Beginning of class expectations
Why should you enter the classroom quietly?
Because it shows respect, keeps the room calm, and helps everyone start learning/working right away without distractions.
Why do you need permission to get up from your seat?
So you don’t distract others and we stay safe and focused.
Before you ask a question, what should you do first?
Listen to the full directions and check the board/your notes.
During independent work, what should your voice level be and what should you focus on?
Voice level 0—work quietly and refer to your notes (no chatting with your partner).
If you were absent, what is your responsibility when you return?
Collect the homework and notes you missed, ask a friend what you missed, and make up the work.
Once you are seated in your assigned seat, what should you start working on right away?
Take out HW
Write your CJ
Work on DO Now
Why do we use nonverbal signals instead of talking?
So we don’t interrupt the lesson and everyone can stay focused.
I’m teaching and you start talking because you think you already know it. Why is that not okay?
Because it distracts others and you might miss a new detail or direction.
Why is independent work important?
It gives you time to use your notes to review and reinforce the topic and concepts.
You forgot to do your homework. What should you do?
Be honest and acknowledge it. Bring it back as soon as possible so you can get late credit.
What is the best time to sharpen your pencil so you don’t interrupt learning?
before class starts or during independent work (not during directions)
What signal do you use if you need a tissue?
Make a “T” with your hands or cover your nose.
When I’m teaching, what should you be doing?
Eyes on the teacher
Ears listening
seated
Voices off
Why is repeatedly getting out of your seat during independent work (especially to avoid work) a problem?
It makes you off task, wastes time, and you won’t finish your work.
What does “doing your best” look like when work is hard?
Try—don’t give up.
Write what you know instead of leaving it blank.
Show your work/steps even if you’re unsure.
Ask for help
What should you do if you are tardy to class?
Go to the front office and get your CJ late stamp, then come to class quietly.
Your friend is at the tissue box. Should you go ask for a tissue at the same time so you can chat? Why or why not?
No. You don’t go to the tissue box to socialize. Stay seated and use the tissue signal (if you really have to)—extra trips and chatting distract the class and waste learning time.
What happens when students talk over the teacher?
The class loses learning time and misses directions.
You see others working and feel like yours is too hard. What’s your best next step?
Don’t give up—use your notes, try your best, then raise your hand for help.
Your friend keeps talking and distracting you. What should you do?
Choose to do the right thing: don’t join in, refocus on your work. If it keeps happening, ask to move or let the teacher know.
Why is completing the Do Now important in our class?
It’s graded for 2 points each day (10 points per week), it reviews the last lesson, and it prepares you to learn the next content.
Why shouldn’t you come to my desk or ask questions during the first 5–10 minutes of class?
Because I’m taking attendance and you should be starting the Do Now. The instructions are on the board—hold your questions until after the Do Now.
You disagree with something I said and want to correct it right now. What’s the right move?
Raise your hand and wait. Do not call out or talk over the teacher.
Your partner starts whispering about weekend plans during independent work. What do you do?
Ignore the whispering and follow directions by working quietly. Be accountable—do your part.
You want to ask an off-topic question to make the class laugh because you’re bored. What should you do instead, and why?
Don’t do it. Off-topic questions and jokes are attention-seeking and steal learning time from everyone. Even if you’re bored, your job is to be respectful—stay focused, follow directions, and save jokes for later.