How to Develop Classroom Rules for K-12
Establishing a good set of rules helps set the tone of your classroom for the entire school year and lets students know your expectations. One of the first lessons should be an introduction and discussion of classroom rules. While the specific rules used in your classroom should be based on the grade level, subject area and school-wide expectations, the process of developing rules remains the same.
Instructions
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Reflect upon your teaching strategy, research you own school's rules and brainstorm a list of potential rules. Your classroom rules should match your teaching methods and personality. Before the first day of school decide what behaviors are unacceptable in your classroom and which ones you will allow. For example, will you allow students to leave their seats for a drink of water or to sharpen a pencil or do you prefer that they ask permission first. Ensure that your potential rules match those of your school.
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Let students help develop the rules. On the first day of school, ask students to share the rules they feel are important in the classroom. Guide the suggestions by discussing behaviors that are often disruptive, to help their ideas match the rules that are important to you.
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Keep rule wording positive and brief. Effective classroom rules are positive and to-the-point. Use wording such as "stay in your seat" and "raise your hand," instead of negative statements such as "don't shout out" or "do not leave your seat," as students may see negative statements as a invitation to challenge the rules. In addition, keeping the wording brief makes it easier for students to remember the rules.
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Limit the number of rules. Students, especially younger students, have difficulty remembering long lists. Consider clumping specific rules such as "use nice words" and "keep your hands to yourself" into one more general rule, such as "always be kind," to help students remember your expectations.
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Post the rules and hold students responsible for their behavior. Place your list of rules in a prominent place in your classroom, so students are reminded daily of proper behavior. Review the rules with your class as necessary and enforce the rules fairly and consistently.
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Tips & Warnings
Make sure students understand your rules by acting out proper and improper classroom behaviors.
References
- Photo Credit rules image by jimcox40 from Fotolia.com
