Students may be asked to "take a break". This quiet area in the classroom gives students a chance to regain their self-control without missing out on what is being taught. A teacher typically checks in privately with the student afterwards to discuss why they were asked to take a break. This helps to hold students accountable for the choices they make in school.
Classroom Organization:
Our classroom is set up in a thoughtful way that encourages students' independence, productivity, and cooperation.
Collaborative Problem Solving:
We use a variety of strategies, including role-playing and conferencing, to help students solve problems that may arise throughout the day.
Interactive Modeling:
This practice helps student to notice expected behaviors when completing a task (i.e. putting away materials, pushing in chairs, using the planning board during choice time).
Working with Families:
Throughout the year, you will be invited to share in your child's education. Your insights and knowledge about your child are important for me when helping them to be successful in the classroom. It is important that you notify me of any major changes to your child's schedule or life at home that may impact them in school. Your input in your child's kindergarten experience is an essential for a successful year.
For more information about the Responsive Classroom approach, please visit:
http://www.responsiveclassroom.org