In This House We...

Having a set of concrete universal expectations provides everyone a clear framework of how to behave, interact, and work together. In my classroom we use the “Superstar Code," based on our early childhood program’s values, helping to support positive classroom behaviors. 

We take care of ourselves, each other, our school, and our world.

This broad statement guides the skills I spend the whole year teaching, modeling, and talking about with my students. 

For example, washing hands is a way to take care of yourself and others. Putting toys away when finished is a way to take care of our school. Using both sides of the paper when drawing is a way to take care of the planet. Notice that the Superstar Code and the above examples are stated positively – they say what TO do, not what NOT TO do.

This language helps us focus on the “yes-yes’s” way more than the “no-no’s!”

Every group benefits from a set of established norms, and home is no different. Kathleen developed the examples below to help you create a similar “code” for your home.

Kathleen completed the Matrix below based on her personal and family values. Notice she defined who and where the values can be practiced - these will help direct her teaching, modeling, and positive consequences - and all the skills are listed in TO do terms. 

Some blocks are empty because the expectations do not differ between environments. Some are also more specific than others as they’re current priorities she’s focused on (i.e. child it expected to put away laundry and pick up toys when finished).

Next Kathleen narrowed and simplified these expectations to display around the house as a reminder to focus on the desirable behaviors she wants to teach, model, motivate, and increase.

What values drive the expected behaviors in your home? How could this process help you refine your family's values and expectations?

- Allison