Class Rules

Here is the "Class Rules" chart I made for our preschool. You can make up any rules you want, but I think it is important to have some expectations for the kids, that you explain to them in a way they can understand. We used pictures and words in a very simple format. We also talked about what each of the rules means. You could also give examples of what they would look like when they are "being happy" (ie: smiling, sharing, doing what the teacher asks, participating in the activities) , what they sound like when they are being happy" (ie: saying things like "Thank you, please, you're nice, etc."). The more specific you are the better! It's very important to help the kids understand what you expect from them right from the start.


Some other ideas I've used for keeping the kids on task and listening are:

-Have a "special visitor" that only comes out when they are sitting quietly (ie: sock puppet, stuffed animal, etc.). I have several puppets and even give them a name. I tell the kids that Alex Alligator is very shy and only likes to come out when they are very quiet. Sometimes, I'll even let the kids take turns holding the special visitor.

-Use leading words like "I know you're ready, when I see you eyes looking at me." or "I know Peter is ready to read this book, because he's sitting on his mat and looking at me." etc. Try to focus on those who are on task, rather than those who are disrupting if possible.

-Whisper something like, "If you can hear me, touch your nose. If you can hear me, sit on your mat." etc. You can keep playing this game until everyone catches on.

It is important to remember that these are 3-4 year-olds (in our case anyway) and that they cannot be expected to sit still for more than a few minutes (good rule of thumb is their age= minutes, or 3 year-olds can keep attention for about 3 minutes before needing to change to a new activity).

Lessons should be planned to avoid behavior problems in the first place. The more you can "actively engage" the kids, the better. For example, when you read a story, ask the kids to listen for something specific. When you do an activity, give each child an assignment. Try to find a way to involve all the kids during each activity and avoid any "down time." If you play a game where the kids are "out" or they take turns, plan for a way to engage the children when they are waiting their turn. Even better, choose a game that can be played in a group so that there are no children waiting. You should also plan movement activities rotated with sitting activities to keep the wiggles out (again, use the age= minutes rule).

Even in a well planned lesson, you can usually tell when the children are restless or bored. When this happens, don't hesitate to stop and move on the next activity! I very rarely (if ever) follow my lesson plan exactly. Use techniques (like those above) for keeping the kids on task, but let the children's interest be your guide.