Protocol and Response

Do all teachers' hands look like this? Or is it just uber-newb alert?

Coach Max had me transcribe the following exchange from class yesterday so I could email it to the rest of the fiction team. It's a Trudeau original example of how to hold the line on an important expectation while destigmatizing consequences and setting kids up to meet your standards in the future.

Aaaand, action.

Jordanis raises his hand.

"Yes, Jordanis?"

"I left by book in my locker."

"Ah! Excellent! Jordanis has given us a golden opportunity to observe how I want you guys to receive an unprepared demerit. Every day I need your binder, your notebook, your book in class. Jordanis, I'm going to walk over here and start a conversation with Vann. I want you to raise your hand again and tell me you forgot your book when I call on you. Then comes your moment to shine by being the first person to receive an unprepared demerit the right way."

Jordanis raises his hand.

"Is it a real demerit?"

"Yes it is. Ready?"

Trudeau walks over to Vann.

"Hey Vann. What's up?"

"Uhhh..."

Jordanis raises his hand.

"Yes, Jordanis?"

"I left my book in my locker."

"Jordanis, that's a demerit, I need you to bring you book every single day."

Pause. Look around the room.

"FANTASTIC. Jordanis got his demerit professionally. And every single one of you did what you were supposed to do: nothing. Okay, Jordanis, take the pass and get your book."

Vann says something inaudible.

"Vann, that's a demerit. I need you to raise your hand if you want to offer an opinion."

Pause.

"Another well-received demerit. Remember, guys. Demerits are reminders. Do I think Vann is a bad person for calling out? No. In fact, I love his enthusiasm. But we have to remember that calling out or not bringing your book is in a small way detracting from being able to move forward with our learning."

Orin finishes with:

(Pssst: Ross doesn't know it, but every time we get him to do a detailed blog entry or email, he's actually writing next year's curriculum for me under the guise of "sharing best practices" with his teaching team. Heheheh....excellent work, Coach Smithers. Excellent work.)

I feel dirty.