Key Classroom Practices from ​Responsive Classroom

1. Morning Meeting--​ gathering as a whole class each morning to greet one another, share
news, and warm up for the day ahead.
Morning meeting is a great and positive way to start the day. This can help build classroom
community and get to know the students that are in your classroom. To ensure this is beneficial
to the students, it should not be a lengthy morning activity. Rather, it should be a short time that
helps build routine in the classroom. There are many ways to conduct a morning meeting and
not any two teachers do this the same way. There may be common components, but the order
and activities can vary. For example, one morning meeting can be done with the students
physically handing objects, while another meeting can be interactive on the SmartBoard.
Typically, a morning meeting includes a morning message, looking at the day, deciding what
the weather looks like for the day, a sorting activity, practicing number recognition, chart work,
and active participation from the class. Regardless of the execution, a meaningful morning
meeting is an important part to the day.
Resources:
➔ Better Lesson Example
https://betterlesson.com/community/document/68382/morning-meeting-games-and-greetings#
➔ Morning Meeting Greeting Book Example
http://eflawrence.weebly.com/uploads/5/2/3/1/5231977/morning_meeting_greeting_book.doc.pdf
➔ Interactive SmartBoard Morning Meeting Example
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6Hx492SrPg

2. ​Rule Creation--​ helping students create classroom rules to ensure an environment that
allows all class members to meet their learning goals.
When creating classroom rules, doing it with students can help them generate different ideas
about what the classroom should look and sound like. During this time as well, the class and the
teacher will all work together to set rules of classroom. It is important to involve the students in
the rulemaking to also hold them accountable to what they have prepared. While everyone is
there, it is appropriate to then model what it should look like as well as sound like. Then, it
should be demonstrated the wrong way to help show students what would happen. Along with
that, talking about appropriate consequences would then be necessary. Lastly, creating the rules
together will also establish a sense of community within the classroom. If everyone has a part in
the rule creation, they then have the opportunity to voice their own opinion for what they
believe.
Resources:
➔ Creating Classroom Rules Together Example
https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/articles/teaching-content/creating-classroom-rules-together/
➔ Create Your Classroom Rules WITH You Students for a Powerful Start to the Year
https://www.theartofed.com/2017/08/08/3-benefits-creating-classroom-expectations-students/
➔ What will our rules look like?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_CmjJoEzfc
 Key Classroom Practices from ​Responsive Classroom

3. ​Interactive Modeling-- ​teaching children to notice and internalize expected behaviors

through a unique modeling technique.
Interactive modeling can be done for many different reasons. Interactive modeling is the way to
demonstrate how something should be done in a classroom. This is an important part to
classroom management. When students are better equipped with instructions on how to use a
classroom material, it will help with ensuring students are doing what they are supposed to.
Along with that, during the interactive modeling activity, students also have the opportunity to
observe what is happening. After the teacher had demonstrated and the students have time to
observe, the students then have some classmates model what this activity should look like. This
helps ensure that students are understanding the concept. If that is not the case, then reteaching
needs to happen. After that, the class then models how it should look. Overall, this is beneficial
to everyone for safety as well as classroom management.
Resources:
➔ Steps of Interactive Modeling
https://www.responsiveclassroom.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Interactive-Modeling-for-More-Than-Routine
s.pdf
➔ Interactive Modeling Example Phrases
http://www.ascd.org/ascd-express/vol6/607-wilson.aspx
➔ Interactive Modeling Example: Lining Up
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qArU7TjSBV0
➔ Interactive Modeling: Writing
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nVoEblnX5Zc

4. ​Positive Teacher Language--​ using words and tone as a tool to promote children’s active
learning, sense of community, and self-discipline.
Positive teacher language can have more than one benefit. Not only will it ensure that children
are being encouraged through their educational journey, but also it helps children know what
they are exactly needing to do. Using positive, direct language with students does not
necessarily mean that the phrase is being said in a negative, harsh way. The point of being
positive and direct is it help with classroom management and refusal issues. For example,
instead of saying, “Can you put this away?”, say a more a more direct and positive phrase such
as, “David, please put that folder away.” When saying something directly, it helps students see
that they do not have a choice in this situation, rather, the teacher is needing them to follow
directions. Along with that, it is important to remember to not compare children when speaking
to students. When speaking to the class, speaking to them as a whole is going to be more
effective than speaking towards what individual students are doing.
Resources:
➔ Using Positive Language to Empower your Students
https://www.fortheloveofteachers.com/positive-teacher-language-empowers-students/
➔ Positive Behavior = Positive Language
https://www.responsiveclassroom.org/want-positive-behavior-use-positive-language/
➔ Positive Teacher Language- Being Direct
https://socialemotionalworkshop.com/2018/01/sel-practice-teacher-language/
 Key Classroom Practices from ​Responsive Classroom

5. ​Logical Consequence--​ ​responding to misbehavior in a way that allows children to fix and
learn from their mistakes while preserving their dignity.
When using logical consequences, the biggest thing to remember is being respectful. Instead of
using a punitive punishment, this practice focuses on helping children understand how to take
responsibility for their own actions. Logical consequences take away the humiliation and
frustration behind a normal punishment. Instead, the teacher and the student can work together
to come up with a solution that is better suited for their needs. It is important to take a look at
the issue and come up with ways that the issue can be resolved. The ending goal would then be
a plan, that the student creates, to help them remember what to do. Instead of being afraid of a
consequence when something happens that should not have, a logical consequences directs the
focus towards finding effective and respectful methods.
Resources:
➔ Three Types of Logical Consequences
https://www.responsiveclassroom.org/three-types-of-logical-consequences/
➔ Logical Consequence
https://www.positivediscipline.com/articles/logical-consequences
➔ Using Logical Consequences
https://consciousdiscipline.com/videos/using-logical-consequences/

6. ​Guided Discovery-- ​introducing classroom materials using a format that encourages

independence, creativity, and responsibility.
The skill of guided discovery is an important asset in fostering independence and responsibility
of classroom materials. When introducing guided discovery to students, demonstrating the uses
of classroom materials, as well as showing excitement, will help students understand that it is
important and fun to use things around the room. Along with that, classroom management will
not be as tricky and time consuming. Showing students how to explore and experiment with
each material given, students will then appreciate and care for each thing much more. There is a
process in which guided discovery follows. The first task for the teacher is to provide an
introduction to the material with a name included. The second step is to ask students what could
be done with this material. The key is to prepare open ended questions. Third, the teacher will
then let students experiment with the classroom materials. The important part here is to let
students work together and then work independently with the material. Fourth, the students are
then able to share what they have found and lastly, the teacher then directs children on a clean
up procedure.
Resources:
Guided Discovery in Action
https://www.responsiveclassroom.org/guided-discovery-in-action/

Guided Discovery Learning Introduction

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QjBomAG63L0

Pedagogy-Guided Discovery
http://www.stemcenterusa.com/about-us/pedagogy-guided-discovery/
 Key Classroom Practices from ​Responsive Classroom

7. ​Academic Choice-- ​increasing student learning by allowing students teacher-structured

choices in their work.
Academic choice is the process a student takes after the main lesson is taught. There will be
further enrichment activities for the students to follow after the lesson has ended. There is a
main goal that needs to be reached and the teacher will then prepare various activities that the
students can choose from. When the students are given a choice in their own learning, students
are more likely to put in more effort and take the matter more seriously. This process also falls
into a system. Academic choice starts with the student choosing what they would like to work
on. After they have chosen, it is then work time for the students. After the students have
completed the work they need to, the last step is to share how their work time went. This can be
done in a variety of ways. Some examples of this may include sharing with a partner, sharing
with the teacher, writing down a short reflection, or even sharing in small group.
Resources:
Academic choice
https://www.responsiveclassroom.org/academic-choice/

Academic Choice In Action: A Video

https://www.teachingchannel.org/video/academic-choice-lesson

Academic Choice Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMoQu0DB82w

8. ​Classroom Organization--​ setting up the physical room in ways that encourage students’
independence, cooperation, and productivity.
There are various things to keep in mind when setting up a classroom. It is important to
remember the student’s needs first. The classroom organization needs to be best suited for the
activities that go on in a school day. For example, student materials need to be easily accessible.
When an activity is presented to the students that needs to be completed, having a place
designated for specific supplies, pencils and crayons for example, need to be readily available.
Another example of classroom organization is where the teacher’s desk is going to be placed.
When deciding this, it is important to take into account which parts of the classroom the teacher
can see for their desk. The teacher’s desk should never be faced away from the students and the
teacher should be able to see the entire classroom from their desk placement. Another thing to
keep in mind is where the student’s desks are placed. They need to be in a position where they
can see the main teaching spot at the front of the classroom and also arranged in a manner that
is effective for their neighbors. The morning meeting place or carpet area, if applicable, also
should be in a spot where student can comfortably sit or move around and an easel is visually in
a place for everyone to see if needed. Lastly, another thing to keep in mind is where active
learning stations as well as classroom toys and activities are stored. The activities and pieces
need to be in a meaningful place where students can easily take them out as well as put them
back. There also needs to be enough room to use these materials as well. Overall, the classroom
set up is an important part of teaching. It needs to be well thought out and changed as needed.
 Key Classroom Practices from ​Responsive Classroom

Resources:
➔ Classroom Organization: The Physical Environment
https://www.scholastic.com/teachers/articles/teaching-content/classroom-organization-physical-environment/
➔ How to Organize Your Classroom Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XdmI4K5wJu4&t=110s
➔ Kindergarten Classroom Teacher’s Personal Classroom Setup Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=klpdwtoxZzY

9. ​Working with Families-- ​creating avenues for hearing parents’ insights and helping them
understand the school’s teaching approaches.
Including parents day to day, weekly, and monthly in their child’s learning and development is
important for relationship building. When parents or guardians feel comfortable coming to the
teacher with happy moments in school, concerns, or even involvement in the classroom, each
students learning will be enhanced from their teacher’s connection and their parent’s or
guardian’s connection in school. Throughout the school year, create times when parents and
guardians can come in and help. This may be in the classroom, helping with small group
activities or helping with preparation for projects. Another idea may include and festivals or
events that the teacher may have in the classroom. Including parents or guardians in the school
day can let parents and guardians see what a day to day looks like and also how their child is
doing in school. Another important thing to remember to include parents and guardians on are
certain things during the week that their child or children does well. This is important to include
to let the parent or guardian know how proud you are of their child and their great
accomplishments. Families should not just hear about any issues that may arise during the
school year, but also the things that are going well in the classroom. A small email or note home
at the end of the week can be the great end to the school week!

Resources:
➔ Investing in Parents during the First Six Weeks of School
https://www.responsiveclassroom.org/investing-in-parents-during-the-first-six-weeks-of-school/
➔ Parents and Teachers Working Together
https://www.educationworld.com/a_curr/profdev/profdev124.shtml
➔ Effective Strategies for Engaging Parents
https://www.expandinglearning.org/expandingminds/article/effective-strategies-engaging-parents-real-life-experie
nces-make-difference
➔ Why Family and Community Involvement Is Important
https://www.education.nh.gov/instruction/school_health/health_coord_family.htm
➔ Teaching Strategies to Involve Parents
http://www.teachhub.com/teaching-strategies-involve-parents
 Key Classroom Practices from ​Responsive Classroom

10. ​Collaboration Problem Solving-- ​using conferencing, role playing, and other strategies to
resolve problems with students.
Collaborative Problem Solving is an important skill for teachers to be aware of. With proper
knowledge and practice, issues that arise in the classroom will be better solved when using
collaborative problem solving. An an example of when collaborative problem solving would be
appropriate is when a student is not transitioning from one learning opportunity to another. This
issue may be something that is recurring and this is getting very frustrating for the teacher.
Instead of getting frustrated and reacting negatively towards the students, this is the opportunity
to remember collaborative problem solving. The next steps may include having a private
conference with the student to discuss the further steps that are necessary to benefit both the
teacher and the student. This plan maybe something that will differ from what the other students
are doing, but it is necessary for this student to succeed in school. Another idea might be to
come up, together with the student, another plan for that area of study. This may include a
different area for the student to work in, such as flexible seating, a fidget manipulative, or even
working with a different form of work. Whatever that solution may be, it will better suit the
student's needs.
Resources:
➔ Teacher-Child Problem-Solving Conferences
https://www.responsiveclassroom.org/teacher-child-problem-solving-conferences/
➔ Helping Students Follow Classroom Expectations and Rules with Collaborative Problem Solving
https://www.orplibrary.com/posts/helping-students-follow-classroom-expectations-and-rules-with-collaborative-p
roblem-solving
➔ Collaborative Problem Solving and Why It Matters
https://ioelondonblog.wordpress.com/2017/11/21/collaborative-problem-solving-and-why-it-matters-for-learning/
➔ Our Collaborative Problem Solving Approach
http://www.thinkkids.org/learn/our-collaborative-problem-solving-approach/