Appropriate Expectations

Page 9

A group of preschool students will have a difficult time controlling their impulses to the extent of Miss Lisa’s expectations. Asking the group to stand perfectly still with voices off before going out to the playground is like dangling a treat in front of a group of puppies: yes, some puppies will control themselves and respond to commands, but others will pounce and jump and fight for the treat. Though many older children will be able to stand in line and meet those expectations this is not always the case. Whether it is due to a disability or special need, a learning disorder, or an intellectual advancement, not all students are the same just because of their age. Instead you must consider the development of the child and the expectation being set.   

It is important for the expectation to match the level of development of the child when considering classroom management strategies. For example, expecting meal or snack time in a toddler classroom to be mess-free is probably unrealistic. Likewise, expecting school-age children not to talk with their friends during lunch time is unrealistic. It is appropriate to set boundaries as long as it isn’t expecting unrealistic and developmentally inappropriate outcomes. The volume during a school-age lunch time period can be expected to be at a reasonable level or you can introduce proper handwashing techniques or clean up routines with the toddlers after meal times. These are appropriate expectations.    

Knowing the children in your care gives you the tools that you need to design appropriate rules, routines, schedules and more. 

Optional Resources for Further Study

• Creating Classroom Rules Together Activity by Scholastic
• Classroom Management: Develop Clear Rules, Expectations​ by Jordan Catapono​

Course Navigation Menu

1. Course Agenda
​2. Classroom Management
3. Where to Begin?
4. Goal Setting (1/10) ​
5. Setting Routines
6. Transitions​
7. Real Strategies
8. Transition Technique (2/10)
9. Appropriate Expectations
10. Setting Expectations
11. Expectations Scenario (3/10) ​

12. Setting Rules 
13. Involving Students
14. Behavior Management
15. Behavior Management
16. Guidance Techniques
17. Sign Language for Classroom
18. Management Motivation
19. Group Motivation
20. Individual Motivation
21. Classroom Analysis (4/10) ​
22. Mistaken Behavior

23. ABC Chart
24. Behavior Patterns​ (5/10)
25. How to Make your Own ABC Chart
26. ABC Chart – Scenario 1 (6/10)
27. ABC Chart – Scenario 1 (7/10)​​​
28. ABC Chart – Scenario 2 (8/10)​​​
29. ABC Chart – Scenario 2 (9/10)​​​
30. ABC Chart to Prevent Behavior
31. End of Course Quiz (10/10)
32. Course Evaluation Form​
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