A major role of an elementary school student in the classroom is to respect herself. To do this, she should respect her right to learn and be educated by staying prepared with school items, such as paper and pencils, being on time for class and listening to the lessons presented. Students who are not prepared cannot take notes or participate in planned activities, which limits their learning ability and enjoyment of school. Students who aren't on time disrupt the classroom and miss out on important information in lessons. Finally, if students choose not to listen they will get behind in the class and not make the most of their free education.
Elementary school students should respect classmates and adults for several reasons. If a student is talking to, teasing or bullying another student, he is taking away that student's right to learn in a friendly environment. Every student should have this right. In order to respect others, students should speak only when discussion is allowed and speak kindly to others. While teasing is often to get attention from other children, teasing should be limited so that other students are not bothered or uncomfortable in their environment. Bullying and mistreating students and adults is never an option in the classroom. This type of behavior is often punished, meaning the bully will miss out on important lessons, disrespecting himself and his right to learn.
Students should have the right to enjoy a clean and well-maintained classroom. If some students do not respect school property, the rest will have to suffer. For example, if one student receives and enjoys a new, clean desk but chews gum and sticks gum under her desk, the desk will be littered for the next student who inherits that desk, meaning this student has lost his right to a clean desk because of another student's lack of respect. Teachers and schools often do not have the budget to replace damaged property, which is why it is important that students do not litter in the classroom and do not damage desks, tables and other furniture.
A classroom cannot function smoothly and properly if students refuse to obey the authority of teachers and school staff. If a teacher asks a student to leave the room or move to a different desk and the student refuses, further actions to make the student obey will cut into class time and cause general discomfort as other students must watch the display. If students have a disagreement with the teacher they should talk to the teacher kindly, separately and quietly as not to disturb other students. While a teacher may not always be right, it is important that students maintain a positive, respectful attitude and work with the teacher rather than against her.