Young children are impressionable and in the beginning stages of learning how to work and play with others. Behavioral rules help children learn how to be kind to others, according to the Illinois Early Learning Project. Establish a rule that toys must be shared. Reinforce the idea of respect by requiring students to use words to communicate their feelings. Provide an appropriate consequence for children who use harmful or disruptive actions to convey unhappiness. These expectations will help children become aware of how others may be affected by their behavior. Require that children treat others the way they want to be treated. This will instill civility in the classroom and set the tone for future relationship building.
Instilling the rule of cleaning up after activities and tasks helps prevent potential accidents. A spill left on the floor from a painting project, for example, may lead to a slip and fall. Similarly, a toy left out may pose a tripping hazard. Establishing the rule that each child cleans up after playing at a learning station helps preschoolers develop an awareness of their surroundings and see how their choices can impact others. An add-on to the rule is encouraging children to talk to a teacher if a toy or piece of furniture is broken.
Meal and snack time is an opportunity to teach good hygiene habits. Preschoolers should be required to wash hands before each meal. They should also learn to wash hands after using the restroom. Teach children to recite a nursery rhyme or sing a song while washing to ensure they’re washing long enough. Additional rules at mealtime should include using dedicated, separate utensils to serve each food item. This will help prevent cross contamination of foods and keep personal germs away from meal items.
Rules discussed inside the classroom are not limited to the indoors. Preschool children look forward to active time outside, and they need to know what rules apply before heading out. The National Program for Playground Safety reports that, annually in the U.S., more than 200,000 children are hurt while playing on a playground. Learning safety guidelines at an early age helps children know how to avoid common hazards. Physical safety rules include wearing closed-toe shoes, feet first on slides, sitting only on swings and no loose clothing that can get caught in climbing equipment, according to HOPE Lutheran Church.