Classroom Community

I cannot believe that we have wrapped up one month of school already. Today was our 22nd day of school. I have enjoyed building routines and getting to know my students. We have spent a lot of time modeling and discussing behavior expectations in many places at school. I feel we have a solid community but definitely room for improvement. I have a number of students who are hard workers and very respectful. With our schedule changed from last year along with other things added, it has been difficult to get in all the things I would like to cover during the day.
One of my goals this year was to be positive in and out of the classroom. I have to say that it has been a struggle some days in keeping a positive attitude with a few of my students.
In working to create a classroom community, we have spent time daily in morning meeting with all four components. My students enjoy the greetings and activities the most. Within morning meeting, we are still working on various communication skills such as  listening and speaking.
We have had to slow down and revisit classroom rules and expectations with a few students. I read Jon Gordon's book titled, The No Complaining Rule this past month and it gave me some good ideas and tips to help remain positive. It has been difficult at times and I am hoping to improve with it.
What can I do with those students who just do not get it? What is a logical consequence for those students? Why is it difficult for those students to complete their work, follow directions,  and stay on task? They seem to be the ones my students are always waiting for along with taking time out of our teaching time to address behaviors and being off task. Instead of getting after those students, I kindly told them that they were going to spend extra time with me during their P.E. and Spanish times. They did not like it too much but my logical consequence is that if students are going to goof off and not get their work done during class time, I will use their time to complete it as well as address behavior expectations with them. It is something I was hoping to avoid but difficult to find other time during the day.
I am also looking for other consequences for students instead of taking PE and recess time away from those students. I tried sending homework home with a few students who did not complete it, only to find it not being returned. What is wrong with using recess and PE time if their school work is not being completed during class time?