Responsive Classroom   {RC1}

The Seven Principles of The Responsive Classroom The social curriculum is as important as the academic curriculum. How children learn is as important as what children learn. The greatest cognitive growth occurs through social interaction. There is a set of social skills that children need to learn and practice in order to be successful. They form the acronym CARES – Cooperation, Assertion, Responsibility, Empathy, Self-control. We must know our children individually, culturally, and developmentally. All parents want what’s best for their children and we must work with parents as partners. The principles of The Responsive Classroom must be practiced by educators in their interactions with each other, with the children, and with the parents. Responsive Classroom – Overview      The Responsive Classroom at Rolling Hills combines a rigorous academic curriculum, based on practices which are developmentally appropriate, with a social curriculum that focuses on respect for one’s self, learning, and the school community. Morning Meeting, which occurs daily in each homeroom, builds mutual respect and develops positive class routines. Students are involved in all phases of the Responsive Classroom, so they feel both ownership and responsibility for the caring, learning environment in our school. Reprinted with permission from: Northeast Foundation for Children The Responsive Classroom 71 Montague City Road Greenfield, MA 01201 (800) 360-6322 www.responsiveclassroom.org The staff and children of Rolling Hills would like to thank the P.T.O. for their financial support that helped us initiate the program and continues to foster its growth. Parents have been actively involved by attending training sessions and helping teachers in the classroom. Parents and teachers working together make Responsive Classroom a success. Literature that could help you transition the Responsive Classroom practices to your family life can be found in our library. Time Out – Abuses and effective uses by Jane Nelsen and H. Stephen Glenn How to Talk So Kids Can Learn – by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish (book and tape) Ways We Want Our Class to Be – Child Development Project Teaching Children to Care – Ruth Sidney Charney Habits of Goodness – Ruth Sidney Charney Time to Learn – Chip Wood Yardsticks/Children In The Classroom, Ages 4-14 – Chip Wood Off to A Good Start-Launching the School Year Familiar Ground –Traditions That Build School Community The Morning Meeting Book – Northeast Foundation for Children