Classroom Rules

Classroom Rules

“Children are far more invested in following rules that they help to create. It’s that simple.”

Gail Zimmerman, Second Grade Teacher

Purpose

• Foster a sense of group ownership of the rules
• To develop and understand classroom guidelines and expectations for responsible behavior
• To create a sense of order and safety – both physical and psychological - in the classroom
• To understand the concept of “nonnegotiable”

Parent Communication

• Open parent communication is a vital component of a successful social skills curriculum. Ideas for communication include:
• Having students share what they have learned about this topic with a parent
• Addressing this topic in your weekly newsletter home
• Sending home a letter to parents addressing the topic in your classroom.  

From the Classroom…

• Articulate students’ Hopes and Dreams.
• Establish purpose for creating classroom rules.
• Children brainstorm ideas as the teacher records them. Rules should be worded positively. Condense the list to a few global rules.
• Introduce/review the term “nonnegotiable” (attached poster).

Literature Connections:

• K-2: Chrysanthemum by Kevin Henkes; Crow Boy by Taro Yashima
• 3-5: The Hundred Dresses by Eleanor Estes

Nonnegotiable
Rules

Important classroom rules

that cannot be changed. These are decided ahead of time by the teacher. 

(You may ask questions about them and ask to have them explained)

For more information and ideas consult: Rules In Schools by Kathryn Brady, Mary Beth Forton, Deborah Porter, and Chip Woods