Rules, procedures and daily routines are clear:

 

                 In a well structured classroom many conflicts and behavior problems are prevented because children know what is expected.

 

Teaching Rules:

                 In the classroom teachers are the primary authority figures.  It is the teachers job to set standards for acceptable behaviors and enforce the rules.  The students are depending on the teachers to so this especially at the primary level.  In the intermediate & upper grade levels there should be given some flexibility for the students to contribute to making some of the rules.  (It gives students some buy into) Parents need to be supportive as well as aware of the rules.  One way to get parents knowledgeable of the rules is to type up the rules set for your classroom is to have a parent meeting and share the rules, expectations with the parents and have them sign the form.

 

                 Children should know what is expected of them: some if not most teachers assume that students with any previous school experience should already know what is expected and how to behave in a classroom setting.  Some teachers rules and expectations and methods of enforcement vary.  It is very important that the teacher is specific in explaining their rules and expectations.

 

                 Teachers can’t afford not to take time away from instruction to explain rules and expectations.  It is very difficult to build a solid -safe environment for children on a shaky foundation.  If teachers attempt to do so they will spent the majority of their instructional time trying to repair classroom structure.  Effective structure is one of the least time consuming forms of classroom management.

 

                 Covering the rules thoroughly throughout the year.  Rules need to be taught, reviewed,

re-taught and practiced throughout the year.  As a classroom teacher you will have many complicated lessons to teach.  In order for you to teach with some mastery, the lesson may take two to three weeks.  These lessons require longer periods of instructions, followed by testing, practice, review and some times more teaching.  Why should it be any different with teaching classroom rules and standards for acceptable behavior?                          

 

                 Explaining rules to students is not enough.  Rules need to be taught with words and action.  Announcing rules the first day of school is important.  Teachers need to support their words with effective action if we want students to regard our rules seriously.

 

                 Being strict is not always the answer.  Being strict without being respectful will not earn the willing cooperation of most students.  Students respond best when rules are communicated with firmness and respect.  Explain the reason for the rules to students.  Fear and intimidation provides no lasting basis for cooperation.

 

                 Action speaks louder than words with rules.  You’ve repeatedly told your students that it’s not okay for them to arrive late to class from recess, but day after day the same group of students arrive in class late and nothing happens but the same old lecture.  What could convince them that you are serious about their prompt arrival?  Now is the time to take a different approach– Ex: You’re standing at the door with a stop watch.  You click the watch as the last students enters, you announce to the students that they will owe you eight minutes, two minutes for every one they arrived late.  You let them know that they will be staying in class with you for the first eight minutes of their next recess.  These children love recess.

 

Do students really resent firm rules and teachers who make them?

                 The reality is that students respect teachers who establish clear firm classroom rules that are communicated in a respectful manner.  When rules are firm, clear and carried out in a consistent & respectful manner students know what is expected and where they stand. Showing students you care is not enough. Caring is important but caring alone is not enough to achieve consistent cooperation from students.  Some things work hand in hand such as caring and firm limits.  Caring without firm limits will not earn you the respect you deserve.

 

On the First Day

 

·         Introduce your general rules.  Avoid an extensive list, try and keep them down to at least 10.  Talk about then with the students.  Explain why the rules are important, give them examples.  (With intermediate & upper grade students - give them the options to add rules and explain why they should be listed.

·         Post the general classroom rules in a visible area.  (With upper grade students you can let them write them as you hold your discussion).

·         Describe your classroom procedures for entering and exiting the classroom.  (Get permission from the administrator to walk the children around the building and outside the building).  Show the students which door to use and where to stand in case of a fire or emergency exit.

·         Describe the guidance procedures you use when classroom rules are violated.  Introduce consequences, logical consequences, parent conferences, suspensions, expulsions.  Pose hypothetical situations and walk your students through the consequences so they understand how the procedures work.

·         Explain to students that you(teacher) will make a complete effort to resolve classroom problems with students individually before involving parents, administrators or other guidance personnel.

·         Be prepared to use your consequences the first time rules are violated.

·         Announce that you will send home a list of classroom rules, expectations and guidance procedures.

 

 

Assignment

After reviewing what you have read thus far , give ten rules to students, give clear examples and explanations of why these rules are important.  These you be nor more than two paragraphs for each rules.

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