Expectations and rules for an

effective classroom

Maritza Saucedo
 ● Teach rules and expectations
Five Essential ○ Aligned with school - wide expectations

Classroom Practices ● Maximize structure

○ Predictable routines, arrange space so all students can see,

hear and move freely

● Actively engage students

○ Give students many opportunities to respond to instruction

● Acknowledge appropriate behavior

○ Behavior specific praise: “Joey, I like how you raised your

hand quietly” vs “Great job!”

● Respond to inappropriate behavior

○ Use various strategies to respond to behavior depending on

intensity of behavior e.g. planned ignoring, proximity to

student, error correction

Rules and Expectations: ● 3-5 positively stated rules in the
classroom
What do they look like? ○ age - appropriate
● Measurable and observable
● Should communicate desired
behaviors
● Align with school-wide expectations

Non Example: no running in the

classroom

Example: Walk quietly to your area

School-Wide Expectations

➔ Safe What are examples of

appropriate classroom
➔ Responsible rules that align with these
expectations?
➔ Respectful
 Examples
★ Safe
○ Keep hands, feet, and objects to yourself
○ Use walking feet
★ Responsible
○ Bring all materials to class and be ready to work
○ Complete your work on time
★ Respectful
○ Raise your hand
○ Use kind words when speaking to others
 ● Students will know exactly what they are

supposed to do.

● Consistency is key

● Routines create a predictable and calm

Why?
environment

● Creates a sense of safety related to creating a

trauma-informed classroom environment

● Create opportunities for positive interactions

○ Research has shown the need for positive

interactions, such as high rates of praise

● Positive and healthy classroom environment

● Lower rates of behaviors and office referrals

The Trauma-Informed Classroom
What is Trauma? How Trauma affects students:
“Any event that an individual experiences that is ● Trauma disorients student’s perceptions of
emotionally or physically harmful because the the world creating a sense of unsafety
individual perceives his life or the life of someone he ● Students may be unable to manage stress
loves is threatened.” ● School environment can create stressors that
trigger traumatic stress responses
Traumatic events such as:
● Changes in cognition and mood
● Domestic or community violence ● Emotion regulation
● Natural disaster ● Trouble with relationships
● Serious illness
● physical/emotional abuse
● Neglect
 ● Teach as you would academic lessons
I created my rules. Now ○ Can create a lesson plan
what?
● Post and review often with students

● Actively supervise students

○ Teacher moving, interacting with

students

○ Correcting errors

○ Reinforcing positive behavior

■ Behavior specific praise

Let’s Think