Draft your classroom rules, and familiarize yourself with the school's rules, before the first day of class. Make sure that your classroom rules don't conflict with the rules of the school.
Consider the age group of your students when reviewing the rules. Small children are more apt to understand rules if they're presented in a role-play situation. For example, show the difference between a student who isn't listening and one who is, or show how not to walk into the classroom after recess. This entertaining method will keep the children's attention and make the rules easier to understand.
Post the rules on a poster in view of everyone. Make sure they are succinct and easy to understand.
Assemble your students on the first day of school and talk with them about the rules. Ask them if the rules seem appropriate. If someone disagrees, ask her why. Having children participate in the process of creating or approving the rules will give them a greater understanding of why they need to follow them.
Consider creating or using a rhyme to help young students remember rules. An example from CanTeach.ca is:
"We raise our hands to speak.
We work quietly at our seats.
We use voices soft and sweet.
We keeps our places tidy and neat.
We are helpful, friendly, and fair.
We take turns and willingly share."
Explain the consequences of violating the rules. Make sure the consequences are fair and consistent.
Reinforce the rules every day. In the first few days of school, picking and reviewing a rule of the day is a good way to keep the rules in the forefront of everyone's mind until they become second nature.
Have every student sign the poster with the rules on it. Or, have every student sign a paper copy of the rules that you'll keep on file.