tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31122236.post6684944539213027770..comments2024-03-25T12:58:42.058-05:00Comments on Poetry for Children: Poetry, Kindness and NCTESylvia Vardellhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00570078181499700656noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31122236.post-15085019229564487402014-11-21T06:27:34.501-06:002014-11-21T06:27:34.501-06:00Sylvia,
Many years ago I stumbled on this idea fo...Sylvia,<br /><br />Many years ago I stumbled on this idea for Class Rules. (Of course we have to have procedural rules in addition). But I called them "The Three Keys For Success" #1. Be Nice, Kind is better.<br />#2. Work Hard.<br />#3. Help others, everyone is better.<br /><br />Kids remember them. I gave examples of how you could do 2 of three and really not be a success in life. As a teacher if you advocate kind, you have to be kind. I would then explain how as the adult in the room I could not let them play all day as much as they might want to do that, since it was my job to teach and theirs to learn. I used this in 5th grade for over 10 years and gr. 3 for 13. I also included my "Golden Nugget" sayings, too. Things I learned from my mother (or glommed onto as I grew and taught) that I felt were apt and important advice for life. Always talked about how I would teach them what they needed to know and more. Kids respect honesty and integrity. I also told them my "rules" needed to be followed every second of every minute of every hour 24/7. I also talked about "slipping or messing up" and how an honest apology and a correction in direction would put you back on track, but you had to walk the talk!! So wishing I could be at your session. I never had great luck with "gimmicks" because the teacher needs to be real and compassionate and strong and prepared, smart and open, while covering all and relating to all kinds of folks. Not an easy task to accomplish, but this worked for me. Children learn what they live, so a kind classroom environment really makes a difference. However, there has to be some kind of consequence for those who might choose to ignore the rules. Though, I ended up with very few discipline issues. (That's not to say things were perfect, but the atmosphere was set and kids got it.) It's a mindset, a lifestyle, a culture and important to be kind. And also find joy in the day and the learning. That's why poetry is/was the heart of my classroom in the later years of my career. Bravo to you and your presenters!<br />Janet F.skanny17https://www.blogger.com/profile/07488350213473016250noreply@blogger.com