Lori, I love your blog on this topic. I don't think it's all that different. As you suggest, it's more about methods and student interaction than having a need for rules.

I too have done some thinking about classroom rules... I have a bit of a different take on it:

http://www.attheprincipalsoffice.com/2012/02/04/what-your-rules-say-about-you/

Fantastic reminder!

I often think of (and still professionally reference) both Harry Wong and William Purkey. The "controller," "the rule-maker," or "the enforcer" disinvite students from learning. In this day and age, the classroom focus should be on deep learning and engagement--both of which are adversely affected by rules.

Should there be order in the classroom? Should it be managed? Absolutely. But that is what teaching procedures is all about. There is a procedure for actions and they should be collaboratively created, modeled and practiced.

Our neighbor, when I was growing up, was a man named Walter Safrit. One day, he walked up behind to tell me not to pick the daffodils in his yard. He didn't say it in a controlling or mean-spirited way. He said, "Daffodils are bulbs. If you pick them, the plant dies. What you need to do is cut them."

He continued, "cut some, but be careful of the bulb." I wasn't being admonished. I was being taught. Every word was a kind one.

We need more kindness in education. We need more invitation. Thank you for your thoughtful post.

-Mike Fisher