Classroom Rules & Expectations

By kellyaleida

  • Day 1 of Class

    • Today I will begin with an icebreaker activity to give students a chance to get to know each other.
    • Brainstorm what an unproductive classroom looks like with students. Then decide together on what a productive classroom setting looks like. Students should have opportunity to write down their individual ideas, then collaborate with a partner/small group, and then we will come together as a class
    • Establish positively worded rules together, no more than 5.

  • Day 2 of Class

    • Today we begin with reviewing our rules. I will make sure all students understand each rule and its implications.
    • Once we have reviewed, it is time to establish fair and logical consequences. Each of these will respect the students' dignity and will align with those of the school corporately. (These should be increasing in severity: moving to another seat, going into the hall, conversation, email home
    • I will then also lay out the expectations that students can have of me as their teacher.

  • Day 3 of Class

    • Today the modelling begins. I will introduce various scenarios and the students will respond, using our established rules and consequences, to each scenario. Answer the questions:
    • Was a rule broken? If so, which one?
    • What is the consequence?
    • What can you do if this happens?
    Then begin modelling what it means to talk respectfully, listen attentively, and generally behave in a manner that is conducive to a positive learning environment

  • Day 4 of Class

    Now that the rules have been clearly laid out, it is time for the teacher to decide how she/he will document student behaviour in order to consistently and clearly follow through with consequences. (Check sheets, red/yellow/green light, clipboards, etc.,
    • Begin reinforcing good behaviour by being specific, highlighting improvements, and indicating how following expectations yields benefits.

  • Day 5 of Class

    Student check in!
    Ask students how they feel they are doing with the behaviour plan.
    Highlight many of the things they are doing well and provide some ideas for positive steps moving forward.
    This can be in the form on stars and wishes. Time to inform the parents! Today is the day when you send an email home to all parents informing them of the expectations and consequences you have established together as a class. Invite parents to respond with any questions or concerns they may have.

  • Weekly

    What the teacher should do weekly
    1. Student check in: how are we doing with our goals?
    2. Teacher bias-reflect on ways that he/she may have bias (gender, personality, background, etc.) and come up with steps to ensure equality.
    3. Document: keep track of how each student is doing
    4. Then follow through