December 4, 2014, Prescott- As a career educator, I insist on an order,ly classroom environment for no other reason that that learning, both group and individual, is essential if the human race is to progress as is its birthright. I don’t have a whole lot of rules to impose, save: ” When I speak, you listen, with both ears”; “Focus on what is in front of you” and “You are to respect everyone in this class, and in this school, starting with yourself and radiating outward.” That said, I abhor the maxim, “Children should be seen and not heard.”, common in Victorian days and still followed by certain people over the age of 55. Children need to develop their voice, and need to be heard, but in a proper and systematic manner. I believe “Do it because I said so” has its time and place, mostly when addressing a child who is under the age of six. Nothing good comes out of extended chaos, and children should never be allowed to place themselves or others in mortal danger. My son was taught the Hot Stove, Don’t Play with Matches and Lighters, and Look Both Ways rules, well before that age. I further believe that respect is as respect does. Aram was asked for his input on things that impacted his life, and his ideas were frequently taken into consideration. Developing this faculty proved essential, in his young adulthood, when he had to initiate a very difficult process, relative to his mother’s care, while I was at work.
This brings me to obedience. Each of us has to obey the Laws of Nature, or else suffer the consequences. Ditto for the Golden Rule, good health and hygiene practices, mutual respect in any given relationship, and the Twelve Laws relative to attraction. The sensible among us do our utmost to follow such laws. The reckless challenge them, and sometimes the Universe suffers such people gladly; other times, not so much. I have been both, in my life. Now, I find a modicum of obedience to the Laws of the Universe to be better for me and mine. Obedience, though, is best when not blind. The Victorians, largely operating out of fear, were dead wrong in that respect.
A Sagittarian Seeker 
My mother told me that when I was little I could be kept in a room simply by tying a string across the doorway. And a teacher friend of mine used to tell me that she quieted her 5th grade classrooms simply with a look that said “be quiet.” As you suggested, I think that even the rules to which we are obedient must be created with respect and not out of a need for control.
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Those who do not show respect, don’t receive it, either. Your mother an teacher-friend were wise minimalists.
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I’ve found classroom control is easiest when it’s based in mutual respect. I’ve never been a teacher who could be accused of having an overly quiet classroom though. I like a lot of interactive learning when we question and teach each other.
I try to obey the universal guidelines you listed. I tend to balk at many man made rules.
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My students tend, by and large, to know that I am an organized and fair-minded person. They also know I like active learning. Like you, I don’t like “Library-Quiet”, unless it’s time for taking a test.
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Test taking is quiet time
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