Manners, Discipline, Respect

Over the Winter Break I had the opportunity to read Ron Clark's book and really enjoyed it. I think I have done a good job creating an interesting, relevant curriculum for my students, but I still need to work on on how to be respectful. Kids hear over and over again- Be respectful, but exactly what does that mean. Many of Ron Clark's rules are geared towards elementary age students, but unfortunately it is sad to say that many of our high school students and even adults still have yet to master these rules. Here's a discussion of the first 10 rules:

Rule #1: Responding to adults- Although I would mention to my students that if they really want to be polite or respectful they should use ma'am or sir. I think by using a teacher's full name that will suffice. What I hate is when my students call me Miss or teacher, especially miss.

Rule #2: Make Eye Contact-When someone is speaking keep eyes on them, also when you are speaking keep eyes on the person you are speaking to. This is an important way to show respect for others when they are speaking and confidence in yourself when you are speaking. It's important to remember that this is a cultural thing making it important to teach ELL students who have different cultural norms for eye contact. Also this is an important part of active listening.

Rule #3: Congratulating a classmate- When someone does something well or shows improvement, students should congratulate their classmates. Claps should be 3 seconds. My students this year are for the most part respectful to one another, but this is a good way to build community, because I think in general, high school students are very self-absorbed.

Rule #4: Respect other students' comments, opinions, and ideas- My students more than anything need to listen to one another, but eventually I would like to get them to the point where they respond respectfully verbally with statements like the ones Clark mentions (i.e. John made an excellent observation..., I disagree but I can see his point... etc.)

Rule #5: If you win, do not brag; if you lose, do not show anger- There is nothing wrong with competition, but I've noticed that they way students act during and after competition that can spoil it, by being rude or arrogant to other students.

Rule #6: If you are asked a question in conversation, ask a question in return- I wish I had been taught this one. This is a great way to show interest in others and cultivate friendships.

Rule #7: Cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough and say excuse me: This is one that could be a refresher.

Rule #8: Do not show disrespect with gestures- Many high school students break this rule by rolling their eyes and through their body language. A good one that needs to be taught.

Rule #9/10/11: Always say thank you when given something; when you receive something, do not insult the gift or giver. Surprise others by performing random acts of kindness. Showing appreciation and kindness is another quality lacking in high school students. I think it is part of what makes dealing with high school students so difficult. This is an important area to work on with students.