Creating a Class Rules Pamphlet
We’ve found that teaching your classroom rules and procedures right away at the beginning of the school year will tremendously improve your chances of a successful relationship with your students. This should include giving your students a hard copy to keep, look over, and even discuss with their parents
Our seventh grade team accomplishes this by creating a course introduction pamphlet. This tri-fold pamphlet is given out on the first day of class and presented by each member of the teaching team. That way we teachers are all on the same page, and students have consistency between their classes.
Creating a pamphlet is relatively easy on a word processing program. You will need to change your page setup from ‘portrait’ (normal 8.5 x 11 tall) to a ‘landscape’, the 8.5 x 11 long. You will also need to create two or three columns to type in (two if you are simply folding in half, or three if the pamphlet is a tri-fold). Your word processing program will automatically adjust your document’s margins, though you might want to print it out and double check the margin space when you’re finished (sometimes copy machines will ‘slide’ your original up to 1/2 inch, so try a sample). Once the paper is folded, this setup will make your pamphlet look professional. A bi-fold pamphlet is easy to create and fold, but a tri-fold looks so much nicer both to your students and parents.
You’ll want a catchy cover with basic class or grade information. Include a school graphic or clip art with the teachers’ names, the classes, periods, room numbers, and other key info. We’ve added a place for both students and parents to sign, indicating that they have read through and understood these rules and procedures. This returned signature becomes the students’ first assignment for your class. In fact, I like to allow three days to get them turned in, giving 10 extra credit points if it’s two days early, and 5 extra credit points for one day early.
The next few pages display what we will cover in class this year. Its not in great detail, but simply an overview. In English, for example, a brief section is devoted to our main areas, writing, reading, literature, speech, technology, and presentations. In science, a brief section is devoted to the areas of ecosystems, matter, waves, rocks & minerals, and weather. The same is done for math and social studies and any other core classes.
The last few pages cover class rules and procedures. We always try to have just a few important rules that are general enough to cover most events that can happen in class. We like to include a rule about respecting all people and materials, since this is general enough to cover most poor behavior choices not specifically mentioned.
You’ll want to include a section on your discipline procedures so students know exactly what punishments or consequences are due to them if they make poor behavior choices. Again, leave yourself room by adding a statement such as “Serious or continual problems may result in skipping one or more discipline steps.” As always, follow your school or district’s codes or policies in making up your class rules.
Procedures are different from rules in that these are desired behaviors you want your students to display at particular moments in class. Some procedures will include your class warm up or wrap up, passing in papers, raising hands, lining up, sharpening pencils, and even answering the telephone, among others. You’ll want to spend some quality time thinking of what your students are going to DO in class, and the most effective way to accomplish these tasks. Be clear and simple when writing these down so the kids understand them.
The rules packer looks nice and professional. Students and parents alike will enjoy (and respect) the fact that you’ve taken the time to spell out exactly your expectations and to begin communicating with them. By having a section to sign and return, no one can claim they weren’t aware of your rules or procedures.
