Allowing students to create the classroom rules is a great way to engage students in the rule making process and ensure greater understanding of the rules. There is some preparation and planning that goes into a successful rule-making session, though.
The Teacher Decides on Class Rules
The first step in allowing students to create their own class rules is for the teacher to decide on what rules he or she wants to have. While this may seem counter-intuitive, it is a vital step towards making sure that the teacher has complete control over the class behavior throughout the year.
These rules that the teacher decides on ahead of time should be thought of as more general category rules than specifics, unless there is a specific rule that must be included. For example, some rules that work well include: Respect each other, and Safety first.
First Day of School Class Rules Brainstorming Session
Once the teacher has decided on some general class rules, it is time to bring the students into the picture. The first day of school, the teacher needs to make time for the students to brainstorm ideas for the class rules. This should be a collaborative activity and students will likely enjoy coming up with the class rules.
The teacher needs to write each rule on the black board as the students suggest ideas. Every idea goes on the board. After there are quite a few ideas listed, it is time to start grouping rules together. This is where the teacher’s preparation is helpful. The students do not know that the teacher has already decided upon rules, but will readily agree that Respect each other is a great category rule for:
- Take turns talking
- Raise hand before speaking
- Do not hit
- Do not steal, etc.
Safety First can cover the following rules:
- Do not run
- Do not hit
- Keep all four chair legs on the floor, etc.
All Students Must Agree on Class Rules
The teacher needs to group the student’s rules into a total of about three to five class rules. General classroom rule standards apply and the teacher should attempt to word the rules in a positive instead of a negative. For example, Respect One Another instead of Do Not ...
If there are more than 3-5, ask the students which rules are more important and which rules do not really need to be listed. In general, most rules should be able to fit neatly in the category rules that the teacher already decided upon.
If there is a specific important rule that the students did not mention, the teacher is welcome to prompt them to add that rule during the brainstorming session. That is the beauty of brainstorming – everyone needs to contribute and no ideas are stupid. Having students participate together to create the class rules is a great way to start the school year.
Related Information:
Learn some ideas for class rules for younger elementary students.
Need more ideas? Check out classroom management tips and quick tips for student discipline.
More tips on getting ready to go back to school.
Jennifer Wagaman - Jennifer is a mother of 2 and has both public, private and administrative experience in the education field.
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