Fifth graders are definitely different from second graders. I love the independence. I love that their personalities are more developed and that I can have interesting conversations with them. Sometimes, though, there is an attitude that gets in the way. Sometimes the attitude is intentional. Sometimes they are unaware that they are displaying “an attitude”.
I’ve noticed that my fifth graders are very sensitive to whether they think things are fair or whether they think they are being picked on. This makes them argumentative at inappropriate times. I want them to understand that my expectations are the same for everyone, and I’ve found my expectations slides that I show on the interactive white boards help to establish that the expectations are the same for everyone.
One of the worst things for my credibility is to engage in unnecessary arguments or to let kids be disrespectful without calling them on it. Its hard to do both of those at once, so I have a phrase that has helped me this year.
Fern Smith says
Thanks so much for linking up with such a great freebie at TBA! Have a great week!
~Fern
Fern Smith's Classroom Ideas!
Fern Smith's Pinterest Boards!
karen says
I LOVE that phrase! Thanks for sharing!
Karen
Jason Perez says
Thanks for sharing this 🙂
Anna Sanders says
That is a great idea! I like it better than what I came up with, which was my rule #2 in class: "If you disagree with something that the teacher says, discuss it at recess". Even though most wouldn't, I would still prefer to take away the option for those little things so I'm using your idea!
Mercedes @ Surfing to Success says
I'm happy to hear it will go to use. I've found it effective.
Ash says
Thanks for sharing!
Congrats on reaching 200 followers!
Pixy Stix and Teacher Tricks
Suzy Q says
Must try this. Second graders are infamous for shifting the blame to someone else. "But he did it first!" Drives. Me. Up. the. Wall.