Connect with Teaching Simplicity: Rules of Awareness
Successful classrooms extend beyond the confines of lesson plans and textbooks. They revolve around cultivating an environment where students feel valued, heard, and included. Yet, within this endeavor, there's a common occurrence where students might grasp the expectations but struggle to envision what they truly look like, sound like, or feel like in action. This uncertainty can leave them confused and unsure of how to meet these expectations in their day-to-day interactions.
I encountered a situation with a student who had a recurring habit of lying. After witnessing the fourth instance of dishonesty in a single morning, I took a moment to have a conversation with the student. I asked why they persisted in lying, especially after assuring me they would cease this behavior. Their response caught me off guard; the student looked at me with a pained expression and confessed, "You keep telling me to stop lying, but I don't actually know what lying is."
Realizing the lack of clarity surrounding the concept of lying, I took the opportunity to explain it in detail. We discussed the importance of honesty, even when faced with challenging or boring situations. Together, we practiced the art of truth-telling, particularly when it was difficult. Surprisingly, this simple clarification led to a remarkable transformation – the student became one of the most honest and forthcoming individuals in the class. This experience highlighted the crucial link between clarity in expectations and a student's awareness of their behavior.
Why does this happen? Clarity. The lack of clearly defined expectations leads to confusion. When students aren't aware of when to apply a rule, what actions to take, or how to redirect themselves, chaos can prevail. When students do not know what to do, they usually don’t feel included in the learning process and their brain shifts into an emotional state of mind which most likely will result in challenging behaviors.
“Rules of Awareness” encompass a broader spectrum than typical classroom rules. While classroom rules often focus on specific behaviors or actions expected within the learning environment, rules of awareness delve deeper into fostering a comprehensive understanding of how individuals engage with themselves, others, and their surroundings.
“Rules of Awareness,” such as "Be Respectful," "Be Responsible," and "Be Resilient," transcend simple behavioral guidelines. They aim to cultivate a holistic approach to interpersonal relationships, emotional intelligence, and personal development within the classroom context. These rules prompt students to introspect, empathize, and navigate their emotions, actions, and interactions thoughtfully. They foster a mindset that encourages self-awareness, empathy, accountability, and adaptability, contributing not only to a positive classroom atmosphere but also to the development of essential life skills beyond the academic setting.
Be Respectful: This rule isn't just about saying 'please' and 'thank you.' It's about understanding actions, feelings, and behaviors that encompass our intrapersonal space—the way we treat ourselves. It's about fostering self-respect, acknowledging personal boundaries, and nurturing a positive self-image. When students learn to respect themselves, they set the tone for respectful interactions with others.
Have you ever asked your students to help you describe what “Be Respectful” looks likes, sounds like, or feels like?
Be Responsible: Responsibility extends beyond homework assignments. It's the cornerstone of interpersonal skills that contribute to being a member of a class community. It's about accountability, teamwork, and empathy—a commitment to contribute positively to the collective learning environment. When students embrace responsibility, they become active contributors, supporting and uplifting their peers.
What if students had a cheat sheet to refer to when they wondered if they were being responsible enough or if others were being responsible?
Be Resilient: Mistakes aren't stumbling blocks; they're stepping stones to growth. Resilience is about understanding the goal, having the courage to make mistakes, and being vulnerable in the pursuit of learning. It's the fuel that drives curiosity, experimentation, and innovation. When students embrace resilience, they develop the confidence to overcome obstacles and embrace challenges as opportunities for growth.
Imagine if students defined what this looks like, sounds like, and feels like in your classroom? Maybe they would ask you what mastery looks like instead of saying “I don’t know what to do.”
Explicitly teaching these three “Rules of Awareness” to students doesn't just create a rulebook—it fosters a safe, inclusive, and dependable learning environment. It lays the groundwork for clear expectations, respectful interactions, a sense of belonging, and the courage to explore, learn, and grow.
