Home & Classroom Behavior Expectations

Every home and classroom needs rules so that everyone can live peacefully and learn to their fullest potential. It also enables the home and the classroom to run smoothly and effectively.

When establishing home and classroom rules you should identify behavioral expectations for your children. For each expectation you need to identify management strategies to address the expectation while promoting a positive environment. As much as possible, keep your management strategies simple and to the point. Remember, to have effective home and classroom management you need to familiarized all your children with the rules and post them in a place where everyone can see them.


What to consider before you write your rules:

• List only a few rules and write them as positively as possible.
• Describe the rules carefully to everyone.
• Model the behaviors covered by the rules.
• Ask the children to give their own examples.
• Discuss examples of following the rule.


You may also give each child a copy for them to sign as well as their parents to return back to you to let you know they understand the rules and what is required of them. You should also discuss the rules thoroughly so all the children understand and know what they are supposed to do at home or in the classroom. Remind them of the rules when needed and ask them to come to you if they have any questions.

I do not teach special ed. in the public schools any more, but this is my 16th year teaching CCD. Here are my Classroom Behavior Expectations for my first grade CCD classroom as an example. I use this chart to help me address the expectations of my students the first day of class. I write up and post the classroom rules after we have gone over them in a place where all students can see them.




*So what behavioral expectations should you have for your child/students? They may be similar to mine, but you should also take into consideration the age and maturity of your child/students and how you expect them to behave. What behaviors do they have problems with? What behaviors are important to you so you can have effective home and classroom management? Remember to write the behavioral expectations as positively as possible. Describe the rules carefully and give them examples. Have the children give examples and discuss.

Example of a good behavioral expectation: We respect others and their property.

Example of a bad behavioral expectation: Do not tease others.