Soma Singh | 2011/09/23

I agree that the classroom rules are very important and need to be reiterated from time to time and consistently upgraded

irene hoffman | 2011/09/17

I am incensed by some of what I just heard on a video coming from the top. Are parent's getting their money's worth? What a distortion of the true facts in the issue! The question is, are some of them parents at all? The problem can't be poor teaching, becase now teachers are TOLD how and what to teach, to a script. So it can't be that, if they are following the scripts, and believe me when I say that teachers are strictly and constantly monitored. The problem is the the impact of negative behaviors coming fromt he society itself , the rise in disruptive students, students who have no training at home or who have poor parenting. The problem is irresponsible media exposure, video games, lack of involvement on the part of the parents. We try to help as much as humanly possible, but when all your efforts are being sabotaged the minute these children go back to their home environments it is not likely to happen. Solve that problem, and the schools will take care of themselves.

Author Jack Richards | 2011/09/02

The NEA?s ?I Can Do It? classroom management training module is a very intelligent and sensitive approach to the establishment of a set of rules that are designed to create the proper atmosphere for learning.

Molly | 2011/07/21

"First Day of School" is indeed a handy book. I use our school PBS words: Respect, Responsibility, and Connections. I would also add that you should include your kids as much as possible. That means they help write the rules, they record their own infractions, and you give them a place to voice their frustrations if they think something is unfair. It gives you an opportunity to agree or disagree and explain why and they know if there was a misunderstanding that you care and will listen, and even change your mind if need be. I think this is important in building a democratic classroom. I treat infractions like being pulled over by a cop..."Do you know why I pulled you over?"..."Do you know why I cam over here?

Jolene Testa | 2011/07/21

All of my classroom rules come under RRT. Respect, Responsibility, Trust(or sometimes I use TRUTH. If a student is out of line, I can remind her/him how that behavior breaks one of these expected rules of life and our classroom.

anny | 2011/04/27

Virginia | 2010/08/23

I work with special ed, and it is so true about being consistent and review rules, procedures, and get them into a routine. Makes my life easier if you spend the first month following your expectations.

Steve | 2010/08/19

APL should rule the educational system. What a difference that would make. Never heard of APL? Then you should check out this classroom management workshop!

Sandy | 2010/08/19

1.Be respectful 2.Be responsible 3.Be safe 4.Be your best

Sandy | 2010/08/19

1.Be respectful 2.Be responsible 3.Be safe 4.Be your best

Ann L. | 2010/08/09

I agree with how words have power and therefore instead of using the word "rules" I use "procedures" as rule breaking carries consequences and procedures are just the way things should be done without a consequence. But I like the word "responsibilities" too as it is one of our 3 rules. Respect and Safety also.

CR | 2010/08/04

I agree about the Wong book. I have taught for 13 years and re-read this every year! In middle school it is also important to have consistent expectations when working on a cross-curricular team. The more consistent the expectations and consequences the greater the chance they will be followed.

First Days of School by the Wongs | 2010/08/01

Best book ever!! This book can transform your teaching and should be read/reviewed before the beginning of every year.

First Days of School by the Wongs | 2010/08/01

Best book ever!! This book can transform your teaching and should be read/reviewed before the beginning of every year.

Jamie Starling | 2010/07/30

Only 2 focus words in my room: Respect and Responsibility!

M.B. | 2010/07/30

Regarding rules, it's important to be specific. Recommending that elementary students "Be polite" as a rule can be too vague. Specific actions, ie: Always say "please", "thank you", "may I" and "excuse me", work better, as I've seen during 20 years of teaching. Or, if that seems too "wordy", be sure to teach, model, and role play politeness, responsibility, etc. so that students know what these look and sound like. Extra time and effort in the beginning of the school year spent on role playing so students understand why rules are important and necessary is well worth it in the long run, and involving students in the formulation of rules is always a plus (even if you're just leading them towards the rules you'd like to see.)

jane | 2010/07/29

I have taught middle school and high school for 20 years.There are only two rules for both me and my students. Be courteous and be responsible. That covers everything. Responsible students are on time and have their supplies. Courteous students do not disturb others, etc.

Sue B. | 2010/07/28

The first day or two (as long as it takes) I "teach" my jr high my routines, from how I want a pencil sharpened to how to recycle, put books on shelves, when to get a drink, etc. They do not know me routines until I share them. Once they know, I hold them to it 100% of the time.

Normajean Gradsky | 2010/07/22

I prefer the word "responsibilities" to "rules" Words have power, and I let my high school students discuss how this word choice empowers them. Then, they write the list of "responsibilites" to post in the classroom.