How do teachers communicate with kids about behavior?
In order to set up clear classroom expectations about behavior and to give useful feedback about specific behaviors, at the beginning of the year, teachers set up classroom rules with the active participation of the children. Teachers clearly communicate about what type of behaviors are appropriate outside on the playground and inside the classroom, and the difference between the two. Teachers talk to the children about the need to have rules in order to have physically safe and emotionally supportive environment in which to learn. Walden values and models respect for one another and kindness toward each other, appreciating each other’s strengths and weaknesses. Children learn collaborative skills at every grade level and in each subject matter. The skills of collaboration include listening, sharing, compromise, and negotiation. Teachers convey expectations involved in collaborative tasks, such as respecting other people’s ideas, quiet voices, sharing roles, and taking turns.
