Chapter 6: What will I do to establish or maintain classroom rules and procedures?

Rules and procedures should be established at the beginning of a school year and through the year they must be added or altered. In the Classroom During the first week rules and procedures needs to be settled. Ensure that these rules are followed. One or more of the routines and processes require alterations. With lively discussion the procedure is changed. Research and Theory A classroom is chaotic as a result of poor management not only does not enhance learning, it might even inhibit it. Rules identify general expectations or standards regarding student behavior. Procedures and routines describe those behaviors that will help realize the rules. Rules and procedures vary among classroom but are evident in all effectively managed classrooms. Inefficient procedures and the absence of routines for common aspects of classroom life can waste large amounts of time and cause students attention and interest to wane. Rules and procedures refer to stated expectations in terms of student behavior. Treat others the way you would want them to treat you would be a rule. When the bell rings for recess, line up on the left side of the door after you have put on your coat would be a procedure. Effective teachers not only plan for classroom management before the beginning of the school year but also spend time at the beginning of the school year making sure that students understand the rules and procedures. Practice procedures enough to execute them in a routine fashion. Establishing rules and procedures at hone is a point gain in student academic achievement. Utility of rules and procedures is enhanced if students have input into their design. Explain the rules and procedures as well as the reasons behind them. They should be presented to the class as a means, not ends in themselves. Action steps Action step 1. Organize the The teacher should consider the classrooms physical design before students come classroom for effective teaching to class. and learning. The arrangement should also allow easy storage of and access to materials and a clear traffic pattern for student movement. Provide flexibility. Access to learning centers, technology, and equipment. Decorating the room: promote beneficial awareness regarding room decoration. Materials: Have the following materials prepared and organized. Students desk and chairs and the teachers work area: arrangement of desks and chairs can either inhibit or facilitate learning. Actions step 2. Establish a small Only five to eight rules and procedures at the secondary & elementary school. set of rules and procedures. Construct rules and procedures for the following areas: General classroom behavior, beginning and ending of the school day or the period, transitions and interruptions, use of materials and equipment, group work, seatwork and teacherled activities. Action step 3. Interact with Important to interact with students about them from the outset. students about classroom rules Explain each rule and procedure. and procedures. Discuss with them the logic and need for the rules and procedures. Rules and procedures dont have to be necessary generated by the teacher. It might significantly increase student ownership of the management of the classroom when they set the rules. Action step 4. Periodically review Adapted as time goes by.

rules and procedures making changes as necessary. Action step 5. Use classroom meetings

On occasion a rule or procedure might have to be changed or dropped altogether. Review is necessary when students seem to be systematically violating or ignoring a rule or procedure. Classroom meetings might be schedule regularly for 10 minutes on Friday every week or every other week. Bring up issues relative to classroom management. They can shape the environment to produce a classroom that is respectful of individuals and accommodates the learning process.

Summary What will I do to establish or maintain classroom rules and procedures?

Establish rules and procedures at the beginning of the year is important

Modifying rules and procedures over time

Organizing the physical environment

Identifying a small set of rules and procedures

Interacting with students about rules and procedures

Reviewing and changing rules and procedures

Using classroom meetings