For elementary students, applying student-made rules is a lesson in teamwork, problem solving and respect. A teacher might provide core rules such as "Respect Others and Their Belongings," "Follow Directions," and "Be Safe," asking students to explain what the rules mean, why they are important and the consequences for not adhering to them. Each teacher-made classroom rule may have several student-generated sub-rules to accompany it. For example, "Respect Others and Their Belongings" may have sub-rules such as "Do Not Hit" and "Don't Take Things That Don't Belong to You."
For upper grade levels, junior high through high school, student-generated suggestions may get silly, but silliness can be guided in order to make an effective set of rules. For example, students may suggest the rule "Food and Drink is Allowed," while the teacher invokes the consequence "If You Bring Enough for Everyone." This banter engages the students in classroom procedure, sets expectations and emphasizes that consequences exist.
Have students reciprocate teacher-made rules by asking certain expectations of the teacher. Of course, some students will try to manipulate the opportunity, but with a little guidance, this activity allows the teacher to hear and meet the realistic needs of students. Rules generated may include "The Teacher Should Consider the Circumstances Surrounding Late Homework" or "The Teacher Will Allow One Homework Pass per Quarter."
Student-generated rules are an authentic method to learn about democracy. In a government classroom, running a fictitious state, Studentland, complete with elected officials, teaches students about civil duties, lawmaking and the justice system. The laws of Studentland can be goofy and insignificant or realistically applicable or a combination. Perhaps littering in Studentland is punishable by a minimum penalty of community service (classroom trash duty) to a few days in Studentland Jail (a desk in the corner of the room).