Establish guidelines early. During the first few weeks of school, be proactive and explain three to five guidelines. Anything more than five guidelines will overwhelm and confuse students. Remind them of the rules and enforce them consistently. Get the students involved with creating rules; they will be more inclined to follow them.
Create guidelines that promote positive behavior through positive language. For example, “Walk in the hallway” promotes a positive action for the student, whereas “Don’t run around” states a negative behavior with no positive direction. Young students are more likely to model good behavior when constructive guidelines tell them what to do.
Establish routines for specific situations throughout the day. For example, a bathroom trip where students stand beside a wall to wait their turn creates a routine. The teacher should demonstrate the routine both verbally and physically a few times so students can fully assimilate. A set routine encourages confidence, fosters independence and avoids confusion because students know what to expect.
Explain to students the rewards they will receive for following the rules and the consequences that will happen if they do not follow the rules. Give a warning for the first offense; on the second, the student should suffer the consequence. Be consistent and swift with the enforcement of the rules. For kindergarteners, stickers and pencils make good rewards. Consequences can include loss of privileges, reduction of time during recess and timeouts.