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Creating rules and routines

📘 SOP: Supporting Teachers on Getting Children to Learn and Follow Room Rules and Routines

Purpose:
To equip teachers with strategies for teaching, reinforcing, and modeling classroom rules and routines, fostering a safe, predictable, and respectful learning environment for all children.

Scope:
This SOP applies to all teaching staff responsible for guiding children through daily classroom routines and behavioral expectations.

 

✅ Step-by-Step Implementation Guidelines

1. Introduce Rules and Routines Early and Clearly

  • Start from Day One: Teach rules and routines explicitly during the first few weeks.

  • Keep It Simple: Use 3–5 positively worded rules (e.g., “We use kind words,” “We walk inside,” “We clean up when we’re done”).

  • Use Visuals: Post visual cues with images to support language comprehension.

  • Practice Together: Role-play routines like lining up, transitioning, hand washing, and quiet time.

Example Rule Language:
“In our classroom, we take care of each other and our things.”

 

2. Model Expected Behaviors

  • Be Consistent: Follow the same routines every day (e.g., same song for clean-up or transition).

  • Narrate Your Actions: Verbalize what you are doing and why—children learn from hearing and seeing.

  • Use Group Reminders: Prompt the whole group rather than calling out individual children.

“Friends, let’s remember—when the bell rings, we freeze and listen.”

 

3. Teach Through Positive Reinforcement

  • Acknowledge Desired Behavior: Catch children following the rules and praise them specifically.

    “I noticed Mia raised her hand. Thank you for remembering our group rule.”

  • Use Visual Behavior Charts or Token Systems (if age-appropriate) to support progress.

  • Celebrate Routine Successes: Sing a song, give a high five, or let the class earn a group reward for consistency.

 

4. Coach Through Missteps

  • Stay Calm and Consistent: Address behavior immediately and respectfully.

  • Redirect, Don’t Shame: Offer a reminder and a chance to try again.

    “Let’s go back and try that walking again—I know you can do it.”

  • Give Choices When Appropriate: Allow children to feel some control within boundaries.

    “Would you like to put the blocks away first or the puzzles?”

 

5. Reflect and Adjust

  • Review Regularly: Revisit rules as a group weekly or after disruptions (e.g., after holidays).

  • Adjust for Development: Modify routines to match the age, transitions, or needs of your group.

  • Involve Children: Let them help create classroom agreements or jobs to build ownership.

 

🎯 Director’s Role in Supporting Staff

  • Observe and Provide Feedback: Conduct routine walkthroughs to support consistency and provide coaching.

  • Provide Tools: Ensure classrooms have behavior visuals, routine charts, and daily schedules posted at child level.

  • Support with Challenging Behaviors: Offer strategies, documentation tools, or referrals for further support.

  • Facilitate Ongoing Training: Include behavior guidance and classroom management strategies in PD sessions.

 

Sample Visual Rules Poster (for Classroom Use):

  1. Use kind words

  2. Walk feet inside

  3. Listen to the teacher

  4. Take care of toys

  5. Try your best