Responsive Classroom

Responsive Classroom is an approach to teaching and learning that recognizes that the process of learning is as important as the content. A social curriculum is taught along with the academic curriculum. Children learn skills such as cooperation, assertion, responsibility, empathy, and self-control in order to promote successful interactions. Knowing and working closely with children and their parents is crucial. Finally, the Responsive Classroom philosophy encourages adults to model positive behaviors in school in order to help children learn them. Responsive Classroom practices integrate the creation of a positive community, engaging academics and effective classroom management.

This approach has been adopted at the Beecher Road School both to address the need for “character education”, and to improve the academic and social environment in school.
Studies have shown that the first changes in schools adopting the Responsive Classroom approach are the renewed morale and commitment of teachers. Inevitably, this leads to improved teaching and learning. These studies have shown that the improvement in academic performance follows very quickly. Responsive Classroom creates the framework for developing classroom strategies for academic improvement as well as guidelines for behavior. The use of carefully taught academic choice is one core part of Responsive Classroom.

Responsive Classroom practices are being used in almost every classroom at Beecher. A large core of teachers and administrators have now received formal Responsive Classroom training, and are implementing common practices and philosophies about how children learn best. Responsive Classroom practices are being used in almost every classroom at Beecher. A large core of teachers and administrators have now received formal Responsive Classroom training, and are implementing common practices and philosophies about how children learn best.  Recent trainings with trainers from Responsive Classroom both during the summer and during the school year, has allowed a renewed focus and attention to this important work.  BRS is also fortunate to have a nationally certified Responsive Classroom trainer on staff. Ongoing professional learning around Responsive Classroom will continue to allow our staff to grow and our students to experience the positive impact of a RC approach.

To learn more about Responsive Classroom visit their site