The Responsive Classroom Approach

The classroom (and school) I am doing my student teaching in use the Responsive Classroom Approach. I am new to this approach. As per the website, “Responsive Classroom is an evidence-based approach to teaching that focuses on engaging academics, positive community, effective management, and developmental awareness.” (https://www.responsiveclassroom.org) In the second grade classroom I am in, the kids are very chatty. They love to talk and are a very feisty bunch. The teacher uses this approach and it suits them very well.

            In terms of classroom management, which is something I am very interested in, the teacher rings a chime and the students know to stop and listen to her directions. She counts down quietly to have them sit at the rug when it is time for meetings and directions. She uses a very soft voice and uses different strategies when speaking to the students. She does not yell and is always consistent and follows through with what she says.  She is very respectful of the students and you can see that the strategies she uses are intentional and effective. Social and emotional development is very much a part of their curriculum and they believe the students will respond positively inside and outside of the classroom.

            She plays games with the kids every day. They also have a quiet time everyday after lunch and recess before they start the rest of their day. These are activities you do not typically see in every classroom and it is nice to see these 7 and 8 year olds still playing in school as well as quieting their mind and body.

            In my classroom we use very respectful calm voices as well. We have strategies we use with the 3 and 4 year olds that should continue through elementary school, middle school and high school. We use phrases like “When you do this, then you can do this” or we give choices “you can come eat your snack in 1 minute or 2 minutes.” In a way, when the students get older, they should be using the same strategies. We also do a morning meeting and a closing circle. We always say hello to each individual child as they do in the morning meeting in second grade.

            I really like the Resposive Classroom approach and would use this if I end up in an elementary classroom and will also look into it for ideas for my younger children. It is always important to create safe and joyful learning communities.