Set rules in your classroom the first day of class, and establish rules as a classroom activity with students involved in the process. Be very clear about the rules you expect your students to follow, but be reasonable with the quality and number of your expectations. Some common kindergarten classroom rules include raising hands to speak, working quietly to complete tasks, being friendly to each other and sharing, and using materials as instructed. Phrase your rules in a positive way rather than a negative way; for example, tell your students to raise their hands to speak rather than to not speak without raising their hands.
Tell your students they’ll be rewarded for good behavior and following the classroom rules. Positive reinforcement is far more effective at promoting good behavior than punishment, so emphasize rewards as much as possible to cultivate a well-behaved classroom. Make a list of a hierarchy of rewards with input from your students. For example; students who are “caught being good” might receive a piece of candy, special privileges like getting being first in line to recess, or even a no-homework pass for the day.
Consequences must also be set to illustrate what will happen when rules are broken in your classroom. Some of your students are experiencing school for the first time and may have a hard time following the rules at first. Even kindergarteners who went to preschool often experience some difficulty sticking to appropriate behaviors. Construct a consequences hierarchy, with negative effects based on number of offenses. For example; students who break the rules once receive a verbal reminder about the rules. The next offense receives a warning, followed by a time out on the third offense. By the fourth offense, you should consider contacting the student’s parents.
Make a list with the classroom rules written in large font, and display in multiple locations throughout the classroom so your students can see the rules whenever they need to. Put up a list of rewards and consequences as well, and post it around the room near the rules sheet. Consider printing up lists for each student as well, so that they each have their own copy to look at. Be diligent about enforcing classroom rules, as a few slip-ups and failures to stick to your rules may lead to a rowdy kindergarten classroom. Distribute rewards for good behavior as often as possible, but don’t be afraid to issue warnings and time-outs for bad behavior.