Invitational

I am an invitation person because:

I welcome my children with positive words for example "Good morning" and make sure they are always congratulated on their achievements.

I am smiling at all times in my classroom and hopefully my children will be too!

When something goes wrong I am accept mistakes easily and try to fix the problem.

My Rules

1. Respect others
2. Be polite and helpful
3. Keep your hands, feet, objects to yourself
4. No bad words or teasing
5. Raise your hand quietly and wait to be called on
6.When the teacher is talking you are not
7. Use inside voices in the classroom

How will you treat your students?

"The Depth of your heart determines the height of your dreams" (page 70)

I agree with the five significant concepts that the book says enhances positive expectations in the classroom. Name, Please, Thank you, Smile, and Love.

Addressing a child or anyone for that matter is very important. It not only shows respect but it shows that you think they are important as an individual. You are distinguishing them as a person rather than as, "just another student." Names are personal and a child could easily become offended if the pronunciation is more often than not mispronounced. Both my first name and last name are "uncommon" and I remember as a child holding my breath on the first days of school in hope the teacher, just this once, would get both names correct. Addressing a child by name lets the child know you care.

Please and Thank you I could argue are two of the most important words in one's vocabulary. These words show a tremendous amount of courtesy and respect for the child. These words can make an unpleasant situation of punishment more pleasant. For example if a student is not doing their work, "Suzy, please begin your assignment. Thank you." is more respectful and inviting to the student as compared to " Suzy, do your work." Please and thank you show appreciation to the child and it is your way of showing you appreciate their cooperation. Kindness is contagious.

Smiling is the sign the body makes that says "Welcome." A smile, as said many times before, really is worth a thousand words. Smiling is learned through behavior and what is better than a classroom of smiling children who are enjoying their day? A smile is a very effective way to create peace and harmony throughout the classroom. Give your muscles a break and smile, it takes more to frown.

Love ties all of these elements together. The best teachers I had were the most lovable. You are a role model in your student's life. They, whether you like it or not, will copy your behaviors in one way or another. You should be enhancing the quality of their life in the classroom by showing them love through your body language and what you say. Positivity, smiles, kindness, and respect are equal up to love. Listen to your students; care for them and show the gift that costs nothing, love.

Succedding With Your First Request, Pg. 114 "The First Days of School"

How will I welcome my students every day?

The beginning of the day is the most exciting part of the day! It not only sets a tone for the rest of the day but it starts everyone on a blank page for the day and if they have not had the best of mornings your smiling face and the other joyful children will surely turn their frowns upside down. I will stand at the entrance of the classroom, if I do not meet my students in another assigned area. I will be dressed professional, yet not too uptight so that my outfit offers a comfortable and formal appearance at the same time. I will have a smile on my face and an upbeat tone to my voice when I greet the children for the first time.

I will have a different activity waiting on the students desk (for example, connect the dots, a picture to color, something easy and something the student can finish within 10-15 minutes). The students will put away their belongings in their cubby's and take a seat at their assigned desk and begin the assignment. I will have soft music playing in the background. After all of the students have arrived (or 10 minutes after all of the students arrive) I will turn off the music and take roll. As I call each of their name (the order will be switched up daily to keep them listening) they can proceed to the colorful rug for morning group time.

Morning group time will take care of all the administrative things for the day. For example, who is buying or brought lunch and any announcements for the day. We will then proceed on to the day, month, weather, and begin or lesson for the day. The first thing in the morning, the meet and greet part of the day, should be filled with much energy and excitement. The children will catch on to your attitude and they too will have a positive attitude for the day.