Classroom Management: Rule #4

Classroom Rules

    You should have easy to remember classroom rules. Try to keep each rule at to no more than five words. There should be no more than five rules. Create a large sign with your rules and put it where every student can see it. The idea is that the rules are both easy to understand and easy to remember. They should not repeat the school rules, since all students should be following these. Example, “be on time” is not a good rule since this is true for all classes and once the students are in class; this rule no longer applies to the students.  Good rules include, “No food, drinks, gum, or editable items”.   This rule works well since not all teachers have consistent rules for editable items.  Other good rules include “No sexual, drug, violent or inappropriate topics”, “No swearing, vulgar, or offensive language”, “Show respect: teacher, others, room, and yourself”, “Raise your hand to speak”, and “Stay on task and in your seat”.  Rules do change from teacher to teacher and should be used to enhance your teaching style and classroom environment. If a student breaks the rule, write their name on the board and they have to stay after class to talk to you.  Save your classroom consequences for after class.

Classroom Organization

    Maintaining a clean and organized room communicates to your students that you are a professional. Student might think your disorganization is the reason for their lost papers. The degree of cleanliness and organization is up to you. But it is important that all school supplies be put away so they don't become a danger to you or your students. This is especially true for science lab equipment.

Student Confrontations

   Before doing anything else, ask for advice from the vice principal when working with potentially aggressive students. The placement of students who do not get along is critical to a safe classroom environment. When creating a seating chart, place students who are aggressive toward each other on the polar opposite sides of the room. Remember to place friends of the two students in areas far enough away so they will not be tempted to provoke a confrontation. If the students cannot behave themselves in your class, you must get help from the office. You need to create a safe classroom environment for all students.

* Disclaimer: Before implementing any ideas from this website, please first consult your principal and make sure they are in compliance with state laws, district and school procedures.