Why Are Classroom Rules Important & Effective Ways to Do It

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If you have ever tried to manage a large group of people, especially children, then you know how difficult it is to orchestrate the harmony of everyone in the environment.

Here’s my take:

Consider the following as the primary reasons explaining why are rules important in the classroom:

To maintain order
To ensure safety
To establish a positive learning environment
To encourage responsibility
To promote teaching and learning

Classroom rules and procedures are essential for the successful outcomes of the students and the teacher.

There are various types of rules within the school building that teach students how to walk in the hallway or how to behave in the lunchroom, however, there needs to be a special set of rules designated for student order in the classroom.

Productivity

teacher explaining rules to students

If students are expected to focus on their learning, complete tasks, and concentrate on schoolwork, there must be classroom rules in place and enforced on a daily basis.

When contemplating what are classroom rules, you can determine that they are simply a specified set of guidelines in which all students are expected to follow while at school.

Class rules that set boundaries and steps for students to follow while present in the classroom will lead to better academic achievement because students can concentrate on their lessons and assignments without the distractions of student misbehaviors, such as shouting out in class.

In order to achieve a well-managed classroom environment, where students can work together harmoniously, classroom rules must be explicitly taught, rehearsed, and enforced.

Safety

Students love to ask, Why do we need classroom rules? Or What is a classroom rule?

As a teacher, I always express the importance of classroom rules that focus on safety because children can easily understand why being safe is essential, and no one likes to get hurt or experience injury.

When teaching students about school safety we look at several cause and effect scenarios:

If students are allowed to run around in the classroom, what may happen?

Student responses usually include, someone could fall, someone could get hurt, or something might get broken.

This is a great way to start an initial discussion on school rules because students, even young learners, can relate to the innate human need of being safe and prevent injury.

With older students, you can have a conversation about creating a rule that says, “Always do your own classwork.” This rule ensures that students do not cheat or copy answers from their classmates.

If a student cheats or copies, what is the consequence? Aside from possibly failing assignments or having to do them a second time, the natural consequence is that the student is not learning or developing for themselves.

When the class moves on to the next lesson, the student will not be prepared and could fall behind in their studies. Therefore, students need to realize the importance of doing their own work at school and at home.

Structure

Teaching class

So, why are classroom rules important? According to the CDC, children thrive on order and structure in their environment, both at home and at school.

When children know what to expect as well as the outcomes of their actions and behaviors, they will experience less stress and confusion throughout their daily lives.

While it may not always seem like children like to follow the rules, internally these rules are providing children with a sense of peace and order. It promotes a healthy sense of confidence that allows the students to know what is expected of them and why it is necessary.

Jump In: It is imperative that you, as the teacher, should establish a skill-centered atmosphere for your students to use so that there is a continuous flow of inputs and outputs from both sides. Proceed to my blog How Would You Address A Wide Range Of Skills In A Classroom? to know what steps to take in achieving this.

Implementation of Class Rules

Effective classroom rules will aid with the overall classroom management for any teacher. Start by setting expectations and norms.

Discuss each class rule individually and make sure students know the classroom procedures.

Modeling procedures can be very helpful in middle school or high school, but it is especially critical in the primary grade levels. Young children need to practice these procedures in class numerous times in order for it to become a natural behavior.

Rehearsing and modeling appropriate behaviors in class will prevent misbehavior and encourage appropriate behavior.

If you are a teacher, also be sure to explain which consequence is a result of each inappropriate behavior in advance. Then, stay consistent while implementing and practicing these class policies.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why do schools need to have rules?

In the same way that businesses and places of employment have standards and expectations, schools must also have rules.

Anytime you have a group of people working simultaneously in the same environment, you must have established guidelines and procedures in order for organization and efficiency.

Schools must have rules for students to follow to ensure the safety of all students and staff, as well as create a well-balanced environment that reduces stress and confusion.

2. What is a classroom rule?

Examples of classroom rules vary based on the grade level and age of the student, but here are some general rules that apply to most classrooms:

Follow directions quickly
Raise your hand to speak
Respect others
Respect school property
Be kind to others
Do your best work

Here are more examples of classroom rules educators should teach their students:

Class rules apply specifically to the classroom and every teacher can set different rules to fit their instructional style. However, many teachers implement primary safety rules or schoolwide rules first, that encourage the safety and respect of others.

If you are not sure where to begin, think about the types of behaviors you would like to see from your students.

What rules can you put in place to encourage positive choices in your class?

What behaviors or choices are least desirable to the overall environment of your classroom setting? How can specific, easy to comprehend rules help guide students to productivity in the classroom?

Importance of Classroom Rules

It is important to allow students to take some ownership over their classroom rules.

Students who participate in the creation of classroom rules and understand why classroom rules are important are more likely to abide by them when expected.

Allow students to improve their classroom behavior and create rules that they believe are important. This will help everyone to work together and agree upon the general guidelines for the class.

Many rules also have consequences when broken. It is best to think about natural consequences that are directly related to the rule. These consequences need to be established and explained in advance so students can ultimately make the choices needed to behave.

Last Updated on July 21, 2022 by Emily