The Rules Should Be Appropriate to the Grade Level
Secondary Thoughts
When crafting rules for secondary students, try not to create rules with absolutes. Words like never and always don't give you or your students any latitude when unexpected events happen. Allow yourself some flexibility within the context of any rule. This also humanizes any rules you create.
“Absolutely no talking” would be a very difficult rule to enforce in a kindergarten class where students are very verbal and very social. Making sure the rules are appropriate for your grade level also means you need to be sensitive to potential exceptions. Creating a rule for your high school social studies class such as, “All homework must be turned in on time—no exceptions” does not allow for the inevitable unplanned events that often impact an adolescent's life (sports, jobs, social life).
Be Sure All Students Understand the Classroom Rules
You might have a rule posted in the classroom such as “Respect other people.” It's important that you clearly spell out examples of that rule in practice for students. For example, you might say, “Always listen when someone else is talking,” or “Be sure to share any games with your classmates.”
It's valuable for students to know the specific types of behaviors expected of them. It's equally important that you describe those behaviors in terms and examples that are concrete and specific for the grade level you're teaching. For every rule, you must communicate in clearly defined terms and language students will understand, give the specific rationale or reason for a rule, and offer concrete examples of the rule as you want it to be practiced.
Do the Classroom Rules Enhance or Hinder Learning?
Hindering rules are often too specific: “All homework must be turned in to the blue box on my desk by 2:55 each day.” Compare that rule with “All homework should be turned in on time.” The latter rule allows some flexibility and doesn't cause unnecessary stress for students. The first rule places more emphasis on the time of delivery than it does on the actual homework assignment.
Be Sure Your Classroom Rules Are Consistent with School Rules
Although you might think it would be nice to have your students take responsibility for using the restroom on their own and want to establish that as one of your classroom rules, the school might have a policy that every student must have a bathroom or office pass to leave the classroom. Be sure any rule in your classroom doesn't contradict a school rule.
