Classroom+Norms

Rather than having a list of rules that students are expected to follow in the classroom, our class has developed classroom norms. This is created as a group so that everyone has a say in how our classroom should operate. Students take ownership in the norms they have created and the classroom becomes ours instead of the teachers.
 * Description**

We began this activity with a whole group discussion about how much time students would be spending in the classroom all year. We even went as far as calculating the amount of hours! Students worked collaborativly in groups to discuss things that are important to them in the classroom. Groups shared things that they found most important and we created a list. We discussed each topic as a class and voted to make sure everyone agreed before the statement was added to our classroom norms.
 * Analysis**

I believe this activity was a great way to help students feel that this classroom belonged to everyone. I think that some students held back a bit and did not want to share their opinions. Because this takes place early in the year some students feel as if they cannot speak our, or are afraid of what other would think if the disagree. After reflecting on this activity I think that it may be benifical to add some norms that all of the students would disagree with.
 * Reflection**