Rules, Classroom Culture, and NCIS: Reflecting on Classroom Values

So, I was watching NCIS and heard a line about Gibbs' famous rules. It got me thinking about the "rules" I have in my classroom. I'm not talking about the "Raise your hand" or "Speak French" types of rules. I'm talking about the rules that shape the culture of our class—the values I want my kids to live by.

I started thinking about what my students might say are "Mme's Rules." What are the things I'm always telling them, hoping it will guide them in their learning? Here are a few I hope they'd mention:

Mme Hawtree's Rules

Rule 1: Work Hard

Learning to read and write is hard work. Learning to do it in French is even harder. My kids know that this effort is just part of the deal. We also make sure to celebrate our hard work. My students love a good dance party!

Rule 2: Do YOUR Best

The rule is to do YOUR best—not necessarily the best or be the best. It's about doing the best you can in any situation.

Rule 3: Do MORE

I always set a goal with my kids, but I encourage them to push a little further. For example, if the goal is to read for 5 minutes, I'll say, "Can we read for 5 minutes or more?"

Rule 4: We Are All Teachers

My kids know they'll learn as much from each other as from me. I want them to share what they know and treat each other with respect. We're all responsible for helping each other out.

Rule 5: We Are All Students

I learn something new from my kids every day, and I make sure they know that. I tell them that I'm still learning, I make mistakes, and there's always more to know. They always know when Mme is going to "Teacher School" (ProD) to become a better teacher.

Rule 6: Listen with Your Brain

This one is tricky but super important. I often remind my kiddos what we are focusing on at the moment—what it is our brains should be thinking about. One day, after I gave this reminder, one of my little guys raised his hand and said, "Wait a minute, Mme—let me get focused. My brain was busy thinking about Pokemon." It was a perfect teaching moment about redirecting our thoughts and staying on task, even though it led to a brief and fun conversation about Pokemon.

Rule 7: Listen with Your Heart

When we listen, it's also important to care about what the person is saying. Listening with empathy and a desire to understand the other person's point of view are important life skills I want my students to have. They help make our classroom a welcoming, inclusive space. Listening with your heart is tricky for teacher too sometimes. I had one little bean remind me of that once. Frustrated with me not understanding what she was trying to communicate, she told her, "Mme Hawtree! You need to listen with your heart!"

Rule 8: You Are Responsible for You

This one covers a lot: taking care of their stuff, their learning, asking questions, and, most importantly, their actions. They learn that no matter what's happening around them, they have a choice in how they act and react.

Rule 9: Have FUN!

This one is as much a rule for me as it is for my students. Yes, we work hard, and yes, we do our best every day, but if we aren't having fun doing it, then what's the point? So, we dance, laugh, create, play, and enjoy learning and being together every day.

So, What Did We Learn at School Today?

Reflecting on these rules got me thinking about what might be missing. Are there values I say I care about but am not teaching my kids? What other rules should I have?

What about you? What are your "rules"? What values do you expect your students to live by in your classroom? Let's share and learn from each other!