Minimizing Misbehaviors through Classroom Rules

1. Minimizing Misbehaviors through Classroom Rules By Isaac Clark

2. Unfortunately, this is true for many of our students. Let’s work towards changing This! “You are remembered for the rules you break.” -Douglas MacArthur

3. Rules • Rules are guidelines that let students know what is expected of them in the classroom. These are helpful in maintaining target behaviors and preventing misbehaviors from occurring. It is the job of the teacher to be responsible for how the rules are created, where they are posted, how the are enforced, the rewards and praise that go with following the rules, and the consequences that go along not following the rules.

4. Creation Of Class Rules • Rules should address behaviors and not academic achievements • There should be no more than 3-5 rules. • Allow students to participate in the creation of the rules. • The rules should be broad and encompass observable behaviors

5. Accountability • Rules make students accountable for their behavior. • Behaviors can be monitored using weekly or daily behavior charts. • Parents of students who continue to display misbehaviors should be notified.

6. Introducing and Reviewing Rules • The rules should be reviewed. • When a student breaks a rule • When a student is doing an exemplary job of modeling a rule • In weekly/monthly class meetings • Rules should be introduced or created on the first day of school. • The rules should be posted in several areas of the class.

7. What to do When Rules are Broken • Communication with the parents: • Phone calls • Letters home • Behavior charts • Try not to send a student to the administration. Work to resolve the misbehaviors within the classroom environment. • Do not pay too much attention to first offenses of minor misbehaviors, address the student and remind them of the rule and the consequences. • If a student continues to have trouble following the rules follow through with the consequences.

8. How many Class Rules Should I have? • Too many rules can cause confusion. • Limit the number of class rules to 3-5rules.

9. Consistency of the Implementation of the Rules • Make sure you are consistent with who and when you correct a misbehavior. • Guide students in the right direction. • Students will only follow rules that they feel are enforced equitably.

10. Reinforcing the Rules • Behavior Charts • Positive Letters and Phone calls Home • Highlighting Student Behavior (Students of the Month) • Praise • Rewards • Games (The Good Behavior Game) • Instructional Choice Time (Centers)

11. The Good Behavior Game • Reinforces the rules and positive behaviors. • Promotes peer reinforcement of the rules. • Extends desired behaviors well beyond the duration of the game.

12. The Good Behavior Game (Continued) • PROCEDURES 1.Turn timer on 2. Review rules 3. Identify child and specific problem behavior in a neutral tone of voice 4. Give a check mark to child's team 5. Periodically praise teams for good behavior 6. Identify winning teams on chalkboard 7. Stamp booklets 8. Distribute or promise to distribute rewards and praise • MATERIALS 1. Timer 2. Chalkboard 3. Stamper 4. Student Booklets 5. Rules Posted 6. Daily Rewards 7. Weekly Rewards

13. Parent Involvement • Send a copy of the rules and consequences home • Behavior Charts • Letters Home • Phone Class Home • Back to School Night • Invite parents to visit the class

14. Praise • It should be authentic • Consistent • Frequently used • Reinforce positive behaviors • Praise the behavior not the student • Foster peer praise

15. Consequences • Be Consistent • Do not use any form of corporal punishment • Rules should be fair • They should be posted in the classroom • They should be discussed with the students (When a rule is broken and during weekly meetings) • There should be reminders

16. Reviewing the Rules • Review, when a student breaks a rule • Weekly Meetings • When rewards and praise are given • Rules should be posted in several areas of the room that can be easily seen by the students. • Desks • Front wall • Rear Wall • Front and Back sides of the Door to classroom

17. Environment • Limit external distractions • Make sure the arrangement of the classroom is conducive to the class rules • Limit distractions that may lead to misbehaviors

18. Peer Reinforcement of the rules • Set up procedures for students to respectfully remind their peers when they are misbehaving • Use classmates to help reinforce the rules • Praise students for following the rules Instead of pointing out students who are misbehaving. i.e.) Mike is out of his seat when he should be working on his math assignment.. Praise Asher for sitting in his seat and following directions.

19. Conclusion “Effective classroom rules will increase instruction time and help to create a healthy environment that promotes social, emotional, and academic growth. Teachers must be consistent, fair, and communicative about the classroom rules. Rules are a key element to any classroom. There is no classroom management, without effective rules.”

20. References • Jones, F. 1987a. Positive classroom discipline. New York:     McGraw-Hill. • Charles, C.M., & Senter, G. (2005). Building Classroom Discipline (8th ed.). : Allyn & Bacon, A Pearson Education Company. • Jones, F. 1979. The gentle art of classroom discipline. National Elementary Principal, 58, 26-32.  • Charles, C. M. (2005). Building classroom discipline (8th ed.). Needham Heights, MA:  Allyn and Bacon. http://www.educationworld.com/a_lesson/lesson/lesson274.shtml • The Good Behavior Game Gamehttp://www.jhsph.edu/bin/i/h/gbg.pdf • Hopkins, Gary; School "Rules"! Ten Activities for Establishing Classroom Rules, Education World, 2010.