How to Create Relevant Classroom Rules

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By Jane Smith
eHow Contributing Writer

Article Rating: (3 Ratings)

The best form of classroom discipline comes from inside the students themselves. Students who have a hand in creating the classroom rules are more likely to remember and observe them. It is important for classroom rules to be as few in number as possible. Rules should exist for the smooth running of the classroom rather than tradition and they should be instructive rather than punitive. Open discussion and agreement on class rules works best with students in grades 4 and up. Kindergarten and 1st through 3rd grade students will need a short teacher-guided discussion accompanied by writing the rules on the board.

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Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Step 1

Discuss the need for rules. Explain to younger students that rules help make sure everyone gets a chance to speak and be heard and to get what they need without disrespecting or hurting anyone else. Have older students make their own suggestions about the need for rules.
Step 2

Have students suggest possible rules for the classroom. Discuss why each rule is needed and how it will help the classroom run more smoothly.
Step 3

Ask younger students to copy the rules if they are able to write. If they are not able to write, have them dictate the rules while you, a teacher's aide or an older student serve as their scribe. Have older students write scripts for a video about rules. Collaborate with students from other classrooms to produce one or more videos using the scripts.
Step 4

For the rest of the week, review the rules at the beginning of each class. Show the videos the students produced. Review the rules again once a week for younger students and once a month for older students.
Step 5

Once every grading period, discuss whether or not the rules are working. If not, have students suggest ways they could help themselves remember and observe the rules.