Rules Control, Not Inspire

Rules are meant to control, not to inspire.

Rules are necessary in games.

Between people, however, rules result in adversarial relationships
because rules require enforcement. In addition, rules are often stated in negative terms and imply an imposed consequence if not followed.

With young people, rules place the adult in the position of an enforcer—a cop wearing a blue uniform with copper buttons, rather than of a teacher, coach, mentor, facilitator of learning, or educator.

Enforcing rules can result in power struggles that rarely result in win-win situations or good relationships.

Upon analysis, you will see that rules are either procedures or expectations. Rather than relying on rules, therefore, you will be much more effective if you teach procedures, which is the essence of good classroom management.

Rules are “left-hemisphere” oriented. They work with people who are orderly and structured. “Right-hemisphere” dominant students act randomly and spontaneously. Teaching procedures—rather than relying on rules—is significantly more effective with this type of student.

Therefore, instead of posting Rules that focus on obedience, consider posting Responsibilities that empower and elevate.

Responsibilities:
HAVE MY MATERIALS
BE WHERE I BELONG
FOLLOW DIRECTIONS
DO MY ASSIGNMENTS
BE KIND TO OTHERS

More ideas on this topic are available at http://marvinmarshall.com.

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