Our Peaceful Classroom

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At the beginning of each year, we read Our Peaceful Classroom and then discuss the attributes of a peaceful classroom. We then draft up the rights and responsibilities contract based on the input from the class to questions like "How can we keep our classroom and our friends safe?" We then frame the contract and have all the members of our community sign it including the teachers. It seems to work well and the children feel included in the rules. 

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When lessons are given or new material is introduced, the procedure is explained and demonstrated. Then a close check is done on the work in its initial week of availability. 

We have a job chart that rotates every 2 weeks. The older children in our environment assist in the training and normalization of the classroom. We don't even need to go over rules unless we change a policy, which we do when needed. One of our jobs is a teacher's assistant usually reserved for third years and they help others with questions and problems when needed. It is truly a lovely thing to witness. 

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The Beautification Job Chart

Every two weeks a new job chart is produced and the students are responsible for keeping the environment prepared and beautiful. Below is a sample job chart:

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