Rules To Live By

Click on each rule to see how you can use these at home.

Listening

I will listen when others are speaking.

At home:

· Get down to their level

o Children will be more inclined to pay attention to what you have to say if you can get down physically to their level. Try squatting down and putting a hand on the child’s knee when you want him/her to really hear you.

· Use simple words

o Make sure that they understand your message in the simplest language possible.

· Keep it short

o Children will be more likely to attend to the whole message if it is short, sweet and to the point.

· Don’t raise your voice

o Try to communicate your ideas in a calm, composed manner.

Following Directions

I will follow directions the first time they are given.
I will ask questions if I do not understand.

At home:

· Get their attention.

o Try to get eye contact before giving directions.

· Be specific.

o Tell them exactly what you want them to do. Break down bigger tasks (e.g., “Clean your room”) into the steps you want them to follow (e.g., “Pick up your toys. Then make your bed.”).

· Show appreciation

o Praise your child as soon as s/he begins to follow on instruction.

· Practice with some fun games.

o “Simon Says” is a great game for listening and following directions.

o “Follow the Leader”- The family sits in a circle and the parent picks someone to be the leader for 1 minute, everyone follows the leader. The parent then changes the leader.

Being Responsible I will take care of my own and school belongings.

At home:

· Have a discussion about responsibility at home and at school.

· Catch your children being responsible.

· Teach them about your values.

· Talk about rules at home and at school.

Caring I will not hurt another person’s body and/or feelings.

At home:

· Let your children know that you value kindness and that you expect them to demonstrate responsibility for their words and their actions.

· Model kindness by treating your children with kindness, caring and respect for their abilities.

· Read books that promote responsible behaviors.

· If you see your child doing or saying something unkind, let him/her know immediately that is not okay behavior.

Walking

I will walk when I am in the building.

At home:

· Talk with your children about the expectation to walk in school hallways.

· Play the “Follow the Leader” game to practice walking in a line or walking at different speeds.

Whispering

I will whisper in the “Whisper Zones.” (The corridors and the Library)

At home:

· Play the Whispering Game

o Games like “Telephone” allow children to practice modulating their voices in a fun way!

· Practice speaking at different voice levels at home.
  o Children will enjoy demonstrating “Inside voice” and “Outside Voice” for you.

Telling the Truth I will tell the truth.

At home:

· Expect honesty.

o Talk to your child about your expectations. Let your child know that you feel it is important to tell the truth, even when it’s hard to do so. Let your child know that you appreciate when s/he tells the truth.

· Try not to overreact when they do not tell the truth.

o Children lie for a variety of reasons. The most popular are to get out of trouble or to get your attention. Explain the difference between real and make-believe, and talk to them about exaggerating the truth.