Setting classroom rules and expectations with Classroomscreen

Why rules and values are important for classroom management

Classroom rules and values are often considered the foundations of teaching, as they provide the structure for learning. It is so important to set expectations and create an environment where students can thrive from day one, but it can be overwhelming! 

Guidelines for making rules and values

• Frame your rules positively. Instead of saying "Don't talk when others are speaking," say "Listen attentively when others are speaking."
• Beyond rules, establish classroom values. Involve students in this process by creating a statement like "In this class, we are kind, respectful, and curious." This not only is a more positive framing of rules, but encourages students to take these values into other areas of their lives.

Here are just a few examples of rules and values you might have in your classroom: 

• Coming to class on time
  Being on time is an essential rule. It keeps the class on track, minimizes disruptions, and ensures that learning time is maximized. When students understand the importance of punctuality, they are more likely to respect class schedules and the time of both their peers and the teacher.
• Preventing cheating or copying
  One of the primary rules in any classroom should be the importance of original work. Cheating or copying not only undermines the assessment process but also hampers the personal growth of students. By establishing a firm stance against dishonesty, you can encourage students to take pride in their work and strive for genuine understanding.
• Respect for teachers and fellow students
  When students are taught to respect their teachers and classmates, it cultivates a space where everyone feels valued and heard. This respect forms the basis for working well with others, collaborative projects, and helping each other. 

How to establish your rules

It’s crucial to set clear expectations from the beginning. Being transparent about your rules and values from day one helps students understand what is expected of them. Here’s some tips we have picked up from our teacher community…

Involve students in the process

When students are involved in creating the values and rules, they are more likely to buy into them. For instance, Classroomscreen's founder Laurens, who is a former teacher, found that involving students in the creation of classroom norms fostered a sense of ownership and accountability.

Be consistent

Consistency is key in enforcing rules. Simple and easily communicated rules are easier to maintain consistently. Ensure that your rules align with your classroom dynamics and that you are comfortable enforcing them. You can display them using our Classroom rules & values template!

Why procedures are important for a great classroom management strategy

In addition to rules and values, classroom procedures are vital. They provide a framework for daily activities, ensuring that the day runs smoothly. Here’s why procedures matter:

Ensuring smooth class transitions

Procedures help in maintaining a steady flow of activities throughout the day. They provide students with a predictable structure, which is especially beneficial for younger and/or neurodiverse students.

Providing structure and safety

Well-defined procedures offer students a sense of safety and structure. They know what to expect and what is expected of them, reducing anxiety and promoting a secure learning environment.

Aiding time management

Effective procedures aid in time management. They help in organizing activities, transitions, and classroom tasks, ensuring that no time is wasted.

Using Classroomscreen for classroom management

Setting timers for transitions

Add a timer or a stopwatch widget to measure the length of time between activities. This visual aid helps students manage their time and stay on track.

Using non-verbal communication strategies

Classroomscreen has multiple non-verbal communicators for the classroom, like the Traffic light and Work symbols widgets. The traffic light widget can be used to manage classroom behavior eg. green indicates that students are free to talk and collaborate, yellow signals that they should be working quietly, and red means silent, independent work. Work symbols can also be displayed to remind students of the current classroom expectations. Whether it’s a quiet reading time or group work, these visual cues help reinforce the rules.

Try an online classroom planner

The timetable widget is a great visual tool to display a morning routine. Having the schedule visible on the screen helps students know what to expect and prepares them for the day's activities. If you are interested in creating a long-term plan for your classroom, how about trying our weekly or monthly calendar templates?

Adjusting classroom rules and values to suit you

Not all rules and procedures will work for every classroom. It’s important to adapt and find what suits your teaching style and your students’ needs. By using editable templates, you can always modify a rule or value that does not work for your students - nothing is set in stone. Remember, the goal is to create a space where students feel safe, respected, and eager to learn.

Do you have a tip or method you would like to share with other teachers? Reach out to us by email or on social media. 

Happy teaching!