High School Habits Slides
Model Classrooms | High School Ready
High School Habits
How Great Students Work Together • What to Do and What to Stop
Model Behavior
Helps everyone learn fast and feel respected.
Disruptive Traps
Steals learning time and distracts the class.
The Big Picture
What Makes a Model Class?
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A Model Class
In high school, students are treated like young adults. A model class works like a strong team.
What you see:
• Calm bodies and focused minds
• People taking turns to speak
• Everyone gets their work done
A Disrupted Class
When students do not follow the rules, learning stops. Everyone has to wait and start over.
What happens:
• The teacher must stop teaching
• Friends miss important facts
• Classwork becomes homework
Key Fact: In high school, you choose who you want to be every single day.
Habit 1: Speaking in Class
Raise Hands, Don't Blurt Out
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Model Choice
Raise a quiet hand and wait to be called on.
- Wait for your teacher to say your name.
- Think about your answer before speaking.
Disruptive Trap
Blurting out answers or random thoughts.
- Shouting answers before someone else can think.
- Blurting out jokes while the teacher talks.
Why it matters: Blurting steals think-time from other students.
Habit 2: Listening to Others
One Voice at a Time
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Model Choice
Listen quietly while others speak.
- Track the teacher or speaker with your eyes.
- Wait until your friend stops talking to start.
Disruptive Trap
Talking over people or ignoring the teacher.
- Having side chats while directions are given.
- Putting head down and ignoring directions.
Why it matters: If you talk over people, they feel like you do not care.
Habit 3: Classroom Movement
Stay in Your Learning Spot
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Model Choice
Stay seated until you have permission to move.
- Work at your desk during study time.
- Raise your hand to sharpen a pencil or get water.
Disruptive Trap
Wandering around the room without asking.
- Walking over to friends to chat during work.
- Roots off your chair to look out windows or doors.
Why it matters: Walking around pulls all eyes away from the lesson.
Habit 4: Calm Bodies & Sounds
Keep Silly Sounds Out
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Model Choice
Use polite manners and keep sounds quiet.
- Cover your mouth and whisper “Excuse me.”
- Keep your hands and pencils still and quiet.
Disruptive Trap
Burping out loud, tapping, or making animal noises.
- Burping loudly on purpose to get a laugh.
- Banging on desks or shouting random sounds.
Why it matters: Funny noises break deep concentration for everyone.
Quick Comparison
The Behavior Showdown
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Model Student
Raises hand and waits patiently
Stays in desk during work time
Listens when the teacher gives steps
Keeps body sounds private and quiet
Disruptive Traps
Blurts out answers without thinking
Wanders around to visit friends
Talks over the teacher and others
Burps loudly or taps loudly for laughs
Result: Model classes finish work early. Disruptive classes take work home!
Your Daily Mission
Be High School Ready!
Ask yourself these 4 quick questions every class:
1. Hand Up?
Am I waiting my turn before speaking?
2. In My Spot?
Am I staying seated and ready to learn?
3. Ears Open?
Am I listening to the teacher and friends?
4. Calm Body?
Am I keeping silly noises out of the room?
Great high schools start with great choices right now!
