Classroom Rules

My students and I spent considerable time developing rules. They decided that a democratic, not authoritarian or permissive, classroom would be the best because it would allow fairness and leaning would be better. They would be able to make some choices. We are using Mr. Hamilton's 4 basic behavior guidelines to help us be the best people we can be. Those are: 1. Be Kind 2. Be Safe 3. Be Responsible 4. Be prepared. The children brainstormed many rules and we decided that each could fit under one of the four guidelines. Their ideas:

BE KIND: Do help others. Do play carefully. Do say nice things about each other. Do pay attention. Do treat others the way we want to be treated.

BE SAFE: Do ask a teacher before you get a ball that has gone in the street. Do sit straight on chairs. Do push chairs in. Do walk slowly in the classroom. Do follow rules. Do walk in the hall.

BE RESPONSIBLE: Do our homework. Do our jobs. Do remember to raise hands.   Do write on paper, not desks. Do use Voices 1,2 and 3.

BE PREPARED: Do have homework and assignment books ready every morning.  Use the restroom, get drinks, and sharpen pencils before we begin our lessons. 

As a child becomes older, he or she is more responsible for his or her behavior. A third grade child is responsible for learning, taking care of his or her possessions, taking care of the feelings of other people, and taking care of oneself.

If one of my students breaks a rule, consequences will follow. These will be as follows:
First Offense: a verbal or unspoken warning from me to the child
Second offense: loss of recess time
Third offense: teacher will call parents and inform Mr. Hamilton
Fourth offense:  sent to the principal's office to discuss the matter with him and the child will call a parent or guardian at home or work in order to inform the parent or guardian of the situation.  Parent, child, teacher and principal will decide if further action needs to be taken.

I expect my students to conduct themselves in such a way that parents, teachers, and the entire school system and community will be proud of them. They will also be proud of themselves. It is our responsibility as parents, teachers and community members to help children learn the behaviors and attitudes which will serve them well in their adolescent, teen and adult years.