intro:
Children can better understand classroom directions, guidelines or commitments by getting physically involved with the procedures. This activity helps children think through the classroom guidelines and reflect which are the most important.
set up ideas:
Prepare a large chart or list of the classroom rules and post it in a visible area. Make sure to already have gone over the rules with the children.
Children can better understand classroom directions, guidelines or commitments by getting physically involved with the procedures. This activity helps children think through the classroom guidelines and reflect which are the most important.
set up ideas:
Prepare a large chart or list of the classroom rules and post it in a visible area. Make sure to already have gone over the rules with the children.
let's get started
Keep the classroom chart that depicts the classroom rules, guidelines or commitments visible. Provide art paper and crayons for each child. Keep a hole puncher and large connecting ring ready for the end of the activity.
step 1
Go over each rule and allow the children to choose one rule or commitment they think is important for the classroom to function safely and effectively.
Go over each rule and allow the children to choose one rule or commitment they think is important for the classroom to function safely and effectively.
step 2
Have each child draw a picture depicting his or her important rule or commitment. Encourage the children to draw themselves following the rule on one side and not following the rule on the other side.
Have each child draw a picture depicting his or her important rule or commitment. Encourage the children to draw themselves following the rule on one side and not following the rule on the other side.
step 3
Have each child explain the rule they chose, what he or she drew, and why his or her rule is important for the classroom to function safely and effectively to the rest of the group.
Have each child explain the rule they chose, what he or she drew, and why his or her rule is important for the classroom to function safely and effectively to the rest of the group.
step 4
Place all of the pictures on a ring and hang in the class meeting area. Routinely visit each rule by having the children explain and remind their peers about the picture he or she drew and the importance of the rule.
Place all of the pictures on a ring and hang in the class meeting area. Routinely visit each rule by having the children explain and remind their peers about the picture he or she drew and the importance of the rule.
Explain and go over each rule or commitment they thought was important and provide real world examples of when the rule is used. For instance, why keeping quiet during a test allows for other students to focus.
Tips and TricksRelate how these rules are important not only for children, but for grownups too. Express how rules, guidelines and commitments are things that all people follow.
Follow up ActivityAllow for the children to come up with possible new rules, guidelines or commitments that they think is important for the classroom to function safely and effectively. For more fun, students could create small skits in which the classroom rule is used.