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Class Discussion: Ask students what a respectful, safe, and fun classroom looks like.

Brainstorming: Write down their ideas and group them into broad categories (e.g., respect, responsibility, kindness).

Simplify & Finalize: Narrow the list to 3–5 clear, positively stated rules (e.g., “Use kind words” instead of “No yelling”).

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1. Pick One Center to Focus On Each Day – Instead of overwhelming kids with all the centers at once, introduce and practice expectations for just one center per day.

2. Morning Meeting Introduction – Show the center and ask, “How can we use this space to have fun and be safe?” Guide kids toward key rules.

3. Model & Practice – Demonstrate the right way to use materials, take turns, and clean up. Have a few children role-play before opening the center.

4. Use Visual Reminders – Post simple picture cues at the center to reinforce expectations.

5. Reinforce & Praise – Watch how kids interact in the center and celebrate good choices: “I love how you’re using your inside voices in the library!”

6. Add a New Center Each Day – Once kids master one center, move on to the next, gradually building structure and routine across the classroom.

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Keep It Simple: 5 Essential Classroom Rules

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Keep It Simple: 5 Essential Classroom Rules

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Here are our recommended 5 positive classroom rules that work great for preschoolers:
1. Looking eyes

2. Listening ears

3. Quiet mouth/inside voice

4. Helping Hands

5. Walking feet

Remember: Less is more! Young children can better remember and follow a small set of clear rules.

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To foster a positive classroom environment, frame rules using positive language that emphasizes desired behaviors rather than restrictions. For example, instead of "Don't run," use "Use walking feet".

General Tips:

Focus on "what to do": Instead of saying what not to do

Keep it simple and clear: Use short, easy-to-understand sentences.

Use positive language: Avoid words like "no," "don't," or "stop".

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Transform your rules into a vibrant visual display!
• Use large, clear pictures
• Add simple words below each image
• Mount at children's eye level (approximately 3 feet high)
• Laminate for durability
• Use bright, engaging colors

Pro Tip: Take photos of your own students demonstrating the rules correctly - this makes the rules more relatable!

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Make rules review a fun part of your morning routine:
• Sing a 'Rules Song'
• Ask children to show their friends how to follow each rule
• Give specific praise when you spot children following rules
• Keep it brief - 5 minutes is plenty!

Review the rules daily
Reinforcing the rules every day helps children internalize them, making it easier for them to remember and follow throughout the day.

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Engage children in fun role-play scenarios:
• 'Walking Feet' parade around the classroom
• 'Gentle Hands' practice with stuffed animals
• 'Listening Ears' Simon Says game
• 'Inside Voices' whisper games

Make it fun and children will naturally want to participate!

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Recognize and celebrate rule-following behavior:
• Star of the Day recognition
• Special Helper opportunities
• Class points toward a group reward
• Positive notes home to families
• Verbal praise with specific feedback

Remember to catch them being good!

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Keep families in the loop:
• Send home copies of the rules chart
• Share success stories regularly
• Encourage families to use similar language at home

Consistency between home and school helps children succeed!

Additionally, while classroom rules are necessary to support children’s behavior, also be mindful that the rules don’t undermine different cultures of your families.

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Creating Classroom Rules Together

1️⃣ Ask the Kids – Start with a group discussion:
“How can we make our classroom fun and safe?”

2️⃣ Write Their Ideas – List their answers on a chart.

3️⃣ Guide Them – Turn their ideas into simple, positive rules:

“No running” → “Walking Feet”

“Don’t hit” → “Gentle Hands”

4️⃣ Make a Visual Chart – Use pictures of the kids or fun icons.

5️⃣ Practice & Praise – Act out the rules and celebrate when kids follow them!

Letting kids help create classroom rules makes them more engaged, encourages responsibility, and helps them understand expectations. It builds a positive classroom community, promotes critical thinking, and reduces behavior issues. Plus, they’re more likely to follow rules they helped create! 😊

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Day 1: Block Center 🏗️

🔹 Expectations:
✔️ Build carefully and share blocks.
✔️ Use “gentle hands” (no throwing or knocking over others' towers).
✔️ Work together and take turns adding pieces.
✔️ Clean up when finished.

🔹 How to Teach It:

Model building gently and asking a friend, “Can I add a block?”

Role-play knocking over a tower and discuss how it feels.

Praise kids for teamwork and careful building.

🔹Practice

Inform kids that the teachers will be observing the block center that day and looking for good examples to take pictures of to hang up in the block area.

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1. Morning Meeting Introduction: Show the dramatic play area and ask, “What kinds of pretend play can we do here? How can we take care of our materials and friends while we play?” Guide students toward key expectations like sharing props, using kind words, and cleaning up after play.

2. Model & Practice: Act out a short scenario, such as playing "restaurant" or "grocery store." Demonstrate taking turns being the customer and cashier, using polite conversation, and handling play food gently. Then, invite a few students to role-play while you provide guidance.

3. Use Visual Reminders: Post picture cues showing how to take turns, where to put costumes and props when finished, and a reminder to use inside voices.

4. Reinforce & Praise: Observe and give positive feedback: “I love how you are waiting your turn to use the cash register!” or “Great job putting the play food back where it belongs!”

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Anchor Charts: Create a class rules poster with words and pictures.

Photo Examples: Take pictures of students demonstrating expectations and display them.

Hand Signals: Use nonverbal cues (e.g., hand up for quiet, thumbs up for agreement).