In our classroom I use the Responsive Classroom approach. It’s been used successfully by elementary teachers in schools around the country for over twenty years to create learning environments where children thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. It emphasizes teaching children to take care of each other and the school environment so that everyone can learn at his/her best. You’ll notice our class paying attention to how students treat one another throughout the day. You’ll also see a strong emphasis on students setting goals for their own learning and taking responsibility for reaching those goals.
The Responsive Classroom approach includes the following main parts. We will be using these in our classroom this year.
MORNING MEETING
RULES AND LOGICAL CONSEQUENCES
GUIDED DISCOVERY
ACADEMIC CHOICE
CLASSROOM ORGANIZATION
WORKING TOGETHER WITH PARENTS
Please let me know if you have any questions. You can also learn more about the Responsive Classroom approach by visiting the
The Responsive Classroom approach includes the following main parts. We will be using these in our classroom this year.
MORNING MEETING
- Children gather for fifteen to twenty minutes every day to greet each other, share news, do a group activity, and look forward to the day ahead. This daily routine builds community, creates a positive climate for learning, and gives children practice in a wide range of academic and social skills.
RULES AND LOGICAL CONSEQUENCES
- The teacher and children together create rules for the classroom that will allow everyone to do his/her best learning. When children break the rules, there are clear and non-punitive consequences that help them learn from the mistake. The approach teaches responsibility and self-control.
GUIDED DISCOVERY
- A structured way of introducing materials so that children become interested and motivated to explore different ways to use the materials.
ACADEMIC CHOICE
- An approach to giving children some choices in their learning to help them become invested, self-motivated learners. Academic Choice can be used to teach any subject.
CLASSROOM ORGANIZATION
- Arranging materials, furniture, and displays in ways that encourage learning, care, positive social interaction, and independence in children.
WORKING TOGETHER WITH PARENTS
- Ideas for involving parents as true partners in their children’s education.
Please let me know if you have any questions. You can also learn more about the Responsive Classroom approach by visiting the