Essential 55: Rules 1-10

  "However, the rules are more about getting kids to behave; they're about preparing kids for what awaits them after they leave my class" pgxx

Rule one- when responding, you must answer "yes ma'am" or "no sir"
This is one of the rules that I can for sure agree with 100%. Saying yes ma'am and no sir is a must, totally resonable. If you want children to respect you, you have to let them know it.
Rule two- make eye contact with the person you are speaking to.
This rule may be a little hard. I myself find it very hard to stare someone in this while we are having a conversation, I find it awkward. But keeping eye contact is important when you trying to get your point across.
"Making eye contact is not only a way to show confidence, but it is also an important way to show respect" Pg3
Rule three- if someone in a classroom wins a game, we will congratulate that person.
I like this rule because most of the time, when someone wins a game and it is not you, you most likely don't congratualate them because you're mad you didn't win of course.
"We are going to be a family this year, and families stick up for each other,nether support eachother, and they congratulate eachother successes" pg7
Rule four- respect other student comments, opinions, and ideas. This one maybe a hard one to get by also because people tend to make comments to others comments like "thats stupid" or some sort of that type of negative comment.
Rule five- if you win or do well at something, don't brag about it! If you loose don't show anger. 99.99% of the time, a child is going to brag about winning, of course. Who doesnt wanna brag? But when it comes to loosing there's always that one child that says "oh, I let you win"
Rule six- if you are asked a question in conversation you should ask a question in return. This one seems like a simple rule to go by. Some one ask you "how are you doing" you immediately respond "I'm fine, how about you"?
Rule seven-  cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough, say excuse me.
This rule is completely understandable. One of my BIGGEST pet peeves. When some one sneezes or cough and doesnt cover it, grosses me out.
Like Ron says, "when you sneeze, a evil spirit jumps into your body. If you don't cover your mouth, the spirits will enter....." Pg21
Rule eight- don't smack your lips, tsk, or roll your eyes.
Now I must admit, this is the most difficult rule. I think it just comes naturally to role your eyes or smack your lips. Especially for the young girls.
Rule nine- Always say thank you, I give you some thing, say thank you within three seconds or I will take it back.
There's no excuse for not showing appreciation. I don't have much to say about this rule, just make sure you say thank you.
Rule ten- when you are given something from someone, never insult that person on the gift they have given you.
Here's another thing. Ungrateful people. You get what you get and you don't throw a fit. Appreciate that you even got an gift.