When I first started teaching, I thought “rules and procedures” were icky words, and I thought of the Trunchbull whenever I heard them. However, I quickly realized that order and structure were imperative for everyone, especially myself. I figured out some rules and procedures that foster a sense of peace in my classroom and help me go home without feeling *as* drained as I did during my first year. Keep reading for some ideas of classroom rules and expectations you can use in your classroom!

Classroom Rules and Procedures that Promote Self Care

Class Jobs

I used to run around doing everything in my classroom. Passing out papers, opening the door for visitors, sharpening pencils, picking things up off the floor, EVERYTHING. Finally, I had a moment of, “I need some help,” and I realized I had a whole room of people who could carry some of the load. I started doing class jobs mid-year, and it was a huge hit. I choose students randomly with popsicle sticks every Monday, and my students know exactly what it means to do their “job” well.

Some of the jobs I do:

• Teacher’s Assistant
• Board Eraser
• Door Opener
• Floor Cleaner
• Desk Captains

Silent Entering

I can’t do chaos. Like at all. I also have a limited amount of time to hit a lot of standards throughout the year. That means that as soon as class starts, it’s go time. Students have about 5 minutes each day to do their bell-ringer (which is directly related to the lesson), so they need to be able to focus immediately upon entering my room. My students understand that entering the classroom and beginning their work immediately is important to me, and if they make a mistake entering, we turn around and try it again. They hate that (lol), so they try to get it right the first time.

Desk Captains

Having my students individually pick up materials and turn in their papers caused a lot of confusion in my classroom, so I decided to appoint one student at each desk cluster as “desk captain.” It’s been one of my favorite classroom rules and expectations. The desk captain is in charge of collecting their classmates workbooks, turning in their papers, handing out materials, and making sure that they have enough materials (we have separate procedures for when they don’t). The desk captain role revolves each week, but student’s lose the privilege of being desk captain when they are in need of a negative consequence.

Accessible Supplies

I’m grateful to be able to provide supplies and materials for my students, and it takes off such a load my brain when I don’t have to hear, “I don’t have a pencil,” a million times a day. Having supplies at each desk cluster everyday gives my students the chance to just learn and not worry about anything they lack. Letting them have that space to just be little learners is especially important while working at a Title I school like mine.

To sum it up…

Rules and expectations are key when you’re trying to support your own mental health and self care as an educator. Structure in the classroom IS self care! No one wants to run around screaming at school all day, and creating procedures that prevent that will let your inner Ms. Honey shine. Remember, procedures are not overnight successes. You’re going to have to be super clear with your students on what your expectations are and give them time to practice and master it. You can set new procedures at any point, but you cannot let up.