How I Approach RitualsI begin the first day with a critical thinking question and discussion. Half-way through it, I ask students to define the concept of ritual. Some talk about church, others family or sports. We then debrief the current rituals that the class has silently adopted.Next, I create a ritual chart with the rituals on the left and then a separate column for individual, partner, small group, whole class and project-based activity. I start with a general brainstorm of the key things students want to know: Where do I turn in work? What do I put on my paper? (I make it simple by asking for a first and last name only) When can I get up? When can I talk? Can I sharpen my pencil?We negotiate the rituals, emphasizing the need for a balance between freedom and safety. Sometimes I have to be vulnerable and say things like, "I can't have any noise when I'm talking. I get distracted and sometimes angry." This allows students to say things like, "I want to walk around a little more. How can we add more of that to this chart?"The goal is something flexible and achievable for all students in the class.
John Spencer is starting a new conversation for preservice teachers. I need to share his link with my intern for September. I liked John's approach. I think I might attempt something of the sort on my first day of school.
