Student Contributor: K. Keller
An expectation letter can be used to quietly signal to the class that it is time to be calm and focus on our work. Quickly pull up a document to type on and put it on the board screen share. Begin typing a list or short paragraph of what you need them to start on and students will alert others around the room and begin doing what is on the board.
This tool is best used when students are hard to wrangle after something exciting or just a long day. This tool keeps the peace within the classroom community, keeps good relations with your students, and does not overwhelm the community. You can start typing or writing expectations or things that need to be done before a certain time. You can do this is a document on the computer or grab a note paper and begin writing under the document camera. If attention is not getting gained as quickly as you’d like, do a quick call out and students will begin to notice what you’re doing and know what is expected of them.
I placed this under the corrective category because that is where it best fits. The expectation letter is a tool that can be used any time of year, but it would be helpful to teach this before you start using it so that students understand what to be doing when you use this tool. It can also be taught as you’re doing it and it does not always have to be a silent signal, but I have found it works best to teach before and only use it as a silent signal. This is corrective because it is giving students the opportunity to correct their behavior without negative consequence. Though some may argue that this is supportive or preventative, it is strictly used when behavior is lacking, and you need them to change their behavior to have a successful day.
More Information –
Tool Source: Brittany Miotke (Mentor Teacher)
