Repost of Class Rules Poster

The blogs following again go with this poster:

Be Kind Always

This rule is a simple way of addressing respect of feelings, property, personalities, achievement, and space. We want the classroom to be a safe place so this rule is for the purpose of creating a safe environment through respect of each other. Belittling, teasing, stealing, violating a person's personal space or feelings is not okay in the classroom. For this rule to be successful, clear communication and example of what is and is not okay is vital. It is okay to respectfully give someone a high five or pat on the back, it is not okay to poke someone with a pencil, grab a pencil out of another student's hand, kick under the table, etc. This rule is meant to encompass respect, 'keeping hands and feet to self', a restraint from stealing, and I let my students know that it is not okay to tease someone because of lack of academic or even behavioral progress. Everyone is in my class to learn at whatever level they are currently achieving. This may be at or below grade level, or this may be at or below the ability to behave appropriately in the classroom. Everyone deserves the benefit of the doubt and the ability to feel safe in the classroom with a non-judgmental atmosphere where each day is a new and fresh start. Being kind always is for the benefit of all who are in the classroom and enables students to feel that achievement is possible any day and everyday.

Learn Now

Learn Now, Rule 2 for my little ones, is meant to be the the positively stated rule that means no playing with toys while I teach, staying in seat, go to the bathroom before or after class, no talking or making noises that distract - I want this rule to mean "Stay on Task", but have it be all inclusive in terms of mentally and physically staying on task...and because these rules are meant for my Kindergarten, 1st grade, 2nd grade, and some of my 3rd grade groups I wanted to use as few words as possible. Remember these are for my LD students, so literacy may be an un-aquired skill (Hence all of the pictures out to the side of all of the rules.)

Think Smart

Think Smart was a school policy implemented at Goshen Elementary at the administration level. It was an attitude and behavior that students needed to adopt in the learning environment. It means the same as ready position and "Give Me 5" - the students were to be attentive and quiet with their eyes on the teacher and keep their bodies in an upright learning position with hands and feet to self...that's basically it. So anytime a teacher said 'think smart' - immediately, the students were to attain that posture and concentration. It worked like a charm and was so useful, that I believe that one rule can cover many behaviors: i.e. keep hands and feet to self, stay on task, wait your turn to talk, etc. --That is the main reason it is rule number one.

Class Rules

I made these 3 posters - I'm changing up my behavior system so I have the students rate their behavior and match with the teacher's rating.  One poster is meant for older students and the other for younger students:

I have only made a "rate behavior" poster for the upper grades: I want a simplified version of this for the little ones, so I'm still making that one.

My plan is for students to exercise their math skills by keeping a weekly total and they are awarded prizes at the end of the week for the number of points they earn or the average. The prizes will be as follows:


21- 25 points per week  (or average score of 4.2 through 5) -- big prize or reinforcement
15-20 points per week (or average score of 3 through 4) -- small prize
14 and below -- (averages below 3 points) - a skittle unless there are systematic behavior issues that need to be addressed  - no reward will be given for chronic behavior issues, but I will attempt to resolve these problems by consulting with Regular Ed. teacher, Principal, and/or Parents - Remember I have a short 30 minute class, so collaboration is a valuable tool.


I also want to add in extra rewards for academic progress including DIBELS and math Curriculum based assessments - if progress made stays above the aimline then an extra 5 points can be added to the running weekly total.