Classroom Rules and Procedures: How to Tackle Your First Two Weeks

30 desks.  Small-ish classroom.  180 school days.  You need a plan.

Perhaps you’ve heard advice like this about the start of school.

“Do classroom rules and procedures on day 1.”

“The first month sets the tone.”

“Focus on management first, then content.”

“Fantastic lessons are meaningless if you can’t get them to behave.”

“Don’t smile until Thanksgiving.”

One problem is that much of the advice you’re getting is vague.  It tells you WHAT to do — start the year with strong classroom management — without much information on HOW to do it.  

In this article, we’ll share a few ideas for HOW to approach the first two weeks with your rules and procedures.

Three elements of a classroom management plan:

1. Classroom rules

2. Class procedures

3. Norms

Note: we’ll focus on rules and procedures in this article.  To read more about creating shared norms with your students, click this link.

Element  #1: Class rules

These are your most important behavior expectations.

Rules are non-negotiable; the behavior expectations you care most about. What matters most to you? 

• Do students need to speak with kindness and respect?
• Do cell phones need to be put away?
• Do backpacks belong on the floor and not on the desk?  

Those are your rules.  

You should be willing to stand by and enforce your rules — whether it’s the first day of school or the last.  Decide on 4-6 rules.  Everything else that is important (but not as important as rules) will be covered in your classroom norms.

Common classroom rules are:

1. Be respectful of yourself and others.
2. Keep cell phones and electronic devices put away.
3. Act in a way that supports learning for all members of the class.
4. Be on time and prepared with the necessary materials.
5. Follow all school rules.

Element #2: Class procedures

Procedures explain how we do things.

Procedures ensure that everyone is on the same page.  They prevent you from explaining yourself over and over.  Procedures create a flow to your class and help put students at ease because they know how to navigate the classroom.  Procedures have to be taught and reinforced throughout the year.  

Here are some things to consider when deciding on procedures:

• • Age of your students — no matter the age, you’ll need procedures.  Procedures tend to be less detailed as students get older.
  • Subject matter — Science vs. English vs. Physical education will require different procedures
  • Classroom configuration — room layout might dictate procedures due to proximity and furniture available

Below is a list of common procedures.  (*) indicates an essential procedure

• • Beginning of class routine*
  • End of class routine*
  • Turning in work
  • Group work procedures*
  • Whole-class discussion procedures
  • Independent-work procedures
  • What to have out on your desk (and what not to have on your desk)
  • How/when to leave the room during the period (to go to the restroom, office, counselor, etc.)*
  • How to organize your binder
  • Test-taking procedures and retake policy*
  • What to do when you are absent*
  • What to do when you miss a test*
  • Evacuation drills*

Question: Do I really need to spend two weeks on rules and procedures?

Yes, but…

You won’t only teach rules and procedures for two weeks.  You’ll mix in content — see the sample schedule below.

We hear new teachers comment on “pressure” to jump right into teaching content on day 1 or 2.  It’s ok to start slowly with content, as long as you’re not neglecting classroom management.  

Element #3: Class norms

For clarity and brevity, we focus solely on rules and procedures in this article.  To read more about creating shared norms with your students, click this link.

How to Tackle the First Two Weeks

Sample schedule for the first two weeks of school:

Resist the desire (or pressure) to jump right into content.

It isn’t that you can’t teach your curriculum right away.  It’s just that you should consider prioritizing the building of your classroom culture.  Students need to be taught and understand how you expect them to interact in your classroom. 

Without explicitly teaching them this, your class is unlikely to run well.  For your students to fully engage in your lessons, you must set the foundation for them to be successful.  That begins with establishing rules and procedures.

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