Classroom Rules
IRIS
Iris Center
Organize the Physical Classroom
Teacher Establishes Routines
Classroom Management
Overview
This is a template for an inquiry project in a senior level early childhood course.
Purpose of the Project
The purpose of this project is to explore the critical elements of classroom arrangement that contribute to effective teaching and learning environments for early childhood learners. We will examine why rules, routines, arrangement, and designing effective classrooms, impact how we aim to highlight how thoughtfully arranged classrooms can foster positive behavior and enhance student engagement. This project will investigate the importance of establishing clear rules and predictable routines, which provide students with a sense of security and structure. Furthermore, we will discuss how the physical arrangement of furniture and resources can support diverse learning styles and encourage collaboration among students. Ultimately, our goal is to design classrooms that not only meet educational needs but also create welcoming and inclusive spaces that promote academic success and social development.
Sections in this course:
Rules
Routines
Arrangement
Designing effective classrooms
Rules
Introduction:
In a classroom, teachers are required to create rules and routines for their students. The students are then expected to abide by these rules and follow the routines. Rules and routines help the teacher support their students by getting them ready to engage and clear the way for learning. Rules are a set of instructions that tell the students what they are allowed to do or not do inside the classroom. Routines are a sequence of actions that are performed as a part of regular procedure. Rules and routines provide the students with expectations from their teacher. The students know that if they follow the rules and routines they will be successful in achieving their goals.
Why are rules important:
Having rules implemented into your classroom is so important because it creates a positive learning environment for your students. Rules also create clear expectations for your students and ultimately improve their academic performance. Rules teach our students to be responsible,respectful, and have self discipline. Rules are also used to help the teacher maintain classroom routines and expectations.
How to establish rules:
When establishing rules inside the classroom, you should always focus on what the students are expected to do rather than what they shouldn’t do. You should also be sure to include the students when creating the rules for your classroom. Once you have established the rules for your classroom, it is imperative that you display them in the classroom where your students can always see them. After creating your classroom rules, as the teacher you should explain and enforce consequences if rules are not followed. In order for students to know what exactly is expected of them you should model the type of behavior that is expected. Throughout the school year you should revisit your classroom rules.
Routines
Having routines in the classroom is just as important as how you arrange, regulate your rules, and how you design your classroom. Your classroom routines are how you run your classroom, that is your rules, classroom management, and also your transitions and whatever curricular schedule your school has you on.
Why should you have routines in your classroom?
Your routines are the roots of your classroom. You can break it down and think of it this way: Your principal gives you your daily schedule during in service, this is going to be the base of your day. Once you have your daily schedule you then have to set all of your transitions, this is when the transition will take place, how they’re going to know they will be transitioning and what they’re transitioning to. Once you’ve decided on your transitions you have to decide your method for classroom management.These two things will come to play on the first day of school where you will be deciding your classroom rules with your class.
-Laying out the groundwork in your class is so important. If you’re transitions aren’t strong your class will have no stability and if you have weak classroom management your class will lack structure. You need both of these things and both are crucial when you come to making your class rules and implementing them throughout the year.
Arrangement
Classroom arrangement can be important in so many ways, it is a learning environment for a well-organized classroom that supports a positive learning environment. It allows students to focus better on their tasks and enhances their engagement. Students should also have easy access to materials and resources easily. This is especially important for students with different needs. An arranged classroom helps teachers manage behavior more effectively. Clear sightlines and organized spaces can reduce distractions and maintain a conducive atmosphere for learning. Lastly, safety is very important in a classroom. We have to have clear pathways and emergency exits, ensuring that students can exit quickly in case of an emergency. A thoughtful classroom arrangement not only supports academic success but also fosters a safe and collaborative learning environment.
Designing Effective Classrooms
Some main things teachers need to focus on when designing their classrooms to be effective for the students:
Focus on teacher
Visibility
Collaboration
Inclusive environment
Adaptability
Supports digital learning
Comfort
Individual needs
Accessibility
Safety and navigation