Creating Class Rules 

 

Every year, there is so much to accomplish in the classroom. First, there is an intense amount of content to get through. Unfortunately, no one can predict the number of inclement weather days or if a crazy pandemic will hit, so it is vital to use every minute of every day. Second, teachers work to establish positive relationships with students. Furthermore, teachers help students form trusting, respectful relationships with other students. Third, teachers have to submit tons of paperwork, be in compliance with IEPs, and attend meetings. In order for all of this to happen, teachers need to maintain a safe, organized classroom. However, time goes so fast each day! To help have a great year and accomplish all of the above elements, creating class rules is so beneficial. With class rules, the class can operate in a smooth, respectful, hands-on format that is filled with learning! 

 

Creating Classroom Rules 

Since every classroom is different, creating classroom rules will vary. It will also vary on the grade level, teacher preference, and student maturity level. However, here are some great ways to start!

 

To help students feel empowered and involved, have the class actually write the rules. Honestly, this makes sense because students know themselves more than anyone in the room at the start of the year. They know what distracts them and what they need to be able to learn. Thus, have a conversation during the first week about what rules they want in a classroom. This can take place over a discussion, a post-it note activity, or a small group format. In the post-it notes activity, students can each write down their rules. Then, they can go over similarities. In the small group format, each group can develop a list of rules. Then, each group will share theirs to make a final list. When this format is used, students will know and understand the rules because they made them. 

 

In order to follow rules, students often need to know the consequences for breaking them. When they know what the consequences are, they may think twice before breaking a rule. However, if there are no consequences or they are unknown, students may not feel they need to be accountable to them. 

 

When creating classroom rules, students need to understand why rules are actually needed. Therefore, before establishing rules, have students think about their goals for the year. For some students, it may help them become a stronger reader. Or, it may be to make new friends. Every student enters the classroom with different intentions and goals. After sharing, the class is then ready to establish what is needed to make this happen. By giving students context, they will know why rules are needed and how the classroom will be a positive place. 

 

Reinforcing Classroom Rules 

Time is often spent during the first week of school to establish class rules. However, the rules must be reinforced all year in order to ensure students hold themselves accountable to them. To do this, these tips will be helpful when focusing on how to reinforce classroom rules. 


Students have to remember so much stuff between school and home. For instance, they need to remember what days tennis shoes are needed for gym and what days they are packing a lunch. On top of that, they need to remember how they are getting home and who will be there when they arrive. Furthermore, they have to remember so much content in multiple subject areas. Thus, a reminder on class rules is so helpful, especially when they have a new teacher and new rules each year! Due to this, a visual aid listing the rules will be a great way to reinforce the rules and expectations to students. 


With so much to remember, students may forget rules. Or, with an upcoming holiday, their excitement may override recalling the rules. Therefore it is so important to reinforce rules throughout the year as they are needed. For instance, it may be before a field trip, a guest speaker comes in, or when having an indoor recess for the first time. Or, it may be before an assembly or after a long break. Students will be grateful for the reminders! These Back to School Task Cards are a great way to review procedures throughout the year. 


Students have to see the rules and consequences implemented to know that they are important. Thus, the teacher has to be consistent. Sure, there will be times an exception needs to be made due to something outside of a student’s control. Maybe they are living in a rough area and accidentally fell asleep at school because they finally feel safe. Or, they got upset over something when they were actually thinking about their parent’s divorce. Here, exceptions may need to be made. However, for the most part, students need to be held accountable when they break a rule. This is truly the best way to help each individual student follow expectations that lead to optimal learning. 

There is so much to process during the back-to-school season. Between savoring the last weeks of summer to set up a classroom, teachers are feeling stressed out. While they want to cherish this time, they also need to begin lesson planning and getting into school mode. One of the top aspects to consider is how to establish a positive classroom climate. This begins on the first day of school and sets the tone for the year. Therefore, establishing how you want to create your class rules will be time well spent! 

 

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