Rules and Procedures

As a class on the first day of school we will develop classroom rules together by starting with having students independently write down on a sticky note a few rules that they think we need for our classroom to be successful and effective for all. Once students have had the opportunity to complete their list, they will work with a table partner and share and collaborate on what their classroom rules are. As a class we will form a class contract in which students, parents/guardians and teachers will sign.  Our classroom rules will be posted and displayed for all students to see daily. Students will be heavily involved in the process of creating these co-created classroom rules. Empty space will be left on the poster for rules to be added at any given time, if necessary throughout the year. Holding students all to the same standards only after teaching the rules and not before, being mindful of students' different cultural backgrounds. (Cox, 2019). Co-creating these rules allows for students to have ownership  and feel valued resulting in students being more likely to follow the set of rules and have clear understanding of expectations.

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Positive Statements:

Some examples of positive statements I can use to promote and reinforce appropriate behavior can include, “I really like how Tommy is very engaged, on-task and working independently on the assignment” or “I noticed how Carolyn walked very quietly down the hallways”, other ways to provide specific praise as to what the appropriate behavior is while not bringing attention to the non-appropriate behaviors.  For me reinforcing appropriate praise, by leaving a note on students desks, giving a student a smile, eye contact or nonverbal cues. Giving positive statements that reflect the appropriate and expected behavior and not bringing attention to incorrect behaviors but having students reflect upon what the expected behaviors are.   

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