Why Classroom Rules Matter

Classroom rules are much more than just a list on the wall; they are the foundation of a successful school year. Clear and consistent rules set the tone for how us educators want our classrooms to run. When students understand the boundaries and what is expected of them, they will not only know how to treat one another but also be more likely to stay engaged in learning.

Involve Students in the Rule-Making Process

An effective way to get kids to follow the rules is to have them create them with you. Research shows that collaborative rulemaking helps students have a sense of belonging, take ownership of the expectations, as well as have a greater respect for the rules since they helped to create them.

This doesn’t mean that students get to create all of the classroom rules themselves; it just means that you can guide the conversation in a way that will be beneficial to the class. Here are a few prompts to help you get started.

  • What makes a classroom feel safe and welcoming?
  • What behaviors get in the way of learning?
  • How can we make sure everyone has a chance to learn?

As students brainstorm, write down all of their ideas, then, as a class, narrow them to the top 3-5. You will be surprised at how fair students are when it comes to making the rules.

Limit the Number of Rules You Have

Research suggests that people retain information more easily when it’s broken into smaller chunks, especially when it’s kept between three and five items. Think about how we memorize phone numbers; we typically memorize them in three or four digits because it makes them easier to recall. The same goes for classroom rules. Keep your list short, meaning no more than five rules at a time, and be sure to post these rules together so they are easier to remember.

Communicate Expectations Clearly

Classroom rules will not work if students don’t understand them. Take time to model each rule and show what it looks like. For example, if one of the rules is to respect others and their property, then show what that means: listening when others talk without interrupting, using kind words, sharing property, and not taking someone’s property without properly asking first.

Revisit these rules daily, especially during the first few weeks of school. Post the rules where all students can see and consider role-playing the rules to ensure students really grasp what is expected of them. The more consistent you are, the easier it is for students to remember them.

Connect Rules to Classroom Values

Consider tying your rules to values rather than giving students a list of dos and don’ts. This not only makes rules easier to remember, but it also helps to guide them into becoming caring and responsible people. Here are a few ways to frame your rules around bigger ideas, such as kindness and respect.

  • Be kind and supportive
  • Respect yourself and others
  • Take responsibility for your actions

Set a Positive Tone from the Start

Rules are not meant to control students (even though that’s what many students may think); they are meant to create a positive classroom environment. So instead of focusing on what students shouldn’t do, focus on what they should do. For example:

  • Instead of saying, “Don’t talk when others are speaking,” say, “Listen while others are speaking.”
  • Instead of saying, “No running in the classroom,” say, “Please walk safely in the classroom.”

Framing rules in a positive manner makes it easier to reinforce the behavior that you want to see.

Handle Rule-Breaking with Fairness and Empathy

Even when you collaborate with students on creating the rules, they will make mistakes and break the rules. How you respond in these moments will set the tone for the rest of the school year. Before reacting, ask yourself the following questions:

  • Was this a one-time mistake, or have you seen this happen before?
  • Does the student understand the rule?
  • Is something else going on in the student’s life that may explain this behavior?

After you’ve asked yourself these questions, calmly address the situation by giving the student a chance to tell their side of the story. Once you’ve understood their perspective, you can work together to find a solution.

Be Consistent

Consistency is key when it comes to classroom rules. If you enforce a rule one day, then ignore it the next, you will be sending your students mixed messages. However, when you are consistent, it shows students that you mean what you say and that it applies to all students.

Reinforce Positive Behavior

Always acknowledge when you see that a student has followed a rule. A simple, “Thank you for raising your hand,” or “I appreciate you waiting to talk,” goes a long way. Some teachers like to use a class-wide system, like adding marbles to a jar or earning class points when the whole class demonstrates positive behavior. Others prefer a quick compliment or note sent home.

Whatever method of reinforcing positive behavior you choose doesn’t really matter; it’s the message that you send when you notice positive behavior. Students will feel recognized, which will help motivate them to keep making good choices.

Adjust Rules When Needed

Sometimes the rules will not work and need to be adjusted, and that’s okay. Don’t be afraid to refine your expectations. Just explain to students that changes need to be made because some of the rules are not working. This shows students that you are flexible and ensures that you are trying to keep the classroom culture strong.

Reinforce Rules All Year Long

Classroom rules need to stick around all year long, not just be something you set up at the beginning of the year and let fade into the background. Don’t just remind students of them when you start to notice them slipping. Remind students of your expectations every semester or when students are back after a long weekend or break.

Classroom rules set the stage for a positive, productive year. When you involve students in creating them and try and connect them to core values, you are creating a space where students feel respected and supported.

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