Entering the Room
You walk into the classroom. What is the first thing you should do?
Enter calmly, get settled, and begin the posted bell work.
Name two things you should have with you for math class.
Pencil, notebook, binder, ruler, calculator, etc.
Someone beside you is talking while the teacher is giving instructions. What should you do?
Focus on the teacher and avoid joining the conversation.
The bell rings. Does that automatically mean you can pack up and leave?
No. Follow the teacher's instructions for packing up and dismissal.
The teacher gives you a task and says, "You may begin." What should you do?
Read/listen to the directions and get started.
The bell rings, but you're still talking with a friend in the hallway. What should you do?
Head into class promptly. The goal is to be in the room and ready when class begins.
You realize you forgot your pencil. What should you do?
Follow the classroom procedure for getting a pencil rather than sitting there doing nothing.
You make a mistake and someone laughs. What's an appropriate response?
Remember that mistakes are part of learning and respond respectfully.
You need to sharpen your pencil while the teacher is talking. What should you do?
Follow the classroom procedure and choose an appropriate time so you don't interrupt learning.
You finish your work before most of the class. What should you do?
Double-check your work and then look at the board to see what is next.
You enter class and notice that Mrs. Lingley is helping another student. What should you do?
Get your materials, check the board, and begin the bell work without waiting for the teacher.
You forgot your math notebook at home. Should you simply tell the teacher, "I don't have it"?
No. Let the teacher know, take responsibility, and ask what you should do so you can still participate.
You disagree with someone's answer during a math discussion. What could you say?
"I got something different because…" or another respectful explanation.
You need to leave the classroom during class. What should you do?
Follow the classroom procedure and ask permission appropriately.
You're working independently and get stuck. What should you try before immediately asking the teacher?
Re-read the directions, look at an example/notes, try a different strategy, or ask a classmate appropriately.
You arrive and the bell work is already on the board. You don't understand what you're supposed to do. What should you do?
Read the directions carefully, try what you can, and then ask for help if needed.
You don't have everything you need for class, but you do have some materials. What's the best choice?
Use what you have, get what you can, and communicate with the teacher about what you're missing.
Your friend asks you for the answer to an assignment. What should you do?
Help them understand the thinking/process rather than simply giving them the answer.
Your group is moving to another part of the classroom for an activity. How should you move?
Quickly and safely, without disturbing other groups.
You're working independently and the teacher is helping someone else. You have a question. What should you do?
Try something you can do on your own, use available resources, or write down your question until the teacher is available.
You come into class with lots of energy because something exciting happened at lunch. What's the best way to handle it?
Get settled first and save the story for an appropriate time.
Your group is ready to start an activity, but you realize you've forgotten the instrctions. What should you do?
Don't abandon the activity or blame someone else. Tell the teacher/group, problem-solve, and find a way to participate.
Your group isn't agreeing on how to complete a task. Everyone starts talking at once. What should you do?
Stop, listen to each person, discuss the options respectfully, and work toward a solution.
Class is almost over, but your group hasn't finished cleaning up. What should you do?
Help clean up and leave the room the way you found it—even if the bell has already rung.
You're given 20 minutes to work independently. After 5 minutes, you decide the work is "too hard" and want to give up. What should you do?
Keep trying, break the task into smaller pieces, try a different strategy, and ask for help when needed. Being stuck doesn't mean you can't do it.