WE. ARE. CLASSMATES.  That simple phrase was the catalyst for our topic of discussion during Mrs. Valentine’s classroom visit: Rights and Responsibilities.  What constitutes a right vs. a responsibility?  Students helped Mrs. Valentine drum up a list of ideas which included the following:

RIGHTS:

• We have the right to learn in a safe environment.
• We have the right to voice our opinions.
• We have the right to use school equipment and materials.
• We have the right to receive fair treatment.
• We have the right to be offered and receive a solid education.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• We are responsible for following the safety rules.
• We demonstrate responsibility by respecting the opinions of others.  This doesn’t necessarily mean that we have to agree with others, yet we certainly provide space for their opinion(s).
• We are responsible for respecting the materials and equipment, meaning we use the items as they are intended.

Each day, students are putting these ideas into practice.  As Mrs. Valentine eloquently reminded us, “Rights and responsibilities flow together.  Sharing ideas out loud as a class helps us gain momentum and clarity.” Post-it notes served as our “exit ticket” during our session with Mrs. Valentine.  Students wrote down one, only one thing that they expect from their classmates.  Whispers of the words sportsmanship, fairness, kindness, and respect flowed through the air as classmates constructed their responses. We look forward to our next visit with Mrs. Valentine.