When students know what you expect from them, it is easier to teach your material. It's not too late to reconsider your rules and procedures.
What is a rule? What is a procedure?
Rules refer to general expectations or standards for classroom behavior. The purpose is to create a strong expectation what is or is not acceptable. Some examples are:
- Bring materials to class
- come to class on time
- Listen to students when they are talking
Ideally, you should start teaching your rules on the first day of school and continue reviewing them throughout the year putting a special emphasis on the first month.
Procedures refer to a specific activity and methods for accomplishing daily routines.
Some examples are:
- policy for handing in late assignments
- policy for coming in late
- policy for working in groups
How should you go about teaching rules?
- Say the rule clearly.
- Discuss why the rule is important
- Provide both positive and negative examples of the rule
- Don’t overdo this one, but discuss the consequences
- You should have a few rules (3-4 should be enough)
Teaching Procedures
- Explain the procedure and the reason for it.
- Demonstrate or describe it.
- Provide ample opportunities to practice
- Give feedback whenever necessary
Remember the three R’s: review, repeat, reinforce.Your staff is a viable place to bring up the objectives and rules that you wish to bring into your class.
The copyright of the article Classroom Organization in Classroom Organization is owned by Dorit Sasson. Permission to republish Classroom Organization in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
