In fifth-grade Learning Support, Mrs. Booth’s students are developing the vital skill of self-advocacy, learning how to speak up for their own needs and make decisions that shape their classroom experience. They’re encouraged to take ownership of their learning environment, and together, we focus on building a space that reflects their own values and goals. One of the first steps we took was having a collaborative discussion where they brainstormed classroom rules that felt meaningful to them. By doing so, they learned the importance of setting boundaries and expectations that would help them succeed, making sure the rules were not just something imposed on them but something they felt connected to and responsible for. This was their treatment agreement!

Our classroom is centered on respect—respect for themselves, their peers, their teachers, and their learning. These fifth-graders worked together, recognizing that in order to thrive, they needed to create an environment where everyone felt safe and valued. They put their heads together to discuss what respect looks like and how it can guide their interactions and behavior in class. This process of cooperation helped them take initiative, not just in how they follow rules, but in how they help build a positive, inclusive classroom culture that they can truly call their own.