rules & procedures

While observing in another classroom today, I made the following list of things for which a teacher needs a rule and/or logistical procedure--preferably, a set procedure that becomes familiar & predictable & therefore safe. (I could whine about how they don't teach us this in ed. school, but instead, I will just comment that as a very disorganized person, this is a list of things I need to figure out and have firmly in place.)

My main goal: to identify which of these tasks could be (1) performed and even (2) organized & overseen BY STUDENTS so I can focus on other things. I will star* those things that I think students could take on themselves, either one student as a job for the class, or each student on his/her own behalf.

Homework:
- assign & explain
- provide needed materials & adequate time
- display* the assignment in the room & remind* students about it
- collect,* assess (possibly transport to assess elsewhere), record grades in gradebook, and return* homework to students with helpful feedback
- get students to supply missing names and correct minor errors on otherwise complete work
- keep track* of who is missing work, possibly notify/chase after them
- collect, grade, return* late work

Absentees:
- catch up* on in-class activities/explanations
- assign/explain* missing work
- provide materials* for missing work
- give any tests, quizzes, etc.

Leaving the room* - nurse, bathroom, get materials from locker...

Materials* - bring appropriate materials for that class; use them; organize materials received in class; take home what's needed for homeowrk; bring it back.

Introduce new stuff: vocabulary, concepts, ideas, assignments, topics, goals.

Transitions: from work to listening; from listening to work or group formation; from group formation to group work... also beginnings & endings of the year, of the week, of the day, of each class period, of each unit or lesson...

Straightening* the room - pick garbage up, straighten desks, put supplies away.

Choosing: choosing individual students to perform tasks; assigning partners and groups; assigning roles among partners or group members.

Sound & movement: when is it ok to stand? to move around on an errand (kleenex, pencil sharpener)? to move around for no reason? to go to where your friends are sitting? to make noise - tap, drum, etc.? to talk softly? to talk at any volume? to talk about the work you're doing? to talk about anything? to speak to the teacher or class without raising your hand?

Whew! You'd think that would make me feel bad, but actually, it makes me feel better. With such an enormous list, it's no surprise that I'm a bit overwhelmed!