Teaching Tips # 4 Use Positive Classroom Rules…

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  Use Positive Classroom Rules…

Students need to know what is expected of them in your classroom. Establish a set of rules, no more than 4 or 5, which make desired behaviour explicit; display them prominently in the room and refer to them frequently so that they don’t disappear into the wallpaper!

 The rules should tell the pupils what to do, rather than what not to do, example:

·        Don’t call out.

*Put up your hand and wait to speak.

·        Don’t walk around the classroom.

*Stay in your seat.

·        Don’t break things.

*Look after classroom equipment.

 Praise good behaviour and refer to the rule being followed. Use the rules to point out inappropriate behaviour, “Remember our rule about …”

 Have a ‘feature’ rule now and again, written on the board and tied to a special individual or class reward to be given to pupils who follow the rule.

     University of British Columbia