A Few Good Rules

Now that most of us are getting geared up for a new school year, it's time to think about what classroom rules need to be established.  Maybe the ones you had last year just didn’t work, and you are looking for a change.  I could recommend many "Do this or this will happen" or "Please don't do this as it will break my heart" statements, but lists can become very long and mind-numbing.  Maybe that is why God only gave Ten Commandments.  Fewer rules meant less had to be memorized.  So, maybe we need to ask ourselves: “How many classroom rules are really needed?”  

I'd suggest making a few general rules that are clear and understandable since being too specific often leads to complicated, wordy rules that might cover every possible situation. Most of the time, I post four simple classroom rules (only two words each) in my room which encompass my main areas of concern.  I find them to be more than sufficient to govern general behaviors, and because alliteration is used, the rules are easy for all of my students to remember. 

1. Be Prompt – In other words, be on time to school/class/group.
2. Be Prepared – Bring the items you need to class or to a group.  Study for upcoming tests.  Have your homework completed and ready to turn in. 
3. Be Polite – This rule focuses on how we treat each other.  Show respect for your teacher(s) and your fellow students in the classroom, in the school, and on the playground.
4. Be Persistent - The final rule spotlights the need to stay on task and complete an assignment even though it might be difficult.

If you are interested in using these four rules in your classroom, check them out on TeachersPayTeachers.  Just click on the purple letters below.  Each two word rule is written as a chart, and all are ready to download and laminate to hang in your classroom.

Four Classroom Rules

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