Preparing your class for the first day: Part Two (Class Rules)

 Think about last school year...what discipline problems did you have?  How did you handle them?  

The first day of school is the time to introduce and use your classroom rules.  This sets the tone for the whole year.  

Whether you create them before the school year starts or you have the students help you make them on the first day of school, here are some helpful things...

Guidelines for creating rules
*Only write what is most important to you 
*Have no more than 5 rules
*Try to word them positively 
*Make them general 

Example Rules

*Follow directions first time given

*Treat others how you want to be treated

*Be prepared for class 

*Be on time for class

*No talking when someone else is talking

Guidelines for creating consequences 

*Only write what you are comfortable with doing

*Make sure they are age appropriate 

*Have no more than 5 consequences 

*Be sure you can administer the consequence without interrupting class

*Be sure they follow the school's guidelines 

Example Consequences 

*calling parents

*student writes a note of apology to person offended or whole class

*move students away from others (have an extra desk somewhere in the room away from others or have them move their desk)

*a gentle reminder to get back on task

*change the seating arrangement

Here are a few helpful tips to ensure success with rules/consequences in your classroom.

-Discuss examples of good and bad behavior the first day 

-BE CONSISTENT 

-Have students commit to the rules by signing the rules, a contract, or a pledge 

-Have a student job where someone is in charge of making sure the other students are doing what they are supposed to (have students change jobs each week)

-Keep track of students behavior daily (but let each student start fresh the next day)

-Display the rules and consequences in your room (or when you teach if you move from room to room)

-REWARD GOOD BEHAVIOR

Examples of rewards for good behavior 

*allow them to choose an activity that the class will do the next day

*10 minutes free time at the end of the week

*cell phone use in the classroom

*let them play card or board games at the end of the week

*1 day tardy pass for homework assignments (where kids can turn their paper in one day late)

*give them a 50/50 option on the next test (take away 2 incorrect answers on a question of their choosing)