Rules and Contracts

Terry W. Neu, Ph. D.

What does Discipline look like?

Rules (4 to 6) clearly defined and consistently carried out.

Unacceptable behavior is defined Acceptable behavior is defined Consequences are clear Rewards are presented

When making rules:

Keep the statement positive:

instead of “no touching or hitting”

Use

“Keep your hands and feet to yourself”

When making rules:

Focus on important behaviors

Keep the wording simple and short

Keep the meaning clear and recognizable

Make sure these behaviors are observable

Consider the students rights and responsibilities

When making rules:

Discuss the rules with students-Usually the first day of school with a review

any time a new student joins the class. Teach the rules like you would content.

Discuss the reason for the rules-Students should understand the rationale for

rules. What will the rules accomplish

When making rules:

Give examples-Why do keep our hands and feet to ourselves.

Be sure students understand consequences.Talk about rights and responsibilities in your

class. What is the pay off for responsible behavior? What are the consequences for both desirable and undesirable behaviors.

When making rules:

Be sure that the rules are posted They should be easy to read and posted in an

area where they cannot be missed Remind students of the rules on occasion

If a student is having difficulty with a rule, address it individually instead of submitting the entire class to a lecture

Types of Rules

A compliance ruleFollow directions; do what is asked of you

A preparation ruleHave books, pencils, paper, and homework

A talking ruleRaise your hand and ask permission to

speak. Talking with friends is only allowed at certain determined times.

Types of Rules

An in-class behavior ruleKeep hands and feet to yourself. Leave your

seat only with permission. An on-time rule

Be in your seat before the bell rings. Be in class and prepared by (bell)

A transition behavior ruleWalk down the hall without conflict with others

Behavior Categories

First degree behaviors

might include minor infractions. Consequences could be to redirect the child to classroom activities. If the student cannot be redirected: think about offering a choice---moving to a different location, an apology, etc…

Behavior Categories

Second degree behaviors

could include chronic first degree behaviors, fighting, walking out of class, or refusal to respond. Consequences could be a call home (don’t forget to call home for good behavior and success as well), time out, removal from class or referral to the office (a last resort).

Behavior Categories

Third degree behaviors

might include the child who is totally out of control or violent behavior against person or property. The consequences might include a parent conference, meeting with the school administration, in school or out of school suspension, or discussion with appropriate pupil services staff.

Clearly defined procedures

AdministrativeTaking attendance, collecting required forms,

distributing school announcements Class running

Non-academic routines that enable the classroom to run smoothly: transitions between activities, computer use, etc…

Clearly defined procedure

Lesson runningRoutines that directly support instruction by

specifying the behaviors that are necessary for teaching and learning to take place. What to bring to the lesson, collecting homework, recording who has completed homework, returning homework, organization of assignments, what can be done after work is complete.

Clearly defined procedures

InteractionRoutines that specify when talk is permitted

and how it is to occur Student movement

Entering the room, restroom visits, nurse visits, fire drills, pencil sharpening

HousekeepingMaintaining the classroom, watering plants,

storing personal items

A Three Step Process for Teaching Routines and Procedures Explain

Demonstrate the procedure step by step Rehearse

Practice the procedure. Students should be able to perform the action automatically

ReinforceCheck for understanding and praise and

reward acceptable rehearsal