Classroom Rules

Do you have a set of rules in your classroom? How do you put them across to your class? How do you establish authority/ discipline? What do you do when a discipline problem arises?

This is an area that I'm excited to improve upon as I begin a school year in my own classroom. When I first came to my student teaching assignment I didn't establish rules and routines with students the way I really wanted to. The transition into the student teaching position was a little bit abrupt. I began teaching the second day of the second week and then never stopped. I took over the class without any type of team teaching or trading off or whatever. Because of this awkward transition I've continued to use most of my master-teacher's rules (some of which I like and some of which I hate).For example, it's been established that students shouldn't talk while I'm talking. Obviously this is good. Students are allowed to get up, grab a tissue, and walk outside to blow their nose without permission (as many times as they would like or "need to"). This does not work so well for me.

When I have my own classroom I'd like to begin the year by introducing each class period to "Mrs. U'Ren's Daily Routines." These "routines" would include:

• Everyday students will come prepared to learn. Each students should bring their own paper, pencil/pen, and other necessary tools.
• Everyday students will come into the class quietly and respectfully.
• Everyday students will be in their seats when the bell rings.
• On Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays students will begin silent reading as soon as the bell rings for class to start. Each student will fill in their reading log before and after reading. Silent reading will last for 20 minutes.
• On Tuesdays and Thursday students will begin responding to the writing prompt as soon as the bell rings for class to start. Each writing prompt should be written in the student's notebook with a 2-4 paragraph response following. Students who are absent will be responsible for checking www.mrsuren.com for missing writing prompts. 
• Everyday students will write the homework assignments listed on the board into their weekly agendas.
• Everyday students will show respect to others (classmates and teacher) by listening quietly when others speak.
• Everyday students will be dismissed by the teacher. Everyone will stay seated throughout the class unless given permission to leave their seat.
• Whenever someone needs to use the restroom, they may request to use one of their 3 restroom passes. Each student will get 3 restroom passes for each 6 week grading period. If students do not use the restroom passes, they may turn them in for 2 points extra credit each at the time of the 6 week grading period.
• Whenever someone needs to sharpen their pencil or get up for materials they may ask the teacher. Permission will depend on how the class will be affected by this movement and noise. 

I thought of the idea of using the term "routine" because I find that in my student teaching experience there has been this "If Mrs. U'Ren doesn't mention it today, it must be okay!" philosophy floating around. I want to let the students know that I am not here to babysit them and their decisions, but I do have expectations and reasons behind those expectations.