3 Resources: Classroom Rules and Expectations
One great aspect of teaching is that we have natural breaks in the year. This can be the start of the year, each month, marking period or semester.
So, whether it is the beginning of the year or you’re coming back from winter break, it is a great time to set up or reaffirm your classroom expectations and procedures. Taking the time to implement these expectations, can set your year up for success!
It really makes an impact when you involve your students in this process! Students are much more willing to take responsibility for their classroom environment when they can participate in creating the rules and expectations for their room.
Here are some of my favorite resources: Books can be found on Amazon or Youtube.
1) How Full is Your Bucket? By Tom Rath and Mary Reckmeyer: Illustrated by Maurie J Manning
This story follows a boy named Felix, who learns everyone has an invisible bucket. When that bucket is full, he’s happy and things are going well. When it’s empty, he feels sad and angry. Different events throughout the day add or subtract from his bucket.
**Classroom Activity:
You can have a jar or bucket on your desk. When students are doing and saying positive things, you can add to your class jar or bucket. You can use:
Fuzzy Pom Poms (These are often used for crafts)
Paper Clips
Math Manipulatives
If students forget, and are saying or doing things that do not align with classroom expectations, you can take out a manipulative out of your jar.
**Hint:
You can decide if you want to attach a certain number of manipulatives to a class celebration. This does not have to be elaborate. You can take the students out for 5 minutes of extra recess or have some extra choice time in the classroom. You could do this each week or once a month, whatever works for your grade and schedule.
2) What If Everybody Did That? By Ellen Javernick & Illustrated by Colleen M. Madden
When one person does something such as littering or calling out during storytime, it can seem harmless. This book takes the reader through many examples and gets them thinking, “What if everybody did that”?
**Classroom Activity:
Ask your students to brainstorm what actions disrupt learning throughout the day? Use the Student Thinking Map and ask students to draw or write out their answers. Then, in the next column, ask students to draw or write what they can do or say instead that will help your classroom’s learning environment.
3) Classdojo.com - The Big Idea Section is one of my favorite ways to facilitate discussions about classroom rules, expectations and growth mindset!
Many teachers I have met know about and use Classdojo.com in their classroom for behavior tracking and communication with parents. However, do not forget about the Big Ideas located at the bottom of your Classdojo Teacher page.
Here you have access to short videos that talk about topics such as:
Conundrums
Growth Mindset
Perseverance
Empathy
Gratitude
Mindfulness
Moods and Attitudes
Big Challenges
Respect
Positive Thinking
My favorite idea to begin with is the Growth Mindset. This section has 5 short, 5 minute, videos that talk about Mojo’s struggles on:
The Secret About the Brain
The Magic of Mistakes
The Incredible Power of “Yet”
The Mysterious World of Neurons
Mojo Puts It All Together
** Classroom Activity: Each video contains questions to use with your class! Also, there are question cards that you are able to send home that parents can use to ask their child additional questions.
By spending some time discussing your classroom’s rules and expectations, you can ensure that your classroom is set up for success! Create an atmosphere that supports learning, no matter what time of year it is!