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Social Norms and Rules
In my classroom, social norms and rules are the expectations set in place in order to maintain a positive learning environment. Social norms are the more unspoken behaviors set socially (raising hands, politely listening to others, etc.), while rules are a set list agreed upon by myself and the students and written down.
Social Norms
Respect themselves, their peers, and all classroom materials.
Listen actively when others are speaking.
Be responsible for their actions and learning.
Show kindness and empathy in their interactions.
Try their best and embrace mistakes as part of learning.
How are the rules decided?
I believe that a good set of rules is a collaborative effort between teacher and student. At the beginning of the year, I hold a discussion in my class in which we brainstorm values that we want to uphold as a class. From there, we narrow it down to 4-5 core rules that we want to focus on and discuss more as a class.
After we've finished discussing, we write the rules down on a poster sheet to hang up in our classroom as a reminder of our agreed-upon rules.
Consequences
I believe that consequence is a last-step, but unfortunately a step that is necessary. Consequence in my classroom follows a tiered system, based on frequency and severity. Here are those tiers:
Tier 1 - Gentle Reminder
A verbal reminder or non-verbal cue (e.g., eye contact, hand signal) to fix their behavior. This gives them a chance to correct their actions without any further consequences.
Example: "Remember, we raise our hands before speaking."
Tier 2 - Warning & Reflection
The student receives a formal warning and a short (private) conversation about their behavior. This encourages accountability and self-reflection as to why they had that behavior.
Example: “I noticed you interrupted again. Can you tell me what we should be doing when someone else is talking?”
Tier 3 - Logical Consequence
A consequence related to the behavior (loss of privilege, seat change, brief break). This teaches that actions have consequences while maintaining fairness.
Example: A student who doesn't use classroom materials appropriately must stay after to help clean up.
Tier 4 - Parent Contact & Behavior Plan
If behavior continues (or the behavior is severe enough), I contact parents and discuss strategies for improvement. A simple behavior contract may be introduced. This involves families in reinforcing expectations.
Example: “I’d like to work together to help them stay focused in class. Let’s discuss some strategies.”
Tier 5 - Office Referral/Administrative Action
I utilize this very rarely, only for severe or repeated issues. The student is referred to administration for further intervention. This ensures safety and accountability when lower-level strategies don’t work.
Example: Bullying or aggressive behavior may lead to a principal conference or additional support services.
Rewards/Reinforcement
There are three different types of rewards I utilize in my classroom. These rewards are broken up into non-material, material, and class-wide.
Non-Material Rewards
Verbal Praise – A quick praising message such as "I love how you helped your friend just now!"
Leadership Opportunities – Students can earn the opportunity to be the line leader, class helper, or tech assistant for the day.
Choice Time – Students can earn extra reading, drawing, or free-choice time as a reward.
Classroom Privileges – Students can earn the opportunity to sit in a special seat or bring a stuffed animal for a day.
Positive Notes Home – I will send a note, email, or message praising their efforts to parents/guardians.
Material Rewards
School-wide Tickets – Students can earn tickets that are entered into a school-wide drawing
Classroom Store – Students earn points for good behavior and exchange them for small items (erasers, bookmarks, etc.).
Treasure Chest – Students that really "Wow!" me can choose from a treasure chest containing various items such as bookmarks, tiny toys, erasers, etc.
Class-wide Rewards
Class Points – Students can earn "Oh yeah!" points or "Oh no!" points for teamwork, good behavior, or participation, leading to a class reward (extra recess, game day, etc.)
Mystery Jar – I write class-wide rewards such as extra recess or pajama day on slips of paper and let a student draw one when the class meets a goal.
Fun Friday – If the class meets expectations all week, they earn a fun activity on Friday.
Procedures
Procedures are step-by-step instructions for how things are done in the classroom, such as speaking in discussions, going to the bathroom, or turning in homework. They are important because they create consistency, reduce disruptions, and help develop independence.
I will teach, model, and practice procedures repeatedly until they become automatic. This will be a heavy focus during the first week or two of school. This ensures a smooth-running classroom where learning is prioritized.
Here are some examples of procedures I use in my classroom:
Procedures I use in my classroom
Attention
Step 1: The bell chime is rung
Step 2: Students will stop conversations
Step 3: Students will focus eyes on the target speaker
Bathroom
Step 1: Raise your hand with the number 2 and wait for teacher's acknowledgment
Step 2: With given permission, take the bathroom pass
Step 3: Use the bathroom quickly and return to class. If the pass is being used by someone else, wait your turn
Turning in work
Step 1: Complete the worksheet/assignment and check for accuracy
Step 2: Make sure your name and date is at the top of the paper
Step 3: Place the completed worksheet/assignment in the Turn-In Basket
Late work
Step 1: Complete the worksheet/assignment and check for accuracy
Step 2: Attach a sticky-note to the worksheet/assignment with the current date
Step 3: Place the completed late worksheet/assignment in the Late Work Basket
Classroom Discussion
Step 1: Wait for your turn to speak by raising your hand
Step 2: Speak clearly and respectfully when it's your turn, staying on topic
Step 3: Listen actively when others are speaking
Personal items/Organization
Step 1: Place all personal items (jacket, lunch box, water bottle) in their assigned space (cubby, backpack)
Step 2: Ensure that no personal items are left out to cause distractions
Step 3: Whenever leaving your space, check to make sure everything is neat and organized.
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