Classroom Rules

One of the many benefits of looping....classroom rules are already developed! We experienced an interesting social studies lesson to demonstrate the need for rules. I divided the students into two teams and we brought out two playground balls. I told the children we were going to play a game. Then I said, "Fastest team wins....GO!" Now, in the past, I have done this social studies lesson with first graders and at least a third of the class starts running. They don't know where or why they are running but they want to be the fastest. Well, the Connected 1.0 group is not your average bunch. They gave me this look....

There was no fooling them! The children knew that this game needed some rules, otherwise no one would know what to do! Soon I explained the game with rules. Then, we had a great time with some relay races. The fastest team still won, but with rules the children knew what to do!

When we returned to the classroom we had a great discussion about why we have school rules. We have class rules to keep us safe and help us learn. Our four classroom rules are:
1. Show respect and manners.
2. Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself.
3. Follow directions quickly.
4. Work hard and do your best.