How to Write Classroom Rules
Classroom rules are a vital element in establishing good classroom management. Classroom rules help maintain a structured and safe environment. They also help create an environment that is suitable for children to learn in. Children need to know what acceptable behavior in the classroom is. Rules let students understand what their teachers expect from them on a daily basis. Establishing classroom rules can be an easy, yet important process.
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Instructions
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Write a list of about five-to-seven rules. It is important to keep the number of rules as small as possible so students can remember them. Also, you want to allow students to feel comfortable and not have to worry if they are doing something wrong. Students will learn better if they are in a classroom that has a positive learning environment.
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Make sure your list of rules covers general topics such as: respecting others, preparation in class, arrival times and following directions. You may also want to include other rules depending on whether the class is an elementary- or secondary-level class. Rules discussing food and drink policies, and --- a more recent issue in modern classrooms --- cell phones can be a topic addressed in your classroom rules.
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Create rules that serve as guidelines for positive behavior rather than creating rules that focus on consequences. For example, instead of having a rule that states, "Do not talk when someone else is talking", a better rule would be, "Remain silent while the teacher or other students are talking." Another example: Instead of saying, "Do not leave your materials in your locker," say, "Come to class prepared." Make your rules state what students are expected to do, not what they should not do.
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Create rules that are universal. Students should be able to apply the rules of your classroom to other areas of the school. A rule that states, "Do not touch other people's property," can be applied in your classroom as well as in the cafeteria, library or even on the bus. Rules are designed to teach students what acceptable behavior is, so having universal rules can be a great benefit.
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Allow students to assist in making the rules for the class. Since the classroom is like a community, students should be able to have a say, to some extent, about what can be done. Have students begin with the basic rules such as, "Treat others the way you would want to be treated," or, "Respect your peers." Students can create three-to-five rules. Take the best seven from the entire class and compile a complete set of classroom rules.
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References
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