I am a bit sensitive to this overall issue as my parameters for acceptable behavior are often a bit broader than the mainstream. I generally accept more movement, energy, speaking out, and spirit in my class setting. I think, in part, this goes back to growing up in a big, busy house with lots of people. There weren't many quiet moments and there was always a lot of movement. Research supports this energized classroom, yet research also supports the quiet, focused room too. There's many factors when it comes to right environment, and what's right often depends on the context of who is in that environment.
That being said, there's little debate when it comes to safe and respectful behavior. There are commonly acceptable ways to behave in schools, and typically those protocols exist for good reason.
For example, last year one of our highly energetic boys knocked down a little kindergarten as he ran from one room to another. He wasn't an evil-minded child, but instead one who like to run and didn't stop to think about how that running might hurt another person.
So how will I work to encourage my team and myself to display that respectful behavior, positive demeanor, and good citizenship?
Hallway Behavior
This might profit from some role play in the classroom. I think we'll have a lesson that's targeted on this issue alone. We'll start with a discussion, include some role play, and practice.
Greetings
Our first service learning project will be the "Hello Campaign" so that should help us out with regard to greetings.
Noise
In a busy school, too much noise may mean that others can't learn. Similar to hallway behavior, we'll make this a focus of a targeted lesson, role play, and practice.
We'll review the school's core values and attributes of character too in the early days of school as one way to set the stage for leadership behavior, behavior that's respectful, positive, and evidence of good character and citizenship.
I must admit I often rush into the curriculum and don't give these details enough time. This year I'll make a commitment to greater time in this regard.
