In Harry Wong’s book, The First Days of School, he introduces how effective teachers begin the school year. In his book, he discusses why and how teachers should introduce rules and procedures.
Kindergarten is a very important year for teaching students how and when to carry out particular activities. I will devote the first few days of school to strictly teaching routines and procedures.
When discussing rules, Wong suggest that teachers only have three to five rules. After reading Wong’s reasoning, I very much so agree. Wong points out that all numbers we are to memorize are in groups of three to five. These numbers include telephone numbers, social security numbers, etc.
During the first few days of school there are three elements that should be taught: discipline, routines, and procedures. Most teachers discuss their expectations and class rules on the very first day. Many classrooms have a poster of the classroom rules hanging on the wall.
According to Wong, teachers can develop two types of rules: general or specific. General rules can cover a broad range of behaviors. These rules must be explained and detailed for students. An example of a general rule would be: Help keep the room clean. After stating this rule, the teacher would want to elaborate by explaining how students should throw scrap paper in the garbage can, keep belongings off the floor, and sweep every afternoon.
A specific rule gives the students more details on what is expected of them. When using specific rules, teachers prioritize their rules and only list the most important. Teachers can be limited by using specific rules. An example of a specific rule is: Do not run in the room.
Regardless of which type of rule a teacher chooses to use, communication of the rules is very important. Teachers must ensure that students and parents are aware and clear on the expectations.
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