Responsive ClassroomWe use the responsive classroom approach here at Highland School, which fosters academic and social development. Together, we work hard to establish a learning community in which students feel safe, welcome and respected. Starting from day one, we will begin to build a classroom community and environment in which students will thrive.
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What is the Responsive Classroom approach? |
The guiding principals behind the Responsive Classroom approach are:
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How is Responsive Classroom implemented in kindergarten at Highland School? |
We use many components of Responsive Classroom in kindergarten at Highland School.
Classroom Contract As a class, we will create classroom expectations which will be our rules for the school year. Logical Consequences When rules are broken, we want children to learn from their mistakes. The Responsive Classroom approach encourages the use of "logical consequences." For example, if a student spills a beverage, they clean it up. Take a Break When a student is having trouble controlling himself or herself, they may take a break. During take a break, the student quietly removes himself or herself from the group to sit in a quiet space in the classroom until he or she is able to regain control. At times, I may ask a student to take a break if I notice a student is experiencing difficulty meeting classroom expectations. The student will rejoin the group when he or she regains control and is ready to display classroom expectations. Morning Meeting & Closing Circle We develop our social skills during morning meeting and closing circle. Morning meeting consists of:
Closing circle is the final part of our day. During closing circle, we share a highlight of our day in order to end the day on a positive note. |