Keeping students safe should be a top priority of any teacher, so each classroom must have rules that stress the importance of safety. One essential rule should be that students are required to walk rather than run whenever they're in the classroom. Running children may trip and fall or knock others over. Make a rule such as "Use walking feet when you're in school." In a classroom of young children, another essential rule is that students never leave the classroom without a teacher or parent.
Making a rule about how to take care of the classroom will not only keep the room neat and organized, but it will also teach children to respect their property. Create a rule such as "Put away your toys and art supplies when you're finished with them." Another general rule that covers this topic is "Take care of our school." This rule reminds children to be gentle and respectful in the classroom and in other areas of the school.
Students won't be comfortable and safe in the classroom if they don't respect one another. Create rules about how students should talk to each other. For instance, "Laugh with each other but not at each other" or "Use friendly language instead of name-calling." Students must also know they are not allowed to hit, bite or push. Make a rule such as "Keep your hands to yourself." A general rule that even young children can understand is "Treat others the way you want to be treated."
No teacher can effectively lead a classroom if she doesn't have the respect of her students. Students must understand that they are not allowed to talk back to or argue with the teacher or any other adults in the classroom. Make a few simple rules like "Follow directions" and "Be polite to adults." Explain to young children that being polite means saying "Please" and "Thank you" and always using adults' proper names rather than calling out "hey!"