Rules keep your classroom running smoothly. Young children require rules that are simple to understand and easy to follow. However, even young students should be involved in the formation of your class rules. Initiate discussion by asking students about the behaviors that help make a good classroom. Question students about the behaviors that might make it hard for them to learn, and why those behaviors should be avoided. Based on this discussion, develop a set of simple rules. Post rules in the classroom. You may need to remind students about the rules for the first few days of school.
Help your students feel comfortable in your classroom and complete tasks with ease by creating a set of procedures that form a routine for each day. Determine procedures for such daily tasks as handing in assignments, indoor recess, sharing supplies and taking attendance. Instruct your students on the proper way to complete procedures, beginning on the first day of school. Model appropriate behaviors to give students a visual model to remember. You may also use nonverbal cues to let students know that they need to pay attention or perform a specific act. For instance, you might clap your hands or turn off the lights to get your students' attention. Such cues might let students know it is time to clean up their materials, or remind them to lower their voices. Over time, the procedures and nonverbal cues you use will become routine for your students; until then, be patient, and offer reminders when necessary.
Encourage students to share responsibility for the running of the classroom by enlisting them as classroom helpers, suggests Scholastic. Simple tasks like collecting papers, cleaning up blocks in the play area, delivering lunch tickets or acting as door holder or line leader all give students a sense of responsibility and accomplishment. Use a calendar system or other method to keep track of which tasks students are to perform each day. Rotate tasks so that every student has a chance to perform every task. Scholastic recommends providing pictures or other visual cues to help students figure out which job they need to do. Respond positively when students complete a task successfully.
A reward system is an effective way to thank students for good behavior and encourage students to follow the rules. Many teachers chart student accomplishments by handing out stickers or tokens that can be redeemed for a prize after a specific amount of time. Prizes might include school supplies like pencils or crayons, extra recess time or extended time at the computer.