When designing your classroom rules, keep in mind that your rules must be:
- Clear
- Comprehensive
- Enforceable
And then comes the most important part... you must be consistent in enforcing them all the time, with every student, using predictable and delineated consequences.
Some teachers suggest writing the class rules with your students, using their input to create "buy-in" and cooperation. Consider the benefits, though, of strong, teacher-determined rules that are not viewed as negotiable by the people who must follow them. Weigh the pros and cons before deciding which method to employ.
State your rules in the positive (no "don'ts") and expect the best from your students. They will rise to the high expectations you set starting from the first minute of the first day of the school year.
Classroom Rules
- Everyone deserves respect.
- Come to class prepared.
- Do your best.
- Have a winning attitude.
- Have fun and learn!
Variations
Some teachers like to be more specific in their rules, such as "Hands must be kept to yourself at all times." Bestselling author and Teacher Of The Year Ron Clark (The Essential 55 and The Excellent 11) actually recommends having 55 essential rules for the classroom.The most important thing is to spend time before the school year starts determining which rules fit your voice, personality, and objectives.
Share in the Forum your own Classroom Rules and see what rules other teachers have set up.
