What are Classroom Rules and Why Do We Follow Them?

School-Related Activities

Pre-K, Elementary, Middle School

Learning Objectives

Describe what classroom rules are and why they are important.
Identify ways to show kindness to classmates and teachers.
Demonstrate how to try their best during classroom activities.
Explain how to use classroom materials safely and responsibly.
Recognize the importance of keeping hands and feet to themselves.
Follow verbal directions from the teacher and other adults.
Understand how following classroom rules helps everyone learn and feel safe.

Aligned Common Core Standards

Kindergarten
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.K.1 – Participate in collaborative conversations
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.K.2 – Ask and answer questions about information presented orally
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.K.6 – Use words and phrases acquired through conversations

Grade 1
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.1.1 – Participate in collaborative conversations
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.1.2 – Ask and answer questions about spoken and visual information
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.1.6 – Use acquired vocabulary to describe behavior and routines

Grade 2
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.2.1 – Engage in conversations with peers and adults
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.2.2 – Recount or describe key ideas from multimedia or spoken lessons
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.2.6 – Use school-related vocabulary in discussions

Grade 3
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.3.1 – Engage in collaborative discussions
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.3.2 – Determine the main idea and supporting details from spoken information
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.3.6 – Use precise vocabulary to describe behavior and learning routines

Grade 4
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.4.1 – Participate in group discussions respectfully
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.4.2 – Paraphrase key information from multimedia or oral presentations
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.4.6 – Use academic and behavioral vocabulary to express understanding

Grade 5
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.5.1 – Participate in structured discussions about classroom expectations
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.5.2 – Summarize information from spoken or media content
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.5.6 – Use relevant vocabulary to discuss personal responsibility and participation

Grade 6
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6.1 – Engage effectively in collaborative discussions
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.6.2 – Interpret and evaluate spoken information for key messages
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.6.6 – Use vocabulary to communicate ideas about classroom conduct

Grade 7
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.7.1 – Engage in collaborative discussions with appropriate detail
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.7.2 – Analyze key points and tone in spoken material about social behavior
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.7.6 – Use precise vocabulary to discuss responsibility, participation, and cooperation

Grade 8
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.8.1 – Initiate and participate in collaborative discussions
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.8.2 – Evaluate purpose and clarity in messages about group behavior
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.8.6 – Use academic and social vocabulary to express understanding of shared expectations

SMART Goal Ideas Bank

The student will identify and describe 5 or more classroom rules with 80% accuracy by [date].
The student will answer wh- questions about classroom expectations (who, what, when, why) in 4 of 5 opportunities by [date].
The student will demonstrate one or more rule-following behaviors (e.g., raising hand, waiting turn, using calm body) during structured tasks in 4 of 5 trials by [date].
The student will use school-related vocabulary (e.g., responsible, calm, directions, raise hand) in structured sentences in 80% of opportunities by [date].
The student will role-play appropriate classroom behaviors in response to social scenarios with 80% success in 4 of 5 trials by [date].