actually, i'll put something out there to get the ball rolling.

while we don't have a contract that the kids sign, we do go over rules with them. we sort of let them come up with the rules, so that they have some stake in them, and if it ever becomes an issue, then we can point to the rules and remind them that these are rules they came up with... The first class period is spent going over the rules. generally, we make a list of about 5 or 6 rules, that consist of something along the following lines:

1. respect other people. students, staff, visitors.
2. respect tools.
3. ask questions.
4. be vocal if you have a problem with a tool, bike, or other person in the shop.
5. have fun.

of course, they don't usually come up with rules that are this succint, but we try to guide them into them. a lot of the times, the kids come up with very specific rules that fit into one or more of these... ie. "no throwing chain tools at other people's heads," which we sort of turn into number 1 or 2.

one thing we do stress with the kids is that while it's not ok to abuse tools, or misuse them (cone wrenches?), sometimes tools do break. i like to play the "is it ok?" game with them, where i name a scenario, and they tell whether it's ok or not.

"is it ok to throw tools?"
"no."
"is it ok to use tools for something they're not meant to do?"
"no."
"is it ok to ask a classmate for help with a tool?"
"yes."
"is it ok to break a tool?"
"...?"

they're a little dumbstruck, i think, since we're giving them the leeway to use something that could break. i mention to them that all the teachers in the class have broken tools. the most important thing is that the student let someone know the tool is broken, and talk with them about why broken tools are bad--dangerous for mechanics, as well as for bikes.

the curriculum, policies and procedures in our class, like many of yours, i suspect, is a work in progress. i'd love to get a mini-thinktank list going for youth specific issues, if anyone else is interested. could help focus the discussion, and keep from distracting those not interested, or who are on the larger list for other issues.

feedback on the above is welcome and encouraged.

thanks.

josh.
communitycycles in boulder.

On Wed, Jun 18, 2008 at 9:04 AM, <veganboyjosh@gmail.com> wrote:

ditto the ditto.

On Wed, Jun 18, 2008 at 9:00 AM, Froilan Landeros <froilanderos@gmail.com> wrote:
ditto

On Wed, Jun 18, 2008 at 9:59 AM, The Recyclery <therecyclery@gmail.com> wrote:

Hi all,

I was wondering if shops with E-a-B or after-school programs had their participants sign contracts at the beginning, either with rules of the shop, expectations, qualifications for getting the bike, etc. If you're willing to share your contracts with the list, that would be much appreciated!

Also, a general discussion on the successes and failures of these contracts would be good.

The Recyclery is starting our second E-a-B summer tomorrow!

Thanks,
Sharlyn

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