Classroom Rules and Expectations Teaching Resources
Ready to introduce your classroom rules and expectations? Or maybe your students could really use some practice to make sure they know what behaviour is expected in your room?
Set the refresh button on classroom management with printable classroom rules posters, games to help students learn classroom procedures, behaviour charades and more teaching resources created by the expert teachers at Teach Starter!
What Are Classroom Rules?
The name may seem self-explanatory to some, but there's no shame in wanting to learn more! Classroom rules are basic guidelines for students to follow, so they know what is expected of them when it comes to classroom behaviour.
A cornerstone of behaviour management and classroom management, rules may cover everything from what is acceptable in the classroom to procedures that should be followed.
Why Are Classroom Rules Important?
The exact rules in a classroom may vary based on your teaching philosophy, the age and abilities of your students, district rules and a whole lot more, but the basic premise is the same: Students need structure and order.
Well-defined rules that are implemented well and consistently enforced provide bumpers for students not unlike the bumpers in a bowling alley. Students can move around between them, but they're there to gently guide students back toward appropriate behaviour when they start to roll a little bit sideways.
What Are Some Good Classroom Rules?
Yes, we already mentioned that every teacher has different rules for the classroom — after all, what is considered acceptable behavioir by one teacher might set another teacher's teeth on edge. But there are some basic rules that can work in every classroom, or at least give you some ideas when you sit down to write your expectations out for your students.
Explore these options, and pick and choose the right ones for you:
- Raise your hand and wait to be called on rather than calling out.
- Do not interrupt classmates.
- Listen when classmates are speaking.
- Clean up any messes you make.
- No name-calling.
- Share classroom toys and supplies with your classmates.
- Try new things.
- Encourage your classmates.
- Do your best.
- Try hard things.
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Visual First-Then Schedule for the Classroom
Communicate a sequence of events with this visual first-then board and set of 48 picture cards.
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Desk Pet Habitat Templates
Encourage positive behaviour with printable Desk Pet Habitats for your students to spend their Desk Pet Dollars on!
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Our Class Rules - Set of 8 Posters
Remind students of classroom rules and expectations with this set of 8 posters.
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Classroom Clip Chart
Manage classroom behaviour in a visual way with a printable classroom clip chart.
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Classroom Procedures Checklist
Determine and track which classroom procedures and routines you will teach at the beginning of the school year with a classroom procedures checklist and tracking sheet.
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I Need a Break - Choice Boards
Help upset students regulate their emotions in the classroom with our printable ‘I Need a Break!’ choice boards.
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End of Day Checklist & Poster
Help your students remember end-of-day classroom procedures with a printable poster and packing-up checklist.
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Playground Rules Mini-Book
Remind your students about playground rules with this printable mini-book.
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Behaviour Reflection Sheet for Upper Years Students
Use this printable behaviour slip template for students when reflecting on their behaviour choices.
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Behaviour Reflection Sheet – Lower Years
Invite your early years students to reflect on their behaviour choices with this behaviour think sheet.
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Respect Self, Others and the Environment Posters
Encourage students to respect themselves, others and the environment with a set of printable class rule posters.
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Just Be... Classroom Behaviour Expectation Posters
Set clear classroom expectations and provide daily behaviour reminders to your students with a set of colourful 'Be-haviour' posters.
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Visual Reward Chart
A visual reward chart along with token and reward cards to use in the classroom.
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Virtual Classroom Management - Interactive Reward Charts
Track and reward extraordinary class behaviour with a set of fun digital reward tracking slides.
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Classroom Rules Worksheet Pack
Teach classroom rules and procedures and review early writing skills with a Classroom Rules Worksheet Pack for early years.
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Music Classroom Posters
Decorate, educate, and build classroom management with a set of printable Music Classroom Posters.
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THINK Strategy - Think Before You Speak Poster
Promote positive communication using the THINK strategy and our printable Think Before You Speak Poster.
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Good Choice or Bad Choice? Worksheet
Help your students differentiate between good and bad behaviour choices with a cut-and-paste worksheet.
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Blurt Buttons - Classroom Management Strategy
Blurt Buttons are a great way to curb calling out in your classroom.
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Behaviour Punch Card – Right on Target!
Motivate your students to be on target with this printable punch card template.
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Hall Pass Templates
Send your students down the hall in style with fun printable hall passes using our customisable hall pass templates.
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Morning Routine Checklist Pack
Start your day right and promote independence with a morning routine checklist.
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Noise Metre Classroom Poster
Remind your students of the appropriate noise level within the classroom with our noise monitor poster.
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Above and Below the Line Behaviours – Sorting Activity
Remind students of behaviours that are 'above the line,' 'below the line,' and 'bottom-line' with this sorting activity.
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Time To Eat – Lunch Procedures Mini Book
Teach your students appropriate lunch procedures with a printable Time to Eat Social Stories booklet.
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Student Behaviour Contract Template
Create a classroom community and ensure adherence to rules and procedures with a printable Student Behaviour Contract Template.
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Whole Body Listening – Poster and Worksheet
Use this poster and accompanying worksheet to teach your students about whole body listening.
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Free iPad Rules Classroom Poster
Display this classroom poster to set the boundaries and rules around using school iPads in the classroom.
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Classroom Store Kit
Set up a classroom economy and open your very own Classroom Store with a printable classroom store starter kit.
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Critters with Character - Classroom Behaviour System
Tame your ‘wild’ classroom behaviour with an animal-themed classroom management system.
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What are Desk Pets? Introduction Slide Deck
Introduce your students to your Desk Pet Classroom Reward System with an engaging slide deck.
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Desk Pet Application
Encourage students to boost their behaviour by implementing a Desk Pet Adoption Drive in your classroom, starting with an application!