After engaging your students with icebreaker activities, it’s time to establish clear expectations for the classroom. This essential step helps create a respectful, organized learning environment where everyone knows what’s expected and feels confident to participate. In this blog, we’ll explore why setting expectations is crucial, discuss key points to cover, and provide practical examples to guide your discussion. Additionally, we’ll suggest activities to make this process interactive and memorable for your students.
The Importance of Establishing Classroom Rules
Establishing classroom rules on the first day sets the tone for the entire academic year. Clear expectations prevent misunderstandings, foster mutual respect, and promote a positive classroom culture. By involving students in the process, you encourage ownership and responsibility for maintaining these rules.
Consider asking questions such as:
- “What can we do to make this class enjoyable for everyone?”
- “What rules should we follow to help us learn better?”
These discussions not only clarify your expectations but also empower students to take an active role in creating a productive learning space.
Key Points to Discuss and Examples
Here are some essential topics to cover with examples of how to introduce them in class:
1. Punctuality
“Our class starts at 6 o’clock. Can I come at 6:05? No, right? I have to be punctual, and so do you! Punctuality helps us all stay on track. Let’s agree to respect the class schedule together.”
2. Materials
“What do I need to bring to class? I have to bring my books and materials. What about you? Have you brought your materials today? Let’s check—do you have your pencil case, books, and notebook?”
3. Participation
“Can I sit down and stay quiet? No, I have to teach and give instructions. And you? Can you stay quiet? No, you need to speak English in class! But first, you must listen to instructions carefully.”
4. Language Use in Class
“What language should we use in class? English or Portuguese?”
- If students suggest both, respond: “You’re here to learn English, so we will mostly use English. I’ll help you understand with gestures, pictures, and examples.”
5. Understanding Instructions
Demonstrate: “For example, if I say: ‘Stand up and open your book to page 5,’ without gestures, it may be hard to understand.”
- Repeat the sentence slower and add gestures to show students they can understand better with context and attention. Encourage: “You don’t need to understand every word—just the idea!”
6. Classroom Language
Review a classroom language poster with your students. Examples include:
You and Your Teacher
- “Excuse me, can I drink some water?”
- “Can I go to the toilet, please?”
- “What’s the meaning of _____?”
- “How do you spell _____?”
- “Can you repeat that, please?”
- “How do you say ___________ in Portuguese?”
You and Your Colleague
- “It’s my turn!”
- “Do you have _____?”
- “I (don’t) understand.”
- “Yes! I’m winning!”
- “Oh, no! I’m losing!”
7. Homework
Initiate a discussion: “Should I assign homework?”
- Students may argue against it, but explain: “When we learn a language, we have to speak and write. Most of our activities in class will focus on speaking English. However, to practice writing and improve faster, it’s important to do your homework. It won’t be much—just a little at a time.”
Interactive Activities to Reinforce Rules
1. Create a Classroom Rules Poster
Engage students by brainstorming rules together and designing a poster for the classroom. Have everyone sign it to symbolize their agreement to follow the rules. This fosters a sense of commitment and teamwork.
2. Classroom Language Poster
Develop a poster with two sections:
- You and Your Teacher: Include common phrases like “Can you repeat that, please?” and “How do you say _____ in English?”
- You and Your Colleague: Encourage phrases such as “Whose turn is it?” and “Let’s work together.” Highlight how classroom language supports real communication and reinforces language skills.
3. Attention Grabbers and Transition Markers
To maintain order and transitions, introduce simple attention grabbers:
- “Look at me, 1, 2, 3!”
- “Listen, everyone, 3, 2, 1!”
Use chants or phrases for transitions:
- To start a game: “I’m happy today, let’s play!”
- To wrap up an activity: “Let’s stop, hands on top.”
- For manual activities: “Okay, my friends, let’s use our hands!”
The more interactive and consistent these routines are, the smoother your classes will flow.
4. Interactive Storytelling with “David Goes to School! By David Shannon
- Watch the story online (https://youtu.be/Qk7zCs-PaU4), pause it from time to time, and have students join you in telling the story while repeating chunks such as “No David,” “No yelling,” “No pushing,” etc. Let students share their thoughts about the story and discuss how David’s behavior connects to classroom rules.
Conclusion
Establishing expectations on the first day of class is essential for a productive and enjoyable learning experience. From punctuality and participation to language use and homework, these foundational rules set your students up for success. Remember to make this process engaging by involving your students in discussions and activities. For more ideas on creating a welcoming classroom environment, check out our blog on First Day Activities and Tips for New Students.
By taking the time to set expectations early, you create a positive atmosphere that fosters learning, respect, and collaboration throughout the year.
