Why We All Need to Know "The Rules"
I don't like to call them the rules, but I do have expectations of all of my students, and if we all understand them, everybody will be a whole lot happier, especially ME (and you don't want me unhappy, do you??)
Due to the nature of this course and my job to push you to think more critically than you ever have before, it is imperative that we are all respectful of each other, and respectful of humanity in general. We will study and discuss things that will challenge your world view and you will probably disagree with things I say, things your classmates say, or something we read at some point during the year. That is okay. It is necessary to your growth as a student and as a human. However, you must do so in manner that is polite and respectful. In addition, I employ the 4 Ps as a means to guide your behavior in my class...
Be Prepared – come to class ready to learn. Have your supplies and your knowledge ready to go the moment you enter my classroom!
Be a Participant – be an active member of our World Geography classroom. Everything you do in our classroom should be aimed at achieving both individual growth and the growth of our class and the freshman class as a whole. Engage yourself in the conversation and learning of our classroom.
Be Present – come to class everyday – my job is to facilitate your learning and I can’t do that if you aren’t here! If you could learn everything you needed without me – there would be no need for formal education. I am not saying it can’t be done in some circumstances, but for our purposes, you will find it extremely difficult to pass my class without consistent attendance. If you are absent, check the class calendars and the website for information and assignments. If you see nothing, check in with me during lunch or before or after school. Between classes or at the beginning of the period is not the time to ask me for missed work - I need to focus on getting class started.
Be POLITE – respect others, and others’ property (as Mr. Bingham will tell you, “nothing goes airborne in my class”). There is no tolerance for insensitivity in my classroom. In order to grow as students and humans, we must learn how to have productive and enlightening conversations in which all voices are heard, welcome, and respected.
Other important things:
If you need to use the restroom, simply signal me with crossed fingers. Please do not ask to go when I am providing direct instruction to the class. Wait until there is a natural break in the rhythm of instruction.
The first few minutes of class are often the most important. A smooth transition from class changes to ready to learn are a key to the function of our classroom. Walk in to our room, take any handouts from the basket near the door, and begin your Do-Now and learning target. We will practice this until we are all on the same page. There will be plenty of time for discussion in our classroom, but the first few minutes are not that time!
Due to the nature of this course and my job to push you to think more critically than you ever have before, it is imperative that we are all respectful of each other, and respectful of humanity in general. We will study and discuss things that will challenge your world view and you will probably disagree with things I say, things your classmates say, or something we read at some point during the year. That is okay. It is necessary to your growth as a student and as a human. However, you must do so in manner that is polite and respectful. In addition, I employ the 4 Ps as a means to guide your behavior in my class...
Be Prepared – come to class ready to learn. Have your supplies and your knowledge ready to go the moment you enter my classroom!
Be a Participant – be an active member of our World Geography classroom. Everything you do in our classroom should be aimed at achieving both individual growth and the growth of our class and the freshman class as a whole. Engage yourself in the conversation and learning of our classroom.
Be Present – come to class everyday – my job is to facilitate your learning and I can’t do that if you aren’t here! If you could learn everything you needed without me – there would be no need for formal education. I am not saying it can’t be done in some circumstances, but for our purposes, you will find it extremely difficult to pass my class without consistent attendance. If you are absent, check the class calendars and the website for information and assignments. If you see nothing, check in with me during lunch or before or after school. Between classes or at the beginning of the period is not the time to ask me for missed work - I need to focus on getting class started.
Be POLITE – respect others, and others’ property (as Mr. Bingham will tell you, “nothing goes airborne in my class”). There is no tolerance for insensitivity in my classroom. In order to grow as students and humans, we must learn how to have productive and enlightening conversations in which all voices are heard, welcome, and respected.
Other important things:
If you need to use the restroom, simply signal me with crossed fingers. Please do not ask to go when I am providing direct instruction to the class. Wait until there is a natural break in the rhythm of instruction.
The first few minutes of class are often the most important. A smooth transition from class changes to ready to learn are a key to the function of our classroom. Walk in to our room, take any handouts from the basket near the door, and begin your Do-Now and learning target. We will practice this until we are all on the same page. There will be plenty of time for discussion in our classroom, but the first few minutes are not that time!