Classroom rules and routines

Every classroom has its own rules and routines and it is down to the teacher to ensure they're followed and respected. I have seen many different classrooms and experienced a range of different classroom rules. Some I agree with and others I feel can be more specific so that students are not bombarded with a list of rules.

I personally believe that a few simple rules are very much necessary but only if delivered correctly. For example a teacher that reads off a list of rules at the start of the year and not once mentions them again has wasted their time in my opinion. Similarly a teacher that does not agree on them with the class' approval will have wasted their time as they may not be agreeable.

Therefore, with my classes I will ask to expect one thing and that is respect. If a child respects themselves, others, equipment and the environment then I feel that every child will be able to access the curriculum and be able to learn in an appropriate manner. However, as mentioned previously, I need to ensure that the children agree on the rules.

Once the children have agreed on my rules I will then ask them to suggest what they expect of me as a teacher. From experience, I have found that children want the teacher to be fair and ensure that the classroom is emotionally safe. This will mean that the child feels that the rules are a two way factor and that they're responsible for holding up their end of the deal.

Once these rules have been made I will actively ensure that they are reiterated to the student if they decide to break the rules. Through experience I have noticed that if the teacher upholds their end of the bargain then they can use that against the misbehaving student and explain that if I am keeping my end of the deal why aren't you?

Classroom ethos

Through my experience in different schools and classrooms over the past 3 years I have seen classroom ethos that is very different, and some very interesting. As well as the classrooms I have visited I have also seen many school's ethos. I feel ethos is very important to both classrooms and to schools and it ensures that all children are aware of the boundaries and the beliefs of the teacher and the school.

As a trainee PE teacher it is very challenging to get a particular 'classroom' ethos as there are many different environments in which I will be expected to teach. However, I now feel that I have seen enough to have my own opinion on what I believe my ethos to be. I would like to think that I can challenge each individual whether that be their health, physically, socially or cognitively. I feel that PE offers a way to educate the whole child, however, I also deem it vital that the students are made aware of the progress they've made.

As a teacher I want to be an approachable person where children feel safe in my lessons and respect myself and others. I will also bring my sense of humour to every lesson as this, I feel, is essential in allowing children to enjoy my lessons and education as a whole.