NQT Special: Creating rules in your classroom

Classroom management should be kept simple, minimalistic and down to the bare bones. Things don’t need to be complicated, just a simple set of rules and consequences that are easily memorable.

If rules are to be remembered then they have to be clear, coherent and above all simple. And select your rules wisely because more rules doesn’t always equate to better behaviour.

Some teachers like to create rules together with their class. The idea is that if students have a greater hand in rule-creation, they may better relate to the rules and comply more often.

Student voice is important, but when it comes to rule-making, teachers – to an extent – do need to take charge and say what’s what and what’s not. I think that all students respond to an established structure with clear boundaries for behaviour from the outset, because having clearly specified rules helps everyone know what they are supposed to do.