In this episode, we move from individual sparks to a collective flame. We dive into Day 4: Creating Norms Together, exploring how to transform initial brainstorms about respect, community, safety, and belonging into shared, actionable agreements that will guide your classroom throughout the year – a true collective promise.

• For Understanding Rules vs. Norms:

• Learn the crucial distinction: rules are often imposed, while norms are shared agreements collectively decided by the group.

• Understand why co-creating norms fosters greater student ownership, accountability, and a truly equitable community.

• Discover how norms are about the how – how we want to interact, learn, and feel together.

• For Co-Creating & Finalizing Norms:

• Explore strategies for reviewing and revising brainstormed norms, guiding students to create clear, positive, and actionable statements.

• Learn how to create a prominent "Class Norms Poster" and involve students in its design and "signing" to foster deep ownership.

• For Practicing Accountability & Revisitng Norms:

• Understand how to facilitate discussions about what it looks like to live by the norms and how to gently remind each other when a norm is forgotten.

• Discover the power of using sample role-play scenarios (e.g., talking over others, not sharing materials, disagreeing respectfully, off-task distractions, group exclusion, uneven workload) to practice navigating common classroom challenges.

• Learn why norms are "living documents" that should be revisited periodically to reflect the community's growth.

• The "First 10 Days: Building a Welcoming and Respectful Classroom of Belonging" Resource Bundle: Your comprehensive guide with 10 days of intentional lesson plans and activities.

• FREE Day 1 Lesson Plan & Materials: Get a taste of the full bundle! Includes the "I Am..." template, "Norms of Engagement" chart, and the "Self, Peers, World" exit ticket.

• "Class Norms Poster" Template: A large printable template for your collaborative classroom agreements.

• Role-Play Scenario Cards: Printable cards with various situations for students to practice applying norms.

• 🎧 Listen now and empower your students to build their own classroom promise!

• Download your FREE Day 1 Lesson Plan here: customteachingsolutions.com/btsfree

• Explore the full "First 10 Days" Resource Bundle here: customteachingsolutions.com/btsbundle

• What's one key difference between "rules" and "norms" that I will emphasize with my students?

• How can I ensure every student's voice is heard and valued during the norm-creation process?

• Which role-play scenario might be most beneficial for my class to practice accountability?

• When and how will I plan to revisit our classroom norms throughout the school year?

• Email: [email protected]

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cts-custom-teaching-solutions/

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iteachcustom/

• Website: https://customteachingsolutions.com

Don't miss out on making this school year your most belonging-centered one yet!

Seeking joy, celebrating diversity, affirming culture, centering equity, and striving for liberation through learning every single day.