Reestablishing Classroom Rules

The notion that establishing classroom rules once during the school year is hardly realistic. Through the years, I have found it helpful--even necessary to reteach, model and rehearse the "Class Rules,"  especially after Fall/Winter or Spring breaks.  Students often seem to forget (or choose not to remember) the rules that they followed before the holidays.

There are many different schools of thought regarding classroom rules. There are teachers who let the children decide on the rules and how they will be implemented.  Other teachers have rules already in place that they expect to have followed.

This is strictly 'teacher preference' and both methods have merit.  You may wish to use both!

Student Discussions of Class Rules

Letting the students decide on the rules provides for 'buy-in' and ownership of the process, whereas having rules already in place enables the class to 'hit the ground running.'  Either way, it is you call -- there is nothing saying that you cannot do both as the year progresses.

I would, however, keep the number of rules down to 3 or 4, especially during the first days of school.

You  might wish to start with your own "ground rules."  These are things that are important to you to maintain control and support your teaching. You can tell the students at the start that later on that week or later in the term, they will be asked to discuss and develop a new set of class rules.  If you choose to do both, students will have a chance to "try out" the rules and to think about what is important to them for a pleasant classroom experience in the classroom.

In the first days, making the class rules the central focus of the class hours can be very fruitful.  Give the students a chance to discuss the reasons and purpose for a given rule, the disasters it might help prevent, and the consequences if a rule is not followed.  Keep asking questions and help the students to imagine circumstances in which the rules help.

ACTIVITY: First Day Focus on Class Rules

One of my first day activities involves the children in discussion of the rules.  I supply art materials -- paper, colored markers or pencils, etc.  -- so that they can illustrate what each rule "looks like."  I give them different settings and ask, "What does this rule look like in the classroom?  In the hallway?  In the cafeteria?  On the playground?"

After the students have had the chance  to draw or write comments, as a whole group, we compile information on a chart.  I keep the chart posted where it is visible and use it to reinforce the rules during the first weeks.

A final thought about rules...

Not only do class rules need to be taught, modeled and rehearsed to be truly effective, but the teacher needs to be consistent and fair in applying them.

What I have found with respect to Class Rules is that spending a lot of time on the rules upfront during the first days of school, and reviewing them often in the early weeks, helps avoid ongoing headaches through out the rest of the year!

All the best,

Steve 

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How to Implement Community Building Activities for Elementary School Children

Community building activities are designed to help students know one another and work together. When you promote team building and cooperation among elementary school children, you give them the opportunity to develop their interpersonal skills with kids from other homes, backgrounds, and cultures.

Apart from working as a team and establishing relationships, being able to build trust is important in school. And with the right mix of community building activities, you can prepare students for the new life ahead of them.

Why are Community Building Activities Important?

At the beginning of a new year, schools welcome new students and encourage their already-known students to interact with them. Even teachers try their best to help new kids fit in into the classroom and school system.

However, there have been cases where some students kept to themselves. In other cases, new students have been bullied into silence and withdrawals, therefore losing the opportunity to mingle, make friends, and have fun.

Inasmuch as elementary education is the primary level of actual learning for many children, it should be filled with games and activities that allow them to connect with other students and appreciate the school experience.

In essence, the onus lies on the teacher to engage students in community building activities for kids that enhance social skills and verbal fluency. The right ideas come with the following benefits:

·         Students in the new class are often eager to express themselves during team games

·         Every child gets to feel a sense of equality

·         The need for critical thinking is gradually developed during activities

·         Physical health is encouraged through movement-based activities

·         The learning environment becomes welcoming and supportive.

How to Implement Community Building Activities

Now that you appreciate the value of community building activities for elementary students, let’s discuss the ways through which you can execute these ideas.

·         Try a STEM Activity

Even though STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) is common during summer, you can integrate some of the interesting STEM activities into the classroom.

Put the students into groups and give them some materials to create something (like a design). Additionally, you could ask them to solve a puzzle or try to crack a code.

·        Parachute Games

Parachute games are another group of community building activities that encourage students to work together and depend on each other.  

·        Talk About Yourself Activity

Ask the children to write something about themselves on a tiny piece of paper. Afterward, have them fold it neatly and drop it into a basket. Play a song and have a child pick one when the music stops.

When the papers have gone round, let each child read the content of their paper and identify the child who wrote it.   

Conclusion

Are you looking to bring out the best in the students in your elementary class? Consider including some community building activities in your classroom routine.

Encourage each child to contribute something or get involved in one activity or the other. In  time, you’ll find that they’ve built strong and impactful relationships.