classroom rules assignment

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20 Teacher-Tested Ways To Establish Classroom Rules and Set High Standards

Start things off on the right foot.

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From the first moment students walk into your classroom, you want them to feel welcome and safe. One important way to do that is by establishing your rules, procedures, and expectations up front. We’ve partnered with our friends at Avanti by Solution Tree to bring you top tips and ideas for creating, sharing, and enforcing meaningful rules, as well as setting high expectations from day one.

Creating and Sharing Classroom Rules

Enforcing classroom rules, setting high expectations.

Even the most laid-back teacher needs some rules to make their classroom a safe and enjoyable learning space for all. But how do you determine exactly what rules make sense for your situation? Here are some tips and ideas for writing and sharing classroom rules worth keeping and enforcing.

1. Be clear and specific

Here’s a tip from Avanti: Don’t assume your students already know the general classroom rules and expectations, even high schoolers. Instead, give them clear and specific rules you expect them to follow, and help them understand what it looks like to follow those rules. Encourage buy-in by involving them in a discussion about the value of the rules, too, emphasizing words like responsibility , rights , freedom , and equality .

Watch Avanti’s Video: Establishing Rules and Procedures Based on School Beliefs

2. Keep it simple

Your school likely already has a handbook full of detailed rules for students, so there’s no need to reinvent the wheel here. Instead, choose a handful of rules that you feel are most important to keep students safe, protect classroom resources, and create a welcoming learning environment.

Learn more: What Makes for Good Classroom Rules? Real Teachers Weigh In

3. Write the rules with your students

Here’s a popular idea from Avanti: Let your students help you write the classroom rules as a first-day-of-school activity. Through a guided exercise, students work together to brainstorm their ideas of a good classroom environment. Then, they narrow them down and vote to establish their class’s “standard operating procedures.”

Learn more: 38 Must-Teach Classroom Rules

4. Start with respect

Ultimately, all rules are about respect. That means your rules might be as simple as “Respect Me. Respect the Classroom. Respect Yourself.” If you go this route, be sure to spend some time on your first day discussing what respect looks like and why it matters so much.

Classroom Activity: Start by asking students to write a short journal entry about a time they felt disrespected and how that made them feel. Then, break them into small groups and ask them to brainstorm examples of respect and disrespect in the classroom. Share these with the entire group, and discuss them together. Finally, ask each student to write their own definition of the word “respect” on a sticky note, and post it on an anchor chart to hang on your wall.

5. Try the 5 Ps

This idea came from an educator in the We Are Teachers HELPLINE group. The 5 Ps stand for: Positive, Polite, Prepared, Productive, and Prompt. They’re easy to remember, and they all fit within the larger category of respect too. Talk about the meaning of each word, and give some examples of what fits and doesn’t fit into each P.

Classroom Activity: Post five charts around the room, one for each of the five Ps. Have students work in groups to rotate around the room and write examples of each word. Then, ask them to use a sticky note to write which rule means the most to them and their reason why. Stick them to or around the appropriate chart, and read off a few for each one.

6. Role-play rules with students

Try this first-day-of-school activity idea from Avanti to make your rules easier for students to understand. Break students into small groups, and assign each one a rule from your list. Ask them to create two short skits: one that shows what it looks like to follow the rule, and one that shows what it looks like to break it. (Kids love this one!)

Setting and sharing rules is just the first step. Now you’ve got to make sure students actually follow these rules. Explore these ideas for keeping classroom behavior on track throughout the year.

7. Don’t set rules you don’t want to enforce

Sometimes we make rules just because, well, they’ve always been the rules. Ultimately, though, these rules may not be beneficial, and trying to enforce them is a waste of time and energy. For example, insisting students raise their hand if they want to speak can stifle class discussion. And fussing over a strict dress code takes up time that could be spent learning instead.

Learn more: 4 Classroom Rules I Always Forget To Enforce

8. Provide cues when rules are bent or broken

Students don’t always break the rules on purpose. Sometimes they forget or just get carried away in the moment. It’s especially hard for them to follow rules that are new to them, meaning younger students are more likely to need frequent reminders rather than immediate punishments. Try using verbal and nonverbal cues to draw students’ attention to infractions. Solution Tree has lots of great practical and useful ways to rein in behavior before it gets out of control.

Learn more: Free Classroom Management and Behavior resources from Solution Tree

9. Establish meaningful consequences

Rules without consequences are just empty words. Be clear about how you’ll enforce your rules, and what the consequences will be for breaking them. Try to ensure your consequences are meaningful, rather than just writing demerits or keeping a kid in from recess. Instead, consider what might actually cause them to rethink their behavior in the future. For instance, if someone breaks your rule about chewing gum in class, have them shadow the janitor for an hour to experience the challenges of cleaning up gum and other trash.

Learn more: 30 Logical Consequences for Student Behavior

10. Be consistent in enforcing rules

Once you’ve established simple meaningful rules, enforcing them is important. For one, it shows that you truly believe in the rules. Plus, enforcing your rules consistently means you don’t risk showing some students preferential treatment. Hold students accountable for their behavior, and you might even find that they start holding one another accountable too.

Learn more: 10 Ways To Discipline Students Without Taking Away Recess

11. Check in and review rules from time to time

Teachers are already pros at using formative assessments to check in with students throughout a lesson, making modifications on the fly to improve the learning experience. You can do the same with your classroom rules and procedures! When you return from an extended break, give a quick Kahoot quiz to review the rules as a refresher. Use an exit ticket to ask kids to list a classroom rule or procedure they feel isn’t working, and make suggestions for improvements. Make your rules and procedures a living document, altering them as needed to keep your students safe and focused on the learning process.

Watch Avanti’s Video: Informally Assessing the Whole Class With Quick Checks

Expectations are broader than rules, and they set an overall tone for your classroom. They’re often just understood rather than communicated directly. Learn how to set high expectations for your classroom with these tip and ideas.

12. Aim high

People tend to live up to the beliefs we hold about them, rather than the expectations we declare. Here’s a fascinating insight to consider: A Harvard study revealed that having a boss who respects and believes in you can actually improve your job performance. This idea extends to the classroom as well. When teachers and students have confidence in each other, it can lead to better outcomes for everyone involved.

Learn more: The Harvard Trick That Has Transformed My Classroom Management

13. Be equitable

We already mentioned how important it is to be consistent in enforcing classroom rules, to ensure you’re fair and equitable to all students. But it can be hard to recognize when we’re treating some students differently than others. Teachers need to take a close look at the expectations they hold and reinforce in their interactions with students. Use Avanti’s self-assessment activity, and you might be surprised what you learn about your own behavior with students.

Watch Avanti’s Video: Identifying Differential Treatment of Reluctant Learners

14. Encourage a growth mindset

Let students know right off the bat that it’s absolutely OK to make mistakes in your classroom. Mistakes are an incredibly important part of the learning process, and embracing them is key to a growth mindset. Encourage your students to try and fail, participate even when they’re not sure of the answer, and accept feedback to learn from the mistakes they do make.

Learn more: Growth Mindset: A Practical Guide for Teachers

15. Emphasize self-care

Research shows that kids these days experience more stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues than ever before. Unreasonable expectations for academic performance may contribute to these challenges. That’s why more schools and teachers are taking time to ensure students know how to practice self-care, including getting enough rest and prioritizing their own well-being. Make sure your own classroom expectations balance academic performance with mental health.

Watch Avanti’s Video: Scheduling Intentional Breaks at School

16. Expect participation

Learning is best when it’s an active process. Passively listening to a lecture isn’t nearly as effective or meaningful as participating in a discussion or trying something hands-on. Let students know you want to hear from each and every one of them, and find ways to ensure they’re all comfortable participating at some level. That being said, grading participation may not necessarily be the way to go, so weigh your options carefully.

Learn more: Should We Grade Participation?

17. Be inclusive

The word “inclusive” can mean many things to many people, but it all comes down to ensuring your classroom welcomes, respects, and supports learning for every single student. It doesn’t always take overt actions to alienate marginalized students; it can be as simple as poor word choice or the inability to see themselves reflected in your learning materials. Expect students to foster a sense of inclusivity in your classroom, and start by doing so yourself.

Watch Avanti’s Video: Understanding Students’ Backgrounds and Interests

18. Model good behavior

Be the person you expect your students to be, and try not to ask something of them that you wouldn’t do yourself. If you do need to make an exception to a rule (say, using your phone in class), acknowledge and explain your actions. Respect is a two-way street, and “because I’m the teacher” is never a good answer when you’re trying to build relationships.

19. Recognize success

We’re always quick to point out rule infractions, but why not recognize when students are following them perfectly too? You might say, “I really appreciate that everyone came to class completely prepared today,” or “Thank you so much for listening quietly during that presentation.” Sure, these might just be things they should be doing anyway, but a few words of appreciation and positive reinforcement can go a long way.

Learn more: Ways To Encourage Good Behavior, Without the Junky Prizes or Candy

20. Keep your eye out for new ideas

Building a classroom culture you and your students love spending time in is an ongoing process. Keeping high expectations for your students is tough, but help is available! Definitely head over to Avanti by Solution Tree. With over 700 quick strategy-based videos on every topic teachers need, you’ll have all the great ideas you need. There’s always something new being added, and there’s a great community of educators to connect with. It’s a perfect way to keep learning new ways to improve as educators in a time and manner that respects everything teachers already do for their students.

Visit Solution Tree today to see how they’re making professional development content that actually works for today’s teachers.

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30 Best Classroom Rules for Students

1. Choose your keywords carefully

2. make them clear and understandable, 3. communicate them to your students, 4. adjust them based on classroom feedback, 5. do not go overboard, 6. use effective discipline strategies, 7. do not use the same set of rules in every classroom, 8. make them easily accessible for students, 9. do not let the rules take over, 10. start at the beginning.

Do your students struggle with following rules? Is it hard to make them understand that your class rules are non-negotiable? You’re not alone! Luckily, there’s a solution. With effective classroom rules , you can benefit both your students and yourself. Creating these rules can be tough, but we have the tips and tricks to make it easier.

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Why are Classroom Rules Important?

Well, there are many reasons why you should have classroom rules. Here are just a few:

1. Sets expectations and consequences

Establishing rules in your class will create an environment of respect where students know what to expect from you and vice versa. It creates boundaries and clarifies that the classroom is not a place for anarchy or chaos. You can limit rule-breakers by enforcing consequences as outlined in the rules.

2. Give students an overview of the class period

Everybody likes to be in control of their day. It is not only helpful for you but also for your students when they know what comes next. You can easily plan out a class period, considering all the activities you have prepared and how long each one will take. An overview of the period will help keep your students on track and increase their engagement in what is being taught.

3. Reduce behavior issues

Classroom rules are a great way to manage behavior issues in class. They put all students on the same page, so they know what is expected and can adjust accordingly. If there are consequences for not following the rules, students are less likely to act out in class.

4. Increase productivity

You will see your students more engaged when they know what is expected of them. They will not be wandering around or looking for directions on how to spend their study time. Having class rules makes it easier for you to manage your period efficiently and accomplish what you came in to do.

List of 30 Classroom Rules

Now that you know the benefits of having classroom rules let’s look at some of them. We have compiled a list of 30 basic classroom rules for your consideration. Let’s dive in!

1. Arrive on time for class.

2. Raise your hand to speak or volunteer.

3. Follow the dress code of the school.

4. Do not cheat or copy other people’s work.

5. Complete all assignments.

6. Listen to the teacher when being spoken to and answer the question.

7. Respect everyone in the class.

8. Keep your hands, feet, and objects to yourself.

9. Respect the school property.

10. Keep your language clean and appropriate for the classroom setting.

11. Do not leave your seat without permission.

12. Do not eat or drink in class (except for water).

13. Follow all classroom procedures and routines without reminders.

14. Ask for help if you do not understand something the teacher just said, and be respectful while asking for it.

15. Be on time for every assignment or test (except for medical or other emergencies).

16. Do your best work each day, regardless of how much time is left in class.

17. Maintain positive behavior towards classmates and teachers at all times.

18. Address any disruptive behavior immediately and respectfully.

19. Treat others how you want to be treated, with kindness and respect.

21. Refrain from interrupting the class during instruction or group activities.

22. Listen to what the teacher says and follow directions carefully.

23. Clean up your desk and dispose of trash properly after lunch.

24. Tell the truth!

25. Raise your hand if you have a question and wait to be called on.

26. No one should ever be made to feel bad about who they are.

27. Respect each other’s ideas and opinions even if you disagree with them.

28. Work quietly during independent study time to avoid disturbing others.

29. Follow the classroom seating arrangement and stay in your assigned seat unless instructed otherwise.

30. Report any issues or conflicts to the teacher immediately instead of trying to handle them on your own.

And there you have it, 30 classroom rules that are sure to keep your students engaged and productive in class! You may find that some of the rules apply only to specific subjects or grade levels. Feel free to modify the rules that do not apply in your classroom. Now let’s learn how to create your own set of rules that work best for you and your students.

What’s the Best Approach to Create Class Rules?

Now that we’ve covered why class rules are essential let’s talk about how to create them. There is no one-size-fits-all approach; depending on your teaching style and what you want to accomplish in class, they can be either strict or flexible.

Rules that are too strict or not suitable for your class

There is such a thing as too strict. If you already have behavior issues in your classroom, no rule will help you unless you make significant changes to how your students perceive and understand the purpose of the common school rules. Depending on what kind of class this is, it can be challenging to have suitable rules for every student. Sometimes the number of pros does not outweigh the number of cons.

Rules that are too flexible or not respected by students

Having flexible class rules will make your students want to take advantage of them. And if you do not respect them yourself, they might not be very effective. It can create a hostile environment in your classroom when these general classroom rules are not taken seriously by you or your students.

How to Develop Classroom Rules That Promote Positive Expectations?

To establish classroom rules for students that work for everyone, it is best to know what kind of class this is and how strict you need them to be. Everyone adheres to different expectations, so do not force yourself into a specific model. If you do not want to have a rigid list of rules, that is perfectly fine. You can still have a positive class culture by being flexible with the guidelines and focusing more on students’ behavior rather than their actions.

Here are some simple steps you can take to get started:

Before anything else, you need to decide what words you will use when talking about the rules. Your students need to know that these are not just guidelines but actual expectations they must abide by. You can refer to them as your “classroom guidelines” or “classroom policies.” Regardless of what words you choose, make sure that your students are aware of what these are.

The next step is to make them clear, especially if you are coming up with a list of more than one rule. Use words that are easy to understand so students do not get confused or misinterpret rules on their own. You can also create a presentation or handout with examples of the rules in specific situations so students know how to react.

After setting up your list of rules, communicate them to your students clearly and often. Keep a copy of them where all of your students can see and post reminders around the classroom that they can refer to. Regarding class rules, repetition is vital to reinforce them with your students.

Based on their effectiveness, you will learn what works well in your classroom and what does not. Make changes to improve them along the way instead of waiting until the end of the semester or school year. You can also adapt or adjust them according to feedback from your students so they are more comfortable with them.

Having too many rules can have the opposite effect, so it is best to keep it simple. If you have trouble coming up with enough rules, focus more on behaviors instead of actions. For example, if a student does not follow nonverbal cues like raising their hand or staying quiet during class discussions, that is the behavior that needs to be addressed.

Instead of worrying about your class rules, focus on how you will deal with breaking them. There are many ways to address poor behavior and discipline students accordingly, so do not get stuck on the number of rules you have for them in particular. They need to know that the rules are not there to make their lives more complicated but to help them succeed in class and beyond.

Related Reading: Ways to Implement Restorative Practices in the Classroom

Your students will notice if you are using exactly the same set of rules with other classes or teachers, so it is best to make them personal to your own teaching philosophy. You can always start with a list of rules from another teacher to use as a base, but make them your own by adding or removing certain ones along the way.

Ensure they are easily accessible and available for your students so they can refer to them when necessary. Having physical copies in several places, like on the front or blackboard, at their desks, or in a binder will make them easily accessible.

Remember to keep things balanced by not letting the rules become too much of a focus for your students during class time. It is equally essential to provide positive praise when they are following through with necessary actions or behaving well.

Some teachers like to start with rules during the first few days of class, but others prefer to wait until later on when their students are more comfortable with things. You can even use them right away if you know your students will be different and need an adjustment period. It all depends on how well they work for your specific students.

11. Make them age-appropriate

Think about what sort of rules will be the most helpful for your class and their needs. They should be age-appropriate, so if you are teaching elementary school students, then using complex phrases or words that might go over their heads is not recommended. When in doubt, picking ones that are familiar to them, like “raise your hand before speaking” or “come to class prepared for lecture,” will be helpful.

How To Uphold Classroom Rules?

Many teachers wonder how exactly they should keep their students in line when it comes to following classroom rules, so here are some effective methods.

1. Give consequences

When students violate the classroom rules, you should address them by giving them a consequence appropriate for their actions. If they did not follow one of your classroom discipline rules, just explain why and what the rule is in general so they understand it better.

2. Use positive reinforcement to reward good behavior

Teachers who use positive reinforcement with their students find that the students do not need as many consequences because they are already doing well! Make sure to compliment good behavior when you see it or hear about it, but avoid saying negative things about bad behavior since that might make them think acting out is okay.

You can even give tokens throughout the day to those who behave well, which will turn into credits at the end and can be used for special privileges like a student of the day, going to recess early, or choosing their own seat.

3. Track class performance

The key to being effective with classroom rules is to have a system that works for you and your students, so be sure to track their performance during the school year. You can use SplashLearn to get insights into how your students are performing as a whole as well as individual students so you can understand where they need the most work.

4. Be consistent with consequences and rewards

It is imperative that you are consistent with enforcing your rules and rewarding good behavior if you want them both to work well within your students’ lives at school! Ensure that you follow through with all punishments and rewards that you set forth, or else they will not encourage compliance.

5. Keep things positive

From day one, it is important to maintain a positive classroom environment where your students feel safe and comfortable so they do not want to act out as much as possible. Once you have established this type of classroom, you will see that most problems can be solved without needing consequences because they will be minimal in the first place.

6. Be patient

Remember that it takes a lot of time and patience to get through this process, so do not get frustrated if there are still problems from time to time. Talk with your students about the rules before starting class, and have them help you develop ways for problem-solving. By keeping the lines of communication open, you will be able to resolve issues as they happen, so you do not need to punish anyone.

7. Involve parents in reinforcing classroom rules 

Collaborate with parents to reinforce classroom rules at home. Regular communication with parents about their child’s behavior and progress helps create a consistent environment between school and home. This involvement ensures that students understand the importance of following rules and encourages positive behavior both in and out of the classroom.

8. Be prepared for emergencies

Unfortunately, even the best classroom rules and students can lead to accidents. Because of this, you must have a plan for how your class will handle emergencies before they happen so you are ready if anything happens. The more prepared you are ahead of time, the more effective you will be during an emergency.

The list of classroom rules can be endless, but here are 30 basic ones to help you start or refine your own. From simple rules like “raise your hand before speaking” to complex concepts like teaching students how their brains work, these principles can lead to higher success in school. 

Though it may seem daunting, applying these rules often results in less stress for teachers. If you have any additional rules, let us know, and we might add them to the list!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How can you make rules meaningful to the students.

Kids are easy to please, and science proves it! So many factors come into play when making rules meaningful to students. We suggest that you allow the students to have a part in making the rules. When that happens, everyone feels as if they have a stake in what is happening and that things are fair for all. In addition, they will feel as if their opinion is heard and valued by you as an educator.

How do I make sure students trust what I say?

Teachers must have credibility within their classrooms. If you are the teacher, then it is your goal to gain your students’ trust so that they listen to you when you need them to. There are several ways for you to do this. First, create a classroom culture where your students know that what you say goes and will be enforced. Second, never say something that you don’t mean. If you do, your students will quickly learn to ignore you when needed. Lastly, make sure to follow through with the consequences you make known ahead of time!

How many classroom rules should you have?

We all know that too many cooks in the kitchen spoil the broth. The same is true when it comes to classroom rules. Teachers who can get their student’s attention quickly without saying too much usually have fewer rules. However, this might not fit every type of level or age of the student. In addition, teachers should consider what their school expects from them regarding rules. In the end, no one can say for sure how many rules you should have in your classroom. It is best to consider all of the above and then create a list that works for you!

What is the most important rule to have in the classroom?

That all depends on what you are trying to accomplish as a teacher. For example, some teachers might say that their most important rule is “raise your hand before speaking.” In our opinion, this would be beneficial for students who have trouble staying focused or might not know when it is their turn to speak in class. If you are working with students who have trouble keeping their focus, that might be one of your most important rules.

What are the 5 P's classroom rules?

The 5 P’s classroom rules are: Be Prompt, Be Prepared, Be Polite, Be Productive, and Be Positive. These guidelines help maintain a respectful and efficient learning environment.

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36 Creative Ways to Introduce and Explain Classroom Rules to Students

Many educators agree that the first month, the first week, and the first day of a new school year set the tone for success for the rest of the year. Creating a sense of community and empowering our students begins with those opening lessons. For many of us this means establishing your classroom norms - or classroom rules. I want to share my expertise and experience with establishing rules for your classroom.

In this blog post, I will share some ideas on how you can have a great opening of school and begin establishing a trusting, caring classroom culture which includes easy to follow classroom rules and procedures that work for everyone. I will also provide tips for preparing engaging lessons to introduce these rules.

I have brought together 36 ways to introduce and explain classroom rules to students. There are two sections:

• 12 general tips for introducing classroom rules
• 21 hands-on tips for changing up rules

Both parts will contain free, and ready-to-use lesson materials on classroom rules. Many of the digital exercises highlighted in this blog post are created with BookWidgets . Sign up for a free BookWidgets account (if you don’t already have one) and duplicate these lesson ideas, which will allow editing. Make sure you navigate to your BookWidgets dashboard and join this group . There are so many ready-made lesson activities waiting there for you to use. If you already use BookWidgets, scroll down 👇 to the first part to jump in and start planning. If you are new, keep reading 🤓 to learn more.

What is BookWidgets? With BookWidgets, teachers can create over 40 interactive exercises and auto-graded assignments with over 35 different question types . All teachers from all courses can use BookWidgets. Teachers can easily integrate BookWidgets inside Google Classroom, Microsoft Teams and many other Learning Management Systems. The integration enables teachers to follow student progress in real time when they are working on a BookWidgets assignment. This way, teachers can quickly guide their students in the right direction when they need help. BookWidgets is being used by teachers all over the world for daily activities, asynchronous work and both summative and formative evaluation. The grading dashboard allows teachers to review student work efficiently and easily give comprehensive feedback.

12 General tips for introducing classroom rules

Classroom rules are vitally important and may be the first lesson you teach 💡 on the first day of school. You probably have classroom rules prepared or some ideas for classroom rules. If you need inspiration, you’re in for a treat!

Tip: When I provided professional development to new teachers, I began by asking them to write down their classroom procedures and expectations. ✍🏽 We then collaborated to create rules and guidelines to ensure that these procedures would be successfully implemented throughout the year. - Sheryl Place

1. Clearly state and post your classroom rules

2. Use the power of the Internet

3. Explain consequences for not following rules

• Think about the rule you didn’t follow. Why did you break the rule? Have a conversation with your teacher about this.
• What could happen if you were not respectful to a classmate? Have a conversation with a classmate about respect.
• Think about why it is important to walk, not run in the classroom. How would your teacher and classmates feel if you were hurt? Draw a picture or write a letter about this.
• The consequence for turning in your work late is a call home. What would you say to your parent/guardian? Share your message with your teacher.
• The first time you are tardy to class, you will receive a warning. Speak with your teacher about why you were tardy and how you might be able to avoid this in the future.
• Lab procedures are in place to keep you and others safe. Draw a picture of a lab procedure and its importance. Share with your teacher.

4. Create positive rules

5. Keep rules simple

• Anyone arriving to class will be issued a warning, then after the second time a detention will be given. Keep the rule simple: Please arrive on time.
• Using inappropriate language, interrupting, shouting will not be tolerated. Instead, keep the rule simple: Be courteous to others.

This post , geared for early learners, provides 6 simple rules.

6. Less is more

7. Ensure understanding of rules and norms

8. Collaborate

Take a look at this “digital rules form” I created below. ⬇️ Colleagues can fill it out to help each other think and plan. You can use it yourself as you’re asking your fellow teachers and administrators to provide input on classroom rules.

9. Go digital

Depending on your classroom, access to technology and age of students, you can share digital copies by posting them in a learning management system (Google Classroom and Microsoft Teams are two learning management systems). Use QR codes for students to scan and then receive a digital copy of the rules - bonus depending on school policies, place a QR code at your classroom door for parents to scan; share on a teacher or school webpage.

10. Think big picture

11. Remember the soft skills

12. Engage all stakeholders

For example in my classroom, I make a welcome phone call home to every student‘s contact number during the first week of school. This did take a lot of time, I will be honest, but having the first contact be a positive one really helped if any discipline or classroom problems arose later in the year. In the end I found it time well spent.

This post is from a first year teacher on making the opening of school phone call home. The only change I would make in the suggestions: don’t give up your lunch time to make calls home. Lunch and brain breaks are very important for your teacher health. Other ideas on a positive first contacts with stakeholders are:

• Create a welcome video in Flip
• Slide a welcome note in your students’ agendas
• Create a digital quiz about yourself so stakeholders get to know you not only as a teacher, but also as a person.

24 hands-on tips for creating classroom rules

Now that you have some ideas and direction for your classroom rules, let’s get busy. Check out this list of actionable, concrete tips on classroom rules👇🏼 that you can select from to create your personalized action plan for classroom success.

I have always believed in the power of connection over content, so I encourage you to use these first meetings - whether face-to-face, remote, virtual or hybrid to begin forging connections with all students. Search out the shy introvert, the pop-tarts and the benchwarmers. These connections made in the early days will organically create a culture of caring where rules and expectations are adhered to with ease.

I encourage you to review the CASEL guide to “Establish Discipline Policies that Promote SEL” which includes a rubric to help “align policies and procedures to promote SEL” . If you are new to education check out Henry Wong’s The First Days of School (good to revisit for veteran teachers, too!)

13. Have students help with the rule making process

Here is an interactive mind map and two other ready-to-use lesson ideas that you can use with your students. 👇

• Classroom rules ranking worksheet
• Padlet classroom rules board - Padlet is an awesome free classroom collaboration tool.

14. Create a cue point video

15. Create a digital rule/expectations book

16. Create a digital quiz/game

Here’s also an example of a classroom rules quiz .

17. Create a video

Which brings us to our next tip…

18. Student-created videos

19. Create a digital bundle

It is possible to do so much with BookWidgets. Read on to find more interactive lesson ideas on sharing classroom rules with students. Students (and perhaps even parents) can review the entire bundle, sign and return papers and activities digitally - let’s move from the copy machine to the screen - save paper; save time; stress less during the opening of school. I can already see how much time you will save! Here is a digital rule book example.

20. Get classroom rules signed

Check out this digital rules agreement below 👇

21. Use memes

22. Puzzle it out

Pro tip: Create a jigsaw puzzle for every rule in your classroom. Students will have a blast getting to know your rules.

23. Hangman / Snowman

25. Pair matching

26. Randomness spinner

You can also add two wheels with written rules and start a classroom discussion. Spin the wheel and two rules will pop up. Which one do your students find more important? Why? This way, you listen to your students when attaching value to certain classroom rules.

27. Course syllabus

28. Lab procedures

Check out this randomness widget with the danger symbols. Do you know them all?

29. Use QR codes

QR codes are great for young learners, emerging readers and those learning a new language. QR codes can link to rules, videos, reflections - if you can think of it you can create a QR code for it. Depending on school policies, place a QR code outside the classroom with a link to classroom rules and syllabus for parents to preview and digitally sign. Bonus: This may also reduce classroom interruptions during planning days prior to the opening of school. Also, in class, create QR codes with links to classroom rules. Check out this blog post for more creative ways to use QR codes in class.

30. Try out the target language

31. Integrate literary techniques and figurative language

32. Insert emojis and symbols in your document

33. Create a poster

34. Create an interactive rules poster

Go check out this interactive classroom rules poster! 👇

35. Be inspired

36. Use free classroom management apps

Now that you have ideas for your rules in hand, you are ready to think about the first days of school. 📆 Check out this blog post for 20+ ready to use digital lesson activities for the first day of school and this post for even more general ideas on rules and classroom management.

Welcome to the new school year! 🙋🏽‍♀️ We can’t wait to see your journey. Don’t forget to join our BookWidgets Blog group to see all the awesome activities that we have shared in this post with you. You can duplicate them, adapt them, and share them with your students.

Remember, sharing is caring - 👨🏻‍❤️‍💋‍👨🏾 maybe you have the perfect widget for the opening of school- don’t hesitate to share your creative widgets by posting them in this Facebook Group . If you are not a member, join now. We are looking forward to seeing what you share and create. My hope is that you found some innovation, inspiration, and imagination in this post. Which of these ideas is your favorite? 🤩 Let us know on Twitter: @ibookwidgets .

Continue to be awesome. 🎉 Let’s Learn Together! 👩🏻‍🏫 ~Sheryl

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Creating Clear Classroom Rules and Expectations

Clear classroom rules and expectations are essential for creating a positive learning environment. Students need to understand what is expected of them and what behaviors are acceptable in the classroom. Creating clear classroom rules and expectations can help prevent disruptive behavior and promote a positive learning experience for all students.

The Importance of Clear Rules and Expectations

Clear classroom rules and expectations are important for several reasons:

• They help establish a positive learning environment: Clear classroom rules and expectations help students understand what is expected of them, which helps create a positive learning environment.
• They promote positive behavior: When students know what is expected of them, they are more likely to behave in a positive manner.
• They prevent disruptive behavior : Clear classroom rules and expectations help prevent disruptive behavior by providing guidelines for behavior.
• They help build trust and respect: When students know what is expected of them, they are more likely to trust and respect their teacher.
• They help create a sense of community: When students understand the rules and expectations, they feel like they are part of a community that values respect and positive behavior.

Steps to Creating Classroom Rules

Creating clear classroom rules and expectations requires careful thought and planning. Here are some steps you can take to create effective classroom rules and expectations:

Step 1: Involve Students in Rule Creation

To create classroom rules that are meaningful to your students, it’s important to involve them in the rule-making process. This can be done in a variety of ways, including brainstorming sessions, class discussions, or surveys. Ask your students what they think the rules should be and encourage them to share their thoughts and ideas. Once you have a list of potential rules, have your students vote on the most important ones to include.

Step 2: Keep the Rules Simple and Clear

When creating classroom rules, it’s important to keep them simple and clear so that everyone can understand them. Use simple language and avoid using complex or confusing terms. Make sure that each rule is specific and addresses a particular behavior or action. For example, “Be respectful to others” is too vague, while “Keep your hands to yourself” is specific and easy to understand.

Step 3: Use Positive Language

When creating rules, it’s important to use positive language. Instead of telling students what they can’t do, focus on what they should do. For example, instead of saying “No talking in class,” say “Raise your hand to speak.” This helps to create a positive learning environment and encourages students to follow the rules.

Step 4: Post the Rules in a Visible Location

After you have created your classroom rules, it’s important to post them in a visible location in the classroom. This can be on a bulletin board or poster that is easily visible to all students. Make sure that the rules are prominently displayed so that students can refer to them as needed.

Step 5: Review the Rules Regularly

Creating classroom rules is just the first step. It’s important to review the rules regularly so that they remain fresh in students’ minds. Consider reviewing the rules at the beginning of each week or at the start of each month. This will help to reinforce the rules and ensure that everyone is on the same page.

Examples of Rules

Here are some examples of classroom rules that promote positive behavior:

• Be respectful: This rule can be broken down into specific behaviors, such as “listen when others are talking,” “use kind words,” and “keep your hands to yourself.”
• Be responsible: This rule can include behaviors such as “be prepared for class,” “complete your work on time,” and “follow directions.”
• Be honest: This rule can include behaviors such as “tell the truth,” “admit when you make a mistake,” and “take responsibility for your actions.”
• Be engaged: This rule can include behaviors such as “participate in class discussions,” “ask questions,” and “take notes.”
• Be safe: This rule can include behaviors such as “walk in the classroom,” “keep your hands and feet to yourself,” and “use materials appropriately.”

Clear classroom rules and expectations are essential for promoting positive behavior and creating a positive learning environment. By following these steps and using these examples, you can create classroom rules that are clear, simple, and effective. Remember to involve your students in the process, keep the rules positive, and review them regularly to help ensure a successful learning environment.

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Classroom Rules Q&A

In many classrooms, after the children and teacher create classroom rules during the first weeks of school, they revisit the rules at various points during the year. When do you do this with your students, and what’s your purpose and process?

A: In addition to calling attention to our rules every day, there are three times during the year when I revisit the rules with the students formally. The first time is after the first six weeks of school, to see whether the rules need fine-tuning. The second and third times are right before winter break and right before spring break. I find that children have a harder time maintaining self-control when they’re anticipating the breaks, so the purpose of these check-ins is to re-emphasize the importance of the rules.

At all three times, I relate our task to how adults take their cars to a mechanic for routine care. I explain that just as a mechanic checks over a car to keep it running smoothly, we need to check over our rules to keep our classroom running smoothly. In our first check-up of the year, the children write their opinions about how the rules are working, then we have a discussion without attaching names to the opinions. By the second and third check-ups, the children are usually more assertive and there is a stronger sense of community, so we hold class meetings in which the children spontaneously share their thoughts and concerns about the rules.

Ramona McCullough teaches fourth grade at Poplar Tree Elementary School in Chantilly, Virginia. She is a Responsive Classroom certified consulting teacher.

A: In our music classes, the children created rules just as they created rules for their regular classroom. Then, at various times of year, we would revisit the rules as needed. For example, around midyear, many of the classes would be involved in six weeks of performance rehearsals. This was sometimes a disorienting time for students because they were often in unfamiliar rooms with students and teachers from other classes. So when the rehearsal weeks ended and we returned to our regular music class routines, we’d always review our rules. This seemed to re-center the students on the expectations for our music class.

Revisiting the rules usually took only ten minutes. We would re-read the rules, then I’d ask whether the rules were still working for us, and whether anyone thought we needed to add or delete anything. Usually the children were happy with the rules as is. Still, this review and reflection reminded the children that our rules are a working document, that we bring them to life every day through our actions, and that we can go back and change them if they aren’t working.

Jen Hansford was a preK–8 music teacher at Yavneh Day School in Cincinnati, Ohio, for five years. She is a Responsive Classroom certified consulting teacher.

A: The student learners and I talk about our rules in different situations all year long. But in January, we revisit the rules in a formalized way because that’s when we stop to think about our hopes and dreams—whether we’ve achieved the ones we named for ourselves at the start of the school year and whether we should set new ones for the rest of the year. Since we’re revisiting hopes and dreams, it makes sense to revisit classroom rules. So we go through a rule-creation process similar to the one we used in the fall, considering everyone’s hopes and dreams and answering as a class the question, “What rules will we need to allow all of us to meet our hopes and dreams?” We usually find that the old rules will still work and so we keep them.

Even if the rules don’t change, there’s great value in this experience because it allows the learners to reconnect as a community after the winter break. It reminds them of the expectations for learning behaviors at school and the purpose behind those expectations.

Betsy Godin Conz teaches first grade at Four Corners Elementary School in Greenfield, Massachusetts.

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