Are you finding it challenging to regain momentum in your classroom after the holiday break? You’re not alone! Transitioning back into routines can be tricky, but there’s good news. By reinforcing classroom expectations, you can set a positive tone for the rest of the school year. Read on to discover actionable tips to help you start the new year strong and create a thriving learning environment.
What Are Classroom Expectations?
Classroom expectations are the behaviours, routines, and standards that guide how students interact with each other, their teacher, and their learning environment. These expectations are crucial for fostering a respectful and productive classroom. While many teachers establish them at the beginning of the school year, revisiting and reinforcing them in the new year is just as important. This practice ensures consistency, supports students’ growth, and helps manage disruptions before they arise. Setting clear expectations can lead to greater success for you, your students, and your classroom community.
8 Tips for Setting Classroom Expectations
Reinforcing classroom expectations doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With a little creativity and structure, you can make it engaging for your students and effective for your classroom management. Here are eight practical tips to help you establish a positive and productive environment as you kick off the new year.
Play Classroom Expectations Jeopardy
Start the new year with a fun and interactive game of Jeopardy. Create categories related to your classroom rules and procedures, and let students answer questions to review what’s expected of them. This playful activity reinforces expectations while engaging students collaboratively.
Start a New Routine with Kudos Club
Embrace the “new year, new us” mindset by introducing a fresh classroom management strategy like the Kudos Club. This innovative program promotes teamwork by rewarding positive behaviours and achievements. Students work together to earn points and unlock meaningful rewards, all while avoiding losing points to the mischievous Count Snaagit. This approach builds community and reinforces expectations in a fun and motivating way. Learn more about Kudos Club here, or check out this YouTube video for an in-depth explanation.
Model Expectations Through Role-Playing
Engage students in role-playing scenarios to demonstrate expected behaviours. For example, act out proper ways to transition between activities, handle disagreements, or use classroom materials. This hands-on activity makes expectations clear and relatable.
Teach Independent Work Skills
Reinforce the importance of working independently by teaching students essential skills for success. Offer a structured approach and link to resources like our freebie on Teaching Independent Work Skills or explore this helpful blog post.
Reflect on the Past Semester
Take time to reflect with your students on what worked well and what could improve. Use their feedback to adjust classroom expectations and involve them in creating solutions. This collaborative approach fosters ownership and accountability.
Incorporate Visual Reminders
Use charts, posters, or digital slides to display expectations in an eye-catching way. Visual reminders make it easy for students to stay on track and revisit the rules independently.
Create and Display Classroom Rules
Revisit classroom rules by creating a contract with your students. Have them sign it and display it prominently in the classroom. For a creative touch, consider framing the contract to make it a permanent and meaningful reminder. Check out these free classroom rule posters to enhance your setup.
Celebrate Successes
Celebrate when students meet or exceed expectations. Whether it’s through individual praise, group rewards, or special class privileges, recognizing their efforts reinforces the importance of following expectations and boosts morale.
Looking for more help with classroom management? Watch the video below!
Keep Classroom Expectations Alive in the New Year
Starting the new year is the perfect opportunity for a fresh start in your classroom. By setting and reinforcing clear classroom expectations, you can create a positive, productive environment for everyone. Remember, you’ve got this! With these tips and tools like the Kudos Club, you’re ready to make the rest of the school year a success.
