Effective habits for children (Useful for teachers and parents)

Some updates for this blog:

Sorry for taking such a long time to update this blog. I took quite some time to adjust to my new role in school and also to the challenges of taking a good class this year. At the same time, I am doing a 2-year course with practicum while teaching as a full-time teacher.

This is the list of expectations that I gave to my class, Primary 3-10 at the beginning of the year. I should say that it turn out quite well. All thanks to my idol, Ron Clark. I totally admire his guts and passion for teaching. Thumbs up!

I have 40 pupils in my class, so each pupil takes the ownership of 1 effective habit according to his/her register number. It may look intimidating to you, however, it really aids me in my classroom management and my pupils are generally well-liked in school.

This is the list that I adapted from Ron Clark's book and change it to suit the Asian culture:

1. When speaking to anybody older than you, you must answer by saying, “Yes, (name).” or “No, (name).” It is not respectful to the person to just nod one’s head or say only yes or no.
2. When someone is speaking, you should keep your eyes on the person at all times. If someone else makes a comment, you should turn and face that person.
3. If someone in the class wins a game or does something well, you should congratulate that person.
4. During discussions, you should respect other students’ comment, opinions, and ideas.
5. If you win or do something well, do not brag. If you lose, do not show anger.
6. When asked a question in conversation, you should ask a question in return. It is only polite to show others that you are just as interested in them as they are in you.
7. When coughing, sneezing or burping, it is appropriate to turn your head away from others and cover your mouth. Afterward, you should say, “Excuse me.”
8. You should never roll your eyes or show disrespect with gestures.
9. It is appropriate that you always say “thank you” when someone gives you something. There is no excuse for not showing appreciation.
10. When someone gives you something, you should never insult that person by making negative comments about the gift or show that it is not appreciated.
11. If possible, surprise others with random acts of kindness. You should go out of your way to do something surprisingly kind and generous for someone at least once a month.
12. When evaluating others’ work, be fair and accurate.
13. When you read together with your class, you must follow along. You must be prepared when called upon and know exactly where to begin immediately, reading aloud.
14. Answer all written question with a complete sentence.
15. It is rude for anyone to ask if they are getting a reward for good behaviour. You do your best because you are trying to better yourself, not because you are anticipating a reward.
16. You should understand that homework is to be turned in each day for each subject without exception.
17. When you are changing lesson from one subject to another, you should do it quickly, quietly and orderly.
18. You must make the every effort to be as organized as possible.
19. You should understand that when homework is assigned, there is to be no moaning or complaining.
20. When there is a relief teacher, you should follow the same rules as with your regular teacher.
21. You must be aware of proper classroom behaviour:
a. Do not get out of your seat without permission.
b. Signal to the teacher if you want to ask questions/speak, to use the washroom or to drink water.
22. Learn the names of other teachers in school and greet them properly by saying, “Good morning/afternoon, (teacher’s name).”
23. When using the toilet, always keep it clean and wash your hands after using.
24. You will expect visitors in the class. You should know the correct behaviour and manners towards the visitors.
25. You should not look at another student who is being disciplined. You would not want others to look at you if you were in trouble or being reprimanded, so you should not look at others in that situation.
26. If you do not know how to do a question, attempt it to your best of abilities. Clarify your problems with your teacher when you reach school at 7.15a.m.
27. After eating in the canteen, you should clean up after yourself. This includes making sure that there is not any trash left on the floor or table around the eating area.
28. If someone drops something near you, you should pick it up and hand it back. Even if the person is closer to the object, it is only polite to take the gesture of bending down to retrieve the item.
29. If you approach a door and someone is close behind, hold the door for them.
30. If someone bumps into you, you should say “sorry” even if it was not your fault.
31. During school assembly, you should not speak or look around to try to get the attention of your friends. Each class must uphold an image that shows they have respect for themselves and others.
32. You should know never to cut in line. If someone cuts in front of you, you should inform the teacher on duty, who will handle the situation.
33. If anyone in school is bothering you, you should let the teacher know. You should not take matters into hands; you should let the teacher deal with the person.
34. Stay positive and enjoy life. Some things are not worth to get upset over.
35. Live so that you will never have regrets. You should never let fear, doubt, or other obstacles stand in your way.
36. You are going to make mistakes. Learn from them and move on.
37. No matter what the circumstances, you should always be honest. If you have done something wrong in school, you should admit it to the teacher, who will respect your honesty and perhaps forgo any disciplinary measures.
38. You only live today once, so you must not waste it! Life is made up of special moments, many of which happen when people take action and seize the day.
39. Enjoy learning, not everybody has that chance to learn what you learn.
40. Be the best person that you can be.


-elly-

The object of teaching a child is to enable him to get along without a teacher.
- Elbert Hubbard (1856-1915) American author, editor and printer.