How to set up effective classroom rules

Effective classroom rules will vary depending on the ages of the children involved. What works for a 15 year old will not always be appropriate for a 5 year old.

 


With this in mind, I am going to tell you a little bit about how I set up effective rules within my Reception class that were conducive to effective teaching and a calm classroom.

Make class rules inclusive:

4-5 year old children will use a variety of learning styles - visual, auditory and kinaesthetic - and so it is important to make sure that any expected rules are Inclusive for everyone in the class by making use of this. Any rules displayed included an image, words and an associated action. For example, “walking feet”, “inside voices”, “listening ears”, “looking eyes”, “kind hands”.

Involve the children in making the class rules:

It is really important to involve children in the decision making process when it comes to class rules and also consequences. At the start of a term, discuss with the class what rules they think would be a good ideas for everyone to follow and talk about why this is the case.

Use positive reinforcement rather than consequences:

Using positive praise and reinforcement by noticing children who are following the rules and showing them off as an example will lead to more positive results that a culture of negative consequences for those who aren’t. Praising in public and reprimanding in private is key.

Model the behaviour you expect:

As an adult it is important to model the behaviour expected of children. Transitions can be the most difficult time for behaviour within younger classes and helping children to recognise expectations at transition times without raising your voice is key. Use a shaker, or a clapping rhythm to alert children that it is time to stop and listen. Play a piece of music for tidy up time and a calmer piece for sitting down on the carpet and calming down. Having these recognisable routines are key for setting boundaries and expectations within any classroom and young children thrive when a routine like this is constant as it takes away an anxiety about not knowing what is happening next. Having a visual timetable displayed can make a huge difference to behaviour.


Whatever rules you decide on and put in place, make sure they are consistent and constant so that expectations are understood by everyone.

Download our classroom rules posters here:

If you're looking for ready made classroom rules posters, click on the link above to download a complete or a blank version of the poster. You can either use the rules we have chosen, or fill in your own on the blank poster. The download includes colour, grayscale and print friendly black and white versions.