Are you looking for rules that support good behavior? These Kindergarten rules are mine to share with you all.
Although we all make our own rules for classrooms, and hopefully have them up on the walls, I was struck by how teachers must teach good behavior to students.
KINDERGARTEN – SPECIALLY
Our schools receive a variety of ages from these little kids, including four- and five-year olds.
Below are some rules my granddaughter shared with our family a few decades ago. They were given the task to memorize the first week of school.
1. When someone speaks, listen.
2. Follow the Directions Fast.
3. Let's talk!
4. Respect your school, yourself and others.
5. Be safe, show kindness, and be truthful
It's a fantastic list! These are the rules that my sweet daughter shared with me in her first week at Kindergarten. Of course, it's personal when you see it as your own flesh, blood and soul.
LET'S REVIEW EACH ONE IN DETAIL HERE:
1. Listen when someone is talking.
This is a great idea for kindergarten students, who may not be used to listening to a teacher talk. Wait for other students' "says" before you cut off.
2. Follow the Directions Fast.
You may have noticed that each rule (or part thereof) is taught by the students using hand motions.
This rule… even though she made a mistake… she was quick walking and her arms were moving fast. CLEVER TEACHER! !
This little rule includes: cleaning up your desk, clearing it, picking up art supplies and moving from the carpet onto the desks.
It is important to establish a set of routines that are consistent with kindergarten students and other grades. My Classroom Routines Checklist is available for free to subscribers. Simply complete the form below to receive it.
3. Let's talk!
This rule is important to be taught in kindergarten, even though it is common for college classes to have it. A teacher will not be able to stop students interrupting one another and interrupting the teacher.
I am certain that the majority of Kindergarten students will not follow this rule until January.
The teacher must remind the Kindergarten student that she is not allowed to speak during the answer of another student. Because she wasn't supposed to talk at that moment and also forgot to give her turn.
4. Respect yourself, respect others, and respect the school.
It was a nice touch that the teacher mentioned "respect yourself" as the first item. This is Rule #4. I wish I could have been there to see it explained. The student must be able to explain why the action is disrespectful.
It's easy to explain "Respect Others", as it includes no touching, hitting, or spitting, and don't be mean. This rule includes so many important points.
"Respect the Schools" includes vandalism and taking care to maintain the grounds, restrooms, classrooms, books, and other property. The cafeteria should not be chaotic or full of trash. There are many other things.
5. Be Safe, Be Kind, Be Honest!
I like the fact that the last rule was completely focused on student.
The two listed are meant to remind students that teachers care about them. That must be so nice for the 5-year-old children. Even though my children are in their twenties and thirties, I still tell them to be safe.
The only one that's a reminder of "be kind" is the one called "BE KIND", and that sounds lovely. That one is still powerful because it involves making and maintaining friendships, playing nicely and not being bully.
Finally, "BE HONEST!" will be the final statement each student makes. This is extremely powerful.
When I was principal, I used to tell students at the end that they could have a good day or not. This saying came from an Intern mentor principal.
He was respected by me and I liked the message he sent about positive attitudes, making good decisions, and choosing to be a bad person.
Let me know one of your most powerful rules. Do you think it needs some tweaking? Why did this one make it into your top ten? Your thoughts are welcome.
My Teacher friends …..I will use a rule to conclude with
"Be Safe, Be Kind, Be Honest!"
Effective classroom rules will help you to control your students' behavior.
