CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT TIPS EPISODE #2

CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT EPISODE #2

#RULES

Rules – hmm…… a five-letter word that elicits numerous forms of reaction from people. Our students are not left out too.

Our students sometimes have a strong dislike for rules because they see it as restrictive. Every teacher may have experienced this at one time or the other. 

To make rules acceptable to your students, consider the following points:

•            Engage the students in building the rules – don’t just spring your rules on the students. Have a class discussion. I usually make everyone sit quietly while I tell stories of motorists who do not follow the traffic rules and what usually happens to such ones. I also talk about parents who text or make calls while driving. I ask the children to tell me about the many consequences of such actions. They on their own deduce that rules are necessary, they are there for our own good. Then I ask, “Do we need rules in our classroom?”

The answer will definitely be a resounding YES! I ask why and they give their reasons. I get my paper and ask them to come up with rules and the consequences of breaking them.

Write down the rules as they take turns mentioning them and when they are done, add some of yours. These rules are written down and posted in the classroom for all to see. You can go a step further to type and print out the rules and give each student a copy. This can always be referred to in the course of your daily activities with them. 

The students will buy into it and will willingly follow the rules since they all made an input.

·       When a student breaks a rule – DO NOT PUNISH THE ENTIRE CLASS. This will hurt the children who had no part in the misbehaviour. It will also affect your relationship with them. Handle isolated cases of misbehaviour as that – just the one student and not everyone.

·       When rules are followed – offer praise (lot and lots of it). This improves behavioural performance. When such praise is sincere, students are inspired, there is a visible rise in self-esteem, your students will also want to repeat the positive behaviour.

·       Reward positive behaviour – a high five, a sticker, a special pencil or pen – whatever you can come up with. For me, I plan using brag bracelets (something new for me) or cards (worked effectively in the past). Just be creative. When your whole class or 85% to 90% of your students exhibit positive behaviour, you could hold a class party to celebrate.

You can also send a message to or call the child’s or children’s parents. Say something positive. The parents will praise the child/children at home, and the children will be eager to get more positive feedback from you. When that is the case, you have a classroom filled with students who will almost always display positive behaviour.

What classroom management strategies have worked for you when it comes to classroom rules?

Please share with us. Leave a comment below.