Education is not just about teaching academic subject matter. It is vital to convey good values and citizenship to students as well.
I do this for my students through my actions, expectations, and the running of the classroom. I try to be a good example for my students, an example of how to treat others, how to broach difficult situations, how to work hard, etc.
My classroom expectations are stated clearly at the beginning of the year, and, as a class, we go through the expectations, talking about why they are in existence and whether or not this is reasonable. The discipline that accompanies the breaking of the expectations is fair and fits the “crime”. After discipline I assure my students that the slate is clean. We start fresh. Misbehavior does not define my students, and I tell them this.
My classroom is very inclusive, and everyone in it have a role to perform. I teach. My students learn and help each other. My students work alongside me to keep the room going (putting supplies away, cleaning, etc.). We are a team and all citizens of the classroom!
