The document provides 3 suggested rules for classrooms: be respectful, be responsible, and be safe. For each rule, the document explains what it encompasses and how following the rule allows for more fun and freedom in the classroom. The document emphasizes having students help create the rules to foster stronger buy-in. It also suggests displaying the rules prominently in the classroom to constantly reinforce them.

1. 3 Rules for Your
Classroom
The 3 Golden Rules for your students
By, Noble Newman

2. Guiding your students
There is a very strong movement to allow your students to create the rules of
the classroom. This empowers your students and allows a stronger buy-in with
how the classroom will function. Fantastic!
Ask your students: “What will make our classroom a safe, happy, and
productive environment?”
After your important discussions and student input about what will make a
safe, happy, and productive learning environment for them, you can help by
offering a simplistic way to phrase their thoughts.
3 rules is easier to manage in both their minds and yours than the 150
examples they will offer. Perhaps they will all fit under the following rules.

3. Rule #1: Be Respectful
This can encompass SO MUCH.
The main point I try to get across is to avoid teasing, spreading rumors,
bullying, lying, and to allow others to express their thoughts without
ridicule.
“I was just kidding” or “I was joking” is NEVER accepted in the class. It
should be discussed and accepted that even jokes can hurt.
How this applies to having FUN in the classroom: Being respectful
towards each other allows more room to enjoy an activity and try new
ones. When we (teacher and students) know that we are in a respectful
environment, we can enjoy ourselves without fear of teasing or ridicule.

4. Rule #2: Be Responsible
This is a learning environment and work comes FIRST.
My main contribution to this is that Listening to and Following
directions the FIRST TIME it is given is an important lesson to learn and
practice. The faster we do the Required, the more time we have for the
Bonus!
How this applies to having FUN in the classroom: With responsibility, comes
freedom. Demonstrate that you know how to use materials properly and
more will be available to you. Show that you can complete quality work
while having a treat (any type) and that treat will be offered/allowed more
often.

5. Rule #3: Be Safe
Physical: Keeping your hands, feet, and objects to yourself is important. I would
suggest discussing personal space and what is an appropriate amount in our society.
Also, this would be a good place to discuss care of all types of materials available
in the classroom.
Emotional: This is harder and, yes, it ties in to being respectful. HOWEVER, make it
a point to discuss emotional safety with your students. There is a difference
between Ignorance and Stupidity and we will not make fun of wither in a Learning
Environment. Freedom of speech only goes so far and it is nice to give examples of
what is and should not be allowed.
How this applies to having FUN in the classroom: With a safe environment and safe
classmates, we can try more things independent of the teacher. Want to work in
the hallway? Outside? Take a tour of the school while discussing a project? Use
sharper art tools? If we can trust that you are safe, it is easier to make that
decision.

6. Poster
Making a poster?
Think about:
• Having students put up examples
• Signing the poster
• Displaying it up in front of the room to always see and to be able to
point out while still learning the classroom rules
• Adding another rule if the students are adamant about it not fitting
under the other 3 (THIS IS ESSENTIAL FOR STUDENT BUY-IN AND MAY BE
A TEST! ALLOW IT!)

7. Thank you and I hope this helps!
Created by,
Noble Newman