Classroom Rules That Keep Students’ Attention on Learning

Each year my fourth-grade class includes children who have trouble staying focused, following directions, and observing rules. I could use individual interventions to help them improve behavior and school performance, but I prefer to blend these strategies into classroom rules for every student. That way, I don’t have to single out students with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD or ADD) or learning disabilities, who may already feel different. Establishing clear expectations, incentives, and consequences for all students creates a community that fosters real learning. As much as possible, I anticipate and accommodate the problems of individuals in my class. For example, if I know that attention or language processing deficits make it hard for some kids to copy down spoken instructions, I provide typed assignments for everyone to take home. 

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