ABSTRACT
Regularly scheduled class meetings build community and offer a great setting to address problems affecting the majority of students in your classroom. Class meetings are also a great time to engage students in meaningful problem solving. To ensure effective meetings, establish clear rules at the first session. Incorporate activities during the meetings and within your classroom to build trust, respect, and community. You can use the following guidelines for your class meetings. In class meetings, do …
teach students to use I-statements and to speak in general terms. Avoid using specific names. For example, “I noticed someone cutting in line today,” or “I had trouble working because of loud talking.”
set aside a specific block of time for discussions. The amount of time will vary according to the age of the students.
allow anyone to speak who has a concern.
facilitate meetings and model procedures during the first few sessions.
establish a time limit for the session.
take time to review behavioral expectations, especially in preparation for special events such as field trips, guest speakers, assemblies, and activity-based learning experiences.
But during meetings, do not …allow students to identify students by name when discussing a problem (keep it general.)
permit put-downs.
ignore or change the meeting time unless absolutely necessary.
let anyone dominate the discussion.
permit foul or disrespectful language or behavior.
allow students to get off track.
