HABITS // PASTORAL X EDI
Pastoral x EDI Georgia France
We all know that consistency is king. Consistent use of EDI in our classroom has greatly improved our teaching and learning and the progress of our students. So, why not apply these same principles to our pastoral practices? Achieving the best possible start to assembly is just as crucial as achieving the best possible start to your lesson. What is the best possible start to our assembly? A consistent routine whereby students know what to expect It is the antecedent for the rest of the assembly How students enter and prepare for assembly is key Positively framing what you expect to see Why do we need the best possible start? Ambiguity breeds chaos - routines help students to regulate their behaviour It sets the tone for the rest of the assembly Allows the focus to be on positivity Ensures a smooth, prompt start to your assembly When I looked at phase 1 of the EDI playbook, I noticed that it was easily transferable to our assembly practice so I went about making an assembly playbook. By following this playbook, it ensures consistency. This means students know what to expect and this is reflected in their behaviour. 29 // HABITS // MARCH 2022
Step 1 Line up This is when assembly starts. Not when they enter the assembly hall. This is a crucial step for giving those antecedents and setting the tone for the rest of assembly. Step 2 Threshold Just as we would in the classroom, we need to be deliberately upbeat and greet our students as they enter assembly. As a form tutor or student manager (SM) is doing this, the Head of Learning (HOL) can maintain swivel position. Step 3 Antecedent This is exactly the same as the classroom. It avoids misbehaviour before it happens. It is a reminder to the students of exactly how they should be behaving. Step 4 A starter slide This replaces the memory starter from the EDI framework. We always have the same first slide. Students know that their task is to read through what is on the screen and reflect upon it. It is usually a reflection of our Big Question of the week. Step 5 Be seen looking and narrate the positive This provides positive reinforcement of the correct behaviours and creates a 'norm' of what's 'right.' It also reminds the form tutors that they should be doing the same. It is a subtle way of reminding the other students exactly what they should be doing. All of these 5 steps are actions. But, when these actions are repeated so often it becomes and automatic response and this is when a habit is formed. The person leading assembly can form the habit, but most importantly the students' expected behaviour becomes a habit, thus leading to the best possible start to your assembly. @CST_LONDON