classroom rules ideas
TRANSCRIPT
Ideas on how to implement classroom rules and positive behaviors at the beginning of the year
www.monikagruss.com.au
Monika GrussTeaching Authentically
Our Classroom
RULES!
Thinking ToolsUsing Y Charts
0 Create a Y Chart with your students and ask them
how they think their classroom should be… (How our classroom… sounds like, feels like and looks like).
0 Be sure that your include your input as well.
0 Label each comment with the student’s initials to
show who has contributed.
Monika GrussTeaching Authentically
Student InquirySelf Discovery!
0 Play a game without any rules. Sit back and
observe student’s reactions! (Get ready to blow your
whistle and jump in).
0 Get students to draw up a Y chart illustrating their
experience. Discuss with students and why it is
important for rules in all areas (e.g. classroom,
home, community, etc).
Monika GrussTeaching Authentically
Building Positive Relationships
Making Positive Statements0 When writing rules make positive
statements… Instead of ‘Don't call
out’, write, ‘Put your hand up to
speak so every one can hear and
have a turn.’
If students know why a rule is in place,
you will have more luck with students
agreeing with them. Monika GrussTeaching Authentically
Image: http://ana-abla.blogspot.com.au
Student led
Student Ownership0 Allow the students to make up their
own consequences.
You will be surprised… Students are
usually more harsh! It is also great as
you can tell the students that they
made up the rules and consequences.
Monika GrussTeaching Authentically
Image: Dr Sues – Cat in the Hat
Student Input
A Model Teacher and
Student!0 Draw a silhouette of a student and of
yourself on a large piece of butcher’s
paper.
0 Get each student to write positive
comments on how they think their
teacher and fellow students should
behave in the classroom.
Ensure all students have a go.Monika Gruss
Teaching Authentically
Creating Songs
0 Create a song illustrating the classroom rules. This
is great for students to sing to Casual Relief
Teachers who come into the grade and don't know
the classroom rules.
The example on the next slide was made up with
Junior students using the tune of Twinkle, Twinkle
Little Star.
Monika GrussTeaching Authentically
Multiple Intelligence
Monika GrussTeaching Authentically
Habits of Mind0 Consider incorporating Habits of Minds.
Brain Training
Monika GrussTeaching Authentically
I always make a huge effort of emphasising the importance of making mistakes. So many students are frightened of saying the wrong answer in front of their
peers. Celebrate mistakes so that students can learn from them and become risk takers. The art of persistence is a necessary skill needed for 21st Century
learners. I always make reference to this quote from Thomas Edison. When a student wants to give up over 1 or 2 mistakes, I point to the lights and say…
“Keep on going, you have 9 999 more attempts to go!”
Another great quote I often make reference to from Albert Einstein. Did you know that he failed Primary School? Uhuh! Interesting fact to tell your students
(First you will probably have to tell them who Albert Einstein is!)
Monika GrussTeaching Authentically
For more on general classroom ideas, visit my pinterest page:
www.pinterest.com/monikagruss
Or, if you are interested in further professional learning opportunities, please check out my website.
www.monikagruss.com.au
Monika GrussTeaching Authentically
Thank you!