printer friendly >
Toolbox
The Toolbox contains a collection of articles with practical advice for school and classroom management.
Toolbox Archives >
Rules for Making Rules
Adapted from Child Management: A Program for Parents and Teachers by Judith M. Smith and Donald E. P. Smith (Champaign, IL: Research Press, 1976).
- A rule must be stated and taught in such a way that students can understand what behavior is expected. “Be a good student” is too vague to be understood. “Bring your books, supplies, and homework to class each day” can be taught and enforced.
- A rule must be reasonable. Unreasonable means (A) the student cannot perform the required behavior; (B) there is no necessity to require the behavior; (C) the rule tries to control what may be developmentally normal and desirable; or (D) the rule requires more resources to enforce than are reasonable.
- A rule must be enforceable. Focus time and energy on the rules that can be enforced without constant vigilance.
- Once a rule is made, enforce it every time until the new behavior is learned. Teach the rule and make sure students understand the expected behaviors. Ask “what is the rule” when reminding students of the behavior needed.
- Ignore behavior not covered by the rule. If a student cries or shows belligerence, it is usually to distract the adult from enforcing the rule. Concentrate on the rule, not the “game.”
