Classroom Rules for Teachers

[Md. Anikuzzaman]

Class rules need to be simple, easy-to-follow, and posted for all your students to see. One of the keys to writing great rules is to keep them general enough to cover a variety of situations but not so general that they mean nothing. For example, you wouldn't want to have a class rule that says, "Respect everyone at all times." Even though you want students to do this, the rule itself does not tell the students what you really want them to do to show you that they are following this rule.

Creating your own class rules depends on a couple of factors. You need to make sure that they are written with your own group of students in mind. Ideally, keep your rules down to a manageable limit. More than eight rules are probably not necessary, but having fewer than three rules won't be very effective.

Following are some ideas for classroom rules that you can use as you create your own. The additional information can be modified and provided to students and parents at the beginning of the year. It's also a great idea to go over each of the rules with your students during the first few days of school.

Rules for Teachers to Use in the Classroom
1. Come to Class on Time: Students outside the door and rushing in after the bell has begun to ring will be considered tardy. You must be INSIDE the door when it begins ringing to be counted on time.

2.​ Start Assignment Once the Tardy Bell Rings​: Directions will be on the projection screen or the board. Please do not wait for me to remind you to begin since I need to take roll and attend to other duties for the first few minutes of the period. When I begin class, directions for the warm up may be taken down, so don't delay.

3. Attend to Personal Needs Before Class: I have been instructed not to give passes to lockers and to limit passes, so please do not ask for a pass unless you have a true emergency. Use the restroom or stop at the nurse's office before you come to class to avoid causing disruption for your fellow students.

4. Remain in Your Assigned Seat : Throw scraps away at the end of the period on your way out. Ask for permission before walking around the classroom, for the sake of order and of safety.

5. Do Not Eat in Class: School-sponsored food sales will be permitted during the last 5 minutes of class if we are finished with the lesson and permission is granted. Be sure to ask first.

6. Bring Required Materials Every Day: Unless you have been instructed otherwise, come to class prepared. It will make things easier for everyone.

7. Talk When Permitted: Be aware of when talking is and isn't allowed. Quiet talking is allowed in some situations and speaking to the entire group without raising your hand may be allowed in others.

Students will receive one reminder if they break this rule.

8. Use Polite Speech and Body Language: Unkind teasing and impolite behavior is unacceptable  and may lead to further discipline.

9. Don't Cheat: Students caught cheating will receive a zero and a phone call home. Both the student who shares his work for an independent assignment and the person who copies it will suffer the same consequences. Students should do their own work and make sure no one can copy it.

10. Follow the Teacher's Directions​: This should go without saying, but a happy teacher usually means happy students.

Source: https://www.thoughtco.com/classroom-rules-for-teachers-6408