Classroom Rules

It's important that children know what their boundaries are without having TO many rules.

In our Pre-k classroom we have three simple rules to follow.

1. Keep yourself safe
2. Keep your friends safe
3. Keep your things safe

We frequently discuss these rules during group discussions and remind the kids what each one means.  If the children are standing on blocks we remind them that they need to make sure they are keeping their things safe.  If they are are running in the classroom, we remind them that they are not keeping themselves safe.  If they are putting their hands on their friends, we remind them they are not keeping their friends safe.  It's important to use similar language when discussing what behaviors the children are showing.

I know its hard but I really try not to say "because I said so" if a child asked why can't I stand on the blocks etc.  By clearly saying because you are not keeping you things safe they understand that they are breaking one of the three rules of the classroom and that the rules are in place to keep them safe. 

A few other good rules for young children include:

Use walking feet inside
Make sure to keep your hands nice
Use your words