Posting Expectations for Students

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Free Poster from TEAM TOM
One of the simplest and most powerful techniques for minimizing distractions and optimizing opportunity to learn is posting explicit expectations. For example, how do I get supplies? This question can seriously erode the momentum in a classroom, especially if asked over and over. It wears on the teacher and distracts other students' attention. 

 Here's one simple approach.
  • Discuss different instructional approaches (i.e. small group, whole group, 1-to-1 tech, etc.). Then discuss what it looks, sounds, and feels like in each approach.
  • Get student input on what will help the class run smoothly. Teacher takes notes on board.
  • The next day, post a summary of the discussion as an anchor chart or poster and review it. 
  • Do a quick role play and periodically review the expectations. 
This takes a little time up front. However, an ounce of pre-teaching is worth a pound cure. Hmm...something like that.

Here's a Team Tom resource that is free for all small groups. It's marketed as guided reading, but it applies to all subjects when a teacher is doing small group instruction. It addresses the following classroom management issues.

May I interrupt?
  • If there is someone hurting you or a classmate, YES!
  • If someone is hurting property, YES!
  • If someone threatened to hurt your or a classmate, YES!
What if...
  • I'm lost or need help ... then quietly ask your team.
  • Someone bother me ... ask them to stop or move away.
Always...
  • do your best
  • quietly stay on task
  • write down questions, so I can help you soon.

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