Four Years ago there was a very powerful program that was implemented in our district. R-time, Relationships to Improve Education, is a weekly 10-15 minute lesson that is taught in all of our CFBISD elementary schools.
What is R-Time
The R-time program helps students learn good manners, foster positive relationships between students, improve behavior, reduce bullying, raise self-esteem and accelerate learning.
The purpose of R-Time is to strengthen social skills and to build relationships among students; especially those who would not normally choose to interact with select others at will.
Research shows that bullying incidents decrease when face to face friendly encounters increase. Schools have reported double-digit reductions in bullying and other behavior office referrals. Our district has adopted the R-Time program because it aligns with our own research findings.
The R-Time Lesson is a Six-Step Process:
- Students learn the three basic rules of R-time
- Students are randomly paired (encourages acceptance & manners)
- Students greet their partner using their name and a positive statement
- The activity requires the students to work as a partnership in discussion or solving a problem
- Feedback time (students learn how to ask permission to share their partners thoughts and ideas)
- The conclusion which includes students thanking their partner with a hand shake and positive comment.
By using this six step process teachers have discovered that R-Time makes a significant contribution in relationship building, enabling children to get to know each other, acceptance of others, trust building, emotional well-being, conflict resolution, creating peaceful classrooms, improved behavior, self-esteem and confidence building, respect toward others, listening skills, understanding others and social cohesion.
Below are some testimonials from teachers, principals and students in our school district:
R-Time Testimonials from Teachers and Principals:
“The children are more aware of each other’s feelings and consider them in their behavior. Everyone is happier. One child has made friends which has absolutely transformed his attitude and behavior.”
“It has had a major impact on the whole school. I have never known the school to be so peaceful.”
“R-Time has made a positive difference in the culture of our campus.”
R-Time Testimonials from Children:
“There is nothing I don’t like about R-Time. I didn’t like working with people I didn’t usually hang around with. Now I love it and we are friends.”
“R-Time helps to stop bullying even when teacher is not there.”
“R-Time has helped me to stop judging other children from what they look like. Just like when you judge a book by its cover.”
During my visits to elementary campuses I am always excited and delighted to see students learning good manners, respect and acceptance of others by way of the R-Time lessons. It truly warms my heart to know that we are providing a time each week dedicated to improving social and emotional skills so that academic success is ensured. Please ask your child about R-Time at their school.
Do you have any questions about R-Time in CFBISD? Leave you questions in the comment section below.
Written by Pam Geisinger-Sandy