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Establishing and enforcing classroom rules need not be a boring or punitive process. Instead, rules and guidelines provide a for students and teachers and set the stage for positive and productive classroom experiences and encounters.

Why Are Classroom Rules Important?

Students attend school not only for academic purposes but also to learn how to operate in the world and be in community with one another. Classroom rules help keep everyone safe and on task, yes, but also foster connection and belonging. Also, classroom rules help instill life skills, particularly those related to health and safety.

How Can Rules Help Establish Expectations and Consequences?

Rules should be displayed clearly in the classroom, and reviewed regularly—particularly at the beginning of the school year or during morning meetings. When introducing and reinforcing rules, give clear examples. Whenever possible, also explain the “why” behind a rule:

Why should we label our belongings? So we can easily identify whose coat this is if left on the playground, or distinguish between two water bottles that look the same.

Why do we need to keep our hands to ourselves? So that we don’t make others feel uncomfortable. We all have a right to personal space.

Don’t expect students to be mind-readers. Be clear about the expectations.

While some rules function more as guidelines (“Have a good attitude”), others might call for consequences if broken. For example, running with scissors might entail the loss of scissor privileges. Rushing through assignments might mean having to redo work. As with these examples, make sure the consequences reflect the specific infraction and help further a certain classroom goal (protecting health and safety, for example, or promoting a positive classroom environment).

Moreover, try not to surprise students with consequences. When introducing rules, be clear about which ones have consequences and why. Whenever possible, the consequences should gradually increase in severity. For example, Strike 1=A verbal warning, Strike 2=Missing recess, Strike 3=A meeting with the principal.

Positive reinforcement and encouragement are as important as consequences. Highlight appropriate behavior and thank students for meeting or surpassing expectations.

How Classroom Rules Give Students Ownership

Rules are most effective when there is collective buy-in. While some rules might need to be established and enforced in a top-down manner, others can be generated collaboratively. Ask students what is important to them, and allow them some input. Likewise, give students opportunities to self-enforce rules.

To involve students, consider enlisting them as teachers. For example: “What are we going to do during this fire drill?” or “Remind me why we need to raise our hands.”

Using humor or role play can also be effective: “Do we line up like this?!” while acting goofily. Or, “Let’s practice asking one another to borrow a pencil.”

In short, make the process fun but hold students to standards. Be clear that you know they are capable of following the rules.

Best Classroom Rules for Students

Read on for 75 of the best classroom rules, divided into four categories:

• Procedures
• Health and Safety
• Respect
• Fostering a Positive Classroom Environment

Best Procedural Rules

1. Arrive on time.
2. If arriving late, check in at the office first. Then enter quietly and join the class without disruption.
3. Store your belongings (coats, backpacks, etc.) appropriately.
   Note: Make this rule specific to your classroom. Example: “Hang your coat on the hook beneath your name.” Or, “Put your backpack in your cubby.”
4. Label your belongings.
5. Write your name on your work first thing.
   Note: You might add “legibly” to this rule, or require first and last names.
6. Turn in assignments on time and using the established procedures.
   Note: Again, be specific: “Put your completed homework in the yellow basket.”
7. Sit in your assigned seat unless instructed otherwise.
8. Line up quietly and quickly when asked.
9. Keep your workspace tidy.
10. At the end of the work period or day, scan your surroundings for trash or supplies that need to be put away.
11. If you miss class for any reason, check in with your teacher about catch-up work.
12. Ask permission to leave the classroom (or follow established procedures).
    Note: If you follow a hall pass system, for example, reference that.

Best Health and Safety Rules

13. Walk, don’t run, in the hallways.
14. Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself.
    Note: Include a discussion about why this is important.
15. Dress for the weather.
    Note: Revisit this rule while engaging in age-appropriate weather activities.
16. Wash and dry your hands thoroughly after using the restroom.
17. Catch your cough (or sneeze)—preferably in your elbow.
18. When ill, stay home. If you begin to feel ill during the school day, let an adult/teacher know.
19. Use tissues to wipe/blow your nose. Dispose of used tissues properly.
20. Keep all four chair legs on the ground.
21. When walking with or passing scissors, hold them by the closed blades, not the handles.
    Note: With younger students, include a demonstration and opportunities to practice.
22. Dispose of trash and recycling appropriately.
23. Follow rules meant to protect students with allergies.
    Note: For example, don’t bring peanut butter sandwiches for lunch if your classroom is nut-free.
24. Use equipment as instructed.
    Note: Provide details based on circumstance. This rule is particularly important during science activities.
25. Take safety drills seriously.
26. In case of emergency, remain calm and follow instructions.
    Note: Explain why this is important.
27. Do not bring weapons or lighters/matches to school.
28. Tell an adult/teacher immediately if you witness others engaging in unsafe behavior or activities.
    Note: Involve students in a discussion about what constitutes unsafe behavior.
29. Use good judgment on the playground. Don’t climb up slides or throw balls at others without warning.
30. Pay attention to your surroundings.

Best Classroom Rules to Encourage Respect

31. Raise your hand to speak.
32. Wait your turn.
33. Do not talk over others.
34. Follow directions the first time.
35. Learn your classmates’ names. Make an effort to pronounce them correctly and use preferred nicknames.
36. Listen with your eyes and ears while teachers or classmates are talking.
    Note: Explain “active listening” to younger students.
37. Use inside voices—particularly in hallways or common spaces.
38. Everyone gets to decide whether and how to accept physical contact—particularly hugs. Fist bumps or high fives are good alternatives to hugs.
    Note: This is a good opportunity for role-playing.
39. Respect others’ personal space.
40. Respect others’ property. Ask if you need to borrow something.
41. If you borrow something from a classmate, return it promptly.
42. Respect school property.
43. Treat library books carefully—do not write in them or fold down pages.
44. When using school computers or devices, stay on task. Do not visit unauthorized websites.
    Note: Depending on students’ age or specific context, there will likely be a need for more (and more detailed) rules regarding technology and device usage—both school and personal property. For example, are phones allowed in the classroom? Smartwatches?
45. Do not bang on keyboards. Use two hands when carrying school laptops or tablets.
46. Treat everyone who works at the school with respect, including custodians, aides, etc.
47. Treat others how you want to be treated.
48. Say “please” and “thank you” when interacting with others.
49. Do your own work.
    Note: Explain why this is a matter of respect. It is disrespectful to yourself, your classmates, and your teacher to cheat or copy someone else’s work. Depending on context and students’ age, you might also need to establish rules surrounding AI usage.

Best Rules to Foster a Positive Classroom Environment

50. Be honest.
51. Be yourself.
52. Mistakes happen. Own up to them but don’t beat yourself up.
53. Ask for space or time if you need it.
54. Take deep breaths if you feel upset.
55. Use your words.
56. Use “I feel…” statements when addressing conflicts.
57. Have a good attitude.
58. Be willing to try new things.
59. Embrace creativity.
60. Accept praise and be proud of your work.
61. Ask for clarification if you don’t understand instructions.
62. Ask relevant questions.
    Note: Explain the difference between a comment and a question.
63. Ask for help.
64. Take your time. Do not rush through tasks or assignments.
65. Try not to waste school supplies. Use only what you need.
66. Use positive language.
    Note: Also, if certain language is resolutely not allowed, address that in the rule.
67. Take turns and be cooperative.
68. Attempt to work out disagreements with your classmates on your own first before involving a teacher (unless they are being unsafe).
    Note: This is another opportunity for role-playing.
69. Be encouraging of others.
70. Be willing to share or lend supplies to others.
71. Do not intentionally embarrass or belittle others.
72. Apologize if you hurt someone’s feelings.
73. Be inclusive. Avoid intentionally leaving others out of activities or games.
74. Laugh with, rather than at,
    Note: Facilitate a class discussion about this distinction, and generate examples of both.
75. Treat everyone—including yourself—with kindness and curiosity.

Modify these rules to make them fit your classroom or age group. For example, “No Running” might not make sense in a P.E. classroom. Likewise, older students might not need a specific rule about tissue usage.