5 Non-Negotiables
These are our 5 classroom non-negotiables.
Be Ready, Respectful, Responsible, Engaged & Safe
What is the FIRST thing you should do after going to your seat?
Get materials out and begin Bellwork.
You don't understand a question. What should you do before asking the teacher?
Reread the directions/check notes or examples.
You finish your assignment early. What should you do first?
Check your work.
You're talking while the teacher is talking. What should you do?
Stop talking and listen.
Keeping your hands, feet, and objects to yourself demonstrates this non-negotiable
Be Safe
You need a pencil from across the room. What should you do BEFORE getting up?
Ask for permission.
Your hand is raised, but the teacher is helping someone else. What should you do?
Wait patiently.
Your teacher says independent work is Voice Level 0. What does that mean?
No talking/silent.
You yelled the teacher's name across the room. How do you fix it?
Raise your hand and wait.
You spent work time talking and didn't finish. Which non-negotiable do you need to demonstrate?
Be Responsible
Someone gives an answer you disagree with. What should you do?
Disagree respectfully/not argue.
You need help, so you walk up and stand right beside your teacher while they're helping someone. What's wrong?
I should remain seated, raise my hand, and wait.
Your friend wants to talk during independent work. What should you do?
Stay focused and remind them it's work time.
Two classmates start arguing. What's a better choice than joining the argument?
Stay out of it/move on/get teacher help if necessary.
Listening, participating, asking questions appropriately, and trying even when work is difficult demonstrates this
Be engaged
The directions are displayed on the board, but you don't know what to do. What's your FIRST move?
Read the directions.
You already asked a classmate and checked your notes, but you're still confused. Now what?
Raise your hand and ask the teacher for help.
Your paper has every question answered. Are you automatically finished? Explain.
No. Check your answers, directions, name, and make sure it is submitted correctly.
You're frustrated because someone keeps annoying you. Instead of arguing, name an appropriate response.
Stop, calm down, move on, or appropriately ask for help.
A student enters quietly, begins Bellwork, follows directions, completes their work, participates, and respects classmates. Name at least 4 non-negotiables they're demonstrating.
Any 4 of Ready, Respectful, Responsible, Engaged, Safe.
You enter class late while everyone is already doing Bellwork. Explain what you should do WITHOUT disrupting the class.
Enter quietly, go to your seat, get materials out, check directions, and begin working.
You're confused AND the teacher is working with another student. Give the correct sequence for getting help.
Reread directions → check notes/example → ask partner if allowed → raise hand → wait patiently.
You finish early while classmates are still working. Give 3 appropriate things you could do.
Check work, complete missing work, do early-finisher activity/read/write/draw if permitted.
CHALLENGE: Your friend is talking to you, you're out of your seat, your work isn't finished, AND the teacher is giving directions. Name 3 things you should immediately change.
Stop talking/listen, return to seat, focus on directions/work.