HEART and CHAMPs
I believe that respect is the most important thing both in and out of the classroom. I expect respect from my students, and they in turn should expect it from each other as well as from me. In addition to respect, I find humor a necessary part of surviving seventh grade. I try to incorporate humor as
Seventh grade is a transitional period for students where making good choices becomes crucial. I try to help my students understand that all choices come with consequences. In my class sometimes those consequences come in the form of a lost privilege, points deducted on a late paper, or even candy and stickers for a job well done.
This year in seventh grade we are focusing in on academic improvement for all students. The expectation for all students is to continuously improve, exemplary work is the goal. In order to help our students achieve this goal, students will have the opportunity to redo any assignment. Sometimes students don’t get the concept the first time through and a second time is needed, or even a third—understanding the concept is the goal.
If students miss class or assignments or need help, they will be given a B.U.G. pass which stands for bringing up grades. I as the teacher will make an appointment with the student that fits into both of our schedules to get the work made up within a reasonable amount of time. Incomplete or missed work leads to a misunderstanding of the concept—and concept mastery is the goal this year.
This year throughout Alcott we have adopted the motto of H.E.A.R.T, which stands for; honesty, enthusiasm, achievement, respect, and trust. Hopefully your children will hear this used in all aspects of life at AMS . In science this is what HEART looks like:
HONESTY — Touch your things only! Own up to your actions!
ENTHUSIASM — Be excited to learn! When the bell rings, be ready to go!!
ACHIEVEMENT — All answers in complete sentences! Full effort—100% on each assignment!
RESPECT — Respect the teacher, classroom materials, your peers, and yourselves!
TRUST — Trust that I as a teacher am here to help you. Believe that you can succeed. Trust your group-members to do their part.
This year we have also adopted the CHAMPs behavioral model which is based on teaching kids what specific behavioral expectations ahead of time and practicing these with the students often so there are no misunderstandings about appropriate student behavior. My CHAMPs expectation cards are posted on the wall in my classroom but I also keep a set on each table so students can refer to them during class in case they forget things like:
- Can I talk during this activity?
- Can I get up to sharpen my pencil/throw away trash during this activity?
- Is this a group-work activity?
- How do I get help during this activity?
It is my belief that letting kids know all of the expectations clearly up front sets them up for success not failure and allows the class to run smoothly and efficiently!