My first top rule is rule number thirty-four: "whenever you are offered food, whether it be on a buffet or treats in class, never take more than your fair share. You never want to be greedy and try to get more than you should, not only because it is wasteful, but also because it is disrespectful to others when you do not leave enough for them." This rule really stuck with me especially the story about Sabrina. He is right this rule is hard to enforce and it's especially harder to enforce when the kids are hungry. Kids love to have a lot of whatever it is they are grabbing. Yet it does look bad when you grab so much food that no one else gets any. Mr. Clark is right " it takes a while to teach them to sacrifice their desire for the biggest piece in order to be respectful to others." (Page. 109)
My next favorite rule is rule number thirty-five: whether we are in school or on a field trip, if someone drops something, pick it up and hand it back to them. Even if they are closer to the object, it is only polite to make the gesture of bending down to retrieve the item." The story that Me. Clark told to go along with this rule was great. This girl Jocelyn sees this lady drop some trash on the ground and she follows and yells at the woman that she had dropped something. Mr. Clark says " well, picking up someone else's trash isn't exactly what I intended, but hey, I think it sent an important message to that lady nonetheless."(Page.111) Although this seems like such a small gesture but it does go a long way in gaining respect.
Next is rule number thirty-six: "If you approach a door and someone is following you, hold the door. If the door opens by pulling, pull it open, stand the side, and allow the other person to pass through first, then you can walk through. If the door opens by pushing, hold the door after you pass through." Many people are so surprised now a days when you hold open the door for them. It seems like people are so surprised that young people are being taught some form of manners. I find it so adorable when Mr. Clark says "The kids want to know just what is expected of them and how to show respect."(Page.112) So many young people are so busy that even holding a door for someone could become a chore rather than a nice gesture. It's nice to see Mr. Clark trying to instill these manners into these young kids.
The next important rule that stuck out to me is rule number thirty-eight:" When we are on a field trip, there will be no talking as we enter a building. We will enter the building so quietly that no one will even notice that we are there. This rule applies to entering any place where people are gathered, whether it be the movies, a church, a theater, or any other venue." This rule seems so important because although it seems like common sense when kids get together that flies out of the window. When you see a group of kids you immediately think "Oh man it's going to get so loud in here." Mr. Clark hopes to eventually change that stereotypical way of thinking when we see kids walk in somewhere. I especially like how he says " It is easier to tell them what you expect from them before you are on the trip than to wait until you have arrived at your destination."(Page.114) Now I have to whole heartedly agree with this because when you are at the place the emotions are overwhelming. This means that they will all be so excited and begin to get loud because of all the excitement going on around them. I think it's important to establish some ground rules before arriving to your destination and maybe even before the big day.
My final rule that is important is rule number forty: "During an assembly, do not speak and do not look around and try to get the attention of your friends in other classes. We must uphold an image that shows we have our act together!" Like Mr. Clark states assemblies are great for students but a nightmare for teachers. See students love them because it's time away from class and a way to communicate with friends. For teachers it's a bunch of kids talking and not paying attention and a disruption in your lesson plan. I love how Mr. Clark role plays with the students on how to behave during an assembly. He says "I then go and sit at different places in the auditorium, calling individual students' names, throwing paper at them, and doing whatever I can to get their attention."(page.118) This is great Mr. Clark tells them his expectations and even role plays with them how he expects his rules to be used before they actually put the rule in use.
No comments:
Post a Comment