Classroom Rules and Regulations

Classroom Rules and Regulations

                I think a main point of putting rules, regulations, procedures, and norms into practice is first by explaining your high expectations for behavior as a teacher. If you first exhibit that your classroom is a realm of raising and surpassing the bar, then the students will view it as such.

                One of the first actions I like to take at the start of the school year is to make a syllabus that illustrates an outline of the information that will be covered throughout the year. True, it is not going to cover everything that will be discussed in class in detail, but the syllabus gives a general outline of what I hope to accomplish. The second page of the syllabus is a page that simply reads “Classroom Rules and Etiquette”. I take the liberty of filling in a few lines of necessary and nonnegotiable procedures:

·       1)  You must always raise your hand in class in order to be able to speak. It is rude and disrespectful to your classmates and the teacher if you talk over them. Everyone has the right to an opinion and a voice. Yours will be heard, just wait your turn and open your ears, you might learn something.

·         2) When the teacher or another student believes that the class is getting too loud or boisterous, then he or she raises his or her hand and silently counts down from five to one. Once you register this motion, you should also hush and repeat the action. If the class is still loud or boisterous at the one finger mark, consequences will occur. Probably consequences that lead to not very fun book work and complete silence.

·        3)  You must always come prepared and ready to learn to class. Participation points are based on actively contributing to the classroom discussion as well as bringing all the needed materials for learning (book, notebook, tablet, writing utensil).

·         4) Respect each other and the teacher. Listen when someone is speaking, don’t talk over them. Give constructive criticism, don’t give insults. Help when someone needs it, don’t laugh and make a mockery. Be kind because everyone needs a little kindness.

After I have placed my ground rules, I ask the kids why these regulations and procedures are of such importance. I also ask what can be done to put these norms into practice, and the students will offer up any helpful suggestions. These suggestions have previously included having a student classroom monitor each week that helps diffuse tension before an outbreak begins, having a jar to put a nickel every time someone says something ugly and unnecessary (and then using that money for a good motive), using small actions to signify silence (clapping three times, then repeat or crossing your arms over your chest until everyone repeats the action), and giving the teacher an object to silence the class if the previous techniques were not working to full advantage. I was given a gavel, and I have had to use it in a few select situations this past year.

                Having the students contribute to the making of classroom guidelines shows them that they have a personal responsibility for their learning environment. This participative role in creating a healthy place for school gives a realization of how important their education is, or should be, to them for the purpose of their future. Obviously, not every norm is going to stick and at times always abiding the rules can be difficult, but there is also always a chance for redemption. It is imperative to emphasize that notion of forgiveness. Mistakes will be made, and even if someone is hurt emotionally or physically, as long as apologizes are given and received sincerely, then a difference is made. It hopefully will discourage such behavior in the future.

                From the few years’ experience that I have had in the classroom, the one norm/procedure/rule/regulation that stands out is respect. Respect for teachers and students and classmates. It makes all the difference because you don’t always have to agree, but you do have to understand. Finding understanding for a person makes it far more difficult to hate them. You may not be able to fix them or help them, but you can try to involve yourself in their life and their struggle as much as possible. Respect allows for that kind of comprehension to take place, and I’d rather have a classroom full of students that have high opinions of everyone around them than any other type of classroom. Disrespect breeds ignorance, and that is one seed I will not allow to plant in my classroom or my students’ minds.