Do any teachers out there (3rd thru 6th) have any rules for their classrooms they could share w/ me in detail?

Question

Please tell stories also

Answer 1

I teach K-5 special education, Resource Room as well as a Gifted Enrichment pull-out program.

My basic rules are very simple:

1. Come to class ready to work.
2. Respect yourself and others.
3. Six feet on the floor (four chair feet, two people feet).
4. Do your best!

The hardest rule for my Resource students to learn is "respect yourself." Most of them have come from an educational experience of constant failure, and they think they're stupid. Actually, in most cases to be in Resource room your IQ has to be average or better (I do occasionally take an overflow mild MR student). We spend lots of time talking about people who succeeded while also experiencing difficulty with reading, writing, and/or math. We emphasize our successes (I offer certificates in every type of skill for 1/2 year gains), and our strengths. For example, I had two students with average nonverbal IQ, who were unable to talk, last year. One was a 4th grader, and one was a 2nd grader. The 4th grader is an incredible mime, because of his inability to speak. So, for our puppet show, they were our set and prop masters. They did a wonderful job. Not... "oh, let him be a tree," but the guy in charge of directing others in both set/prop construction and in the handling of it all. The look of pride in thier eyes, especially when they got their own enthusiastic rounds of applause from the student body....

Answer 2

I've had the same five rules for six years. Grades 2 and 3. I always go over them on day one (and again on day 2 and 3). I am sure to review them the first day of the second week and then once every quarter and as needed (if there's a problem in the classroom ,etc). I also go over the consequences and behavior plan/routine in the room immediately after the rules. I don't just read the rules. I call on someone to read them from the chart (which is large and posted in the same place all year) and then we discuss what that means, what I expect, and examples and non examples. I also go over the school rules (which are similar) and review the Code of Conduct with them. I have three expectations for all of my students. I will list those below as well. I go over them the first day also and explain what exactly is meant by them.

Class Rules
1. Listen carefully and follow directions.
2.Respect others with your actions and your words.
3.Raise your hand and wait to be recognized.
4.One speaker at a time. Do not talk while someone else is talking.
5.Work quietly. Do not disturb others.

My 3 expectations:
1. Be responsible (for your actions, your materials, and your learning).
2. Be respectful (to everyone you meet with your words and your actions).
3. Always try your best (in all you do).

I hope that helps you. For the grades you mentioned I would suggest staying to 5 rules or less. Keep them simple and explain what you mean by all of them. Finally: BE CONSISTENT with consequences and follow up on what you say.

Good Luck!!

Answer 3

I have 3 rules in my classroom (4th grade):
1. Respect others
2. Respect yourself
3. Respect the learning process

I have my students work with me and each other on defining the scope of these rules (what "do and do not" behaviors are included in each rule). This give the students ownership of the rules and their choices and makes them responsible for classroom behavior. Caveat: I inform my students at the onset that I reserve the right to alter, add, or strike down any rule at my discretion. for example, the first rule always includes keeping your hands to yourself, no fighting, no interrupting others, etc.; the second always includes coming to me if there is a problem, not hurting yourself, not letting others hurt you, etc.; and the third always includes not interrupting me, not talking or sharpening pencils during instructional time, etc.

You do not want to have more than 5 general rules at any one time, otherwise students will not remember them all and behavior issues arise.

Answer 4

I teach sixth grade at a middle school where most of my students are viewed as at risk. My rules are short and simple.

1. Be ready to go at the bell
2. Respect everyone in the room
3. No food or drink, except water
4. Bring everything you need to work everyday.
5. Stay on task

Answer 5

Have your students "help" you come up with 5 rules and discuss them. Also POST them in the classroom in a visible spot!

Examples of mine from this year:
Raise your hand if you wish to speak, or get out of your seat.
Treat your classmates nicely.
Do your best and always be prepared with school/home work.
Speak softly.
Ask questions - there are no stupid questions!

Answer 6

Sure, I've taught for over twenty years and here's my list. You'll notice the rules are intentionally short. Students at the grades you mention won't remember elaborate rules. Best advice: Keep it simple. Okay, here's my list:
1. Talk only with permission.
2. Keep your hands, feet, and objects to yourself.
3. Respect others.
4. Stay in your seat unless you have permission to be out of it.
5. Have your books and school supplies ready at all times.
For the first rule, you'll indicate to your students on the first day that the way to ask for permission is have them raise their hand and wait for you to call on them. For the second rule, you'll indicate that no one has the right to touch another... no kicking, hitting, pushing, etc. No throwing things (that covers the objects). For rule three, indicate that respect is shown by being nice and kind to one another; words like "please" and "thank you" are encouraged. For rule four, they will gain permission raising their hand and waiting for you to call on them. Watch those kids who repeatedly want to leave their seats to sharpen pencils... they should always have three pencils ready to go. A teacher should never have a line of kids waiting to sharpen pencils. This also goes along with the fifth rule, too. For rule five, explain to students that they should always be prepared and that it's important to be ready and on time.
Your question specifically asks about rules, but you may want to also determine the consequences for students. I would recommend sharing those consequences the very first day immediately after discussing the rules. I would also not take any questions until you have gone over the rules and the consequences. Then, take any questions.
Some consequences you may want to consider: First offense, the student's name is written on the board; this serves as a warning. Second offense, the student's name is followed by a checkmark; the checkmark can mean anything you want (examples: five minutes off recess, five minutes with you before going to lunch to discuss the behavior, five minutes after school... but watch out for bus students). Third offense, a note or phone call to the parents. Fourth offense, the student reports to the office for disciplinary action.
You'll want to have your principal review your rules and consequences to be sure they conform with school district policies and procedures.

Answer 7

Most of my rules are to do with identifying own responsibilities. Such as a coloured pencil pot on each table with colour coded pencils etc. If things go missing then it is the table who are responsible and so they take more care and pay more attention as do not want to alienate their peers. Saves the arguements too.

Answer 8

I agree with changemelord. At 14 he has a value for what is his stuff and would not want to see it broken by his younger cousins. Their father should be telling his kids that they are to young to be playing with his stuff. His stuff is expensive, and not cheap toys that are easily replaced. If I were in your son's place, I wouldn't want a 6 and 8 year old playing with my stuff either. There again, if he were interested in what I was interested in at the same age, my stuff could be down right deadly for the uninformed and untrained kid to play with. If your brother doesn't like what your son feels, then he should send his kids with their own toys to play with. The adults in this situation need to be adults and act like them. Standing up for your son and his feelings is the best thing to do, and your brother should be more understanding of him. Did your brother like his sister getting into his stuff when the two of you were younger? If not, it might be a point to use now for your son, and yes it is the same thing, just different kids are involved. Your son really needs you to stand up for him in this situation.

Answer 9

Yes, im in grade 5 and im going to grade six.. well are u a teacher??

--no talking during tests--duh--
--Raise your hand up to speak
--Dont Talk Out
--No wondering around the class room
--Pick up all your garbage under your desk if u have any.
--If You make a mess clean it up
yea thats all i know ..

Answer 10

Remember rules are different from procedures. You will have a set of each.