NORMS/EXPECTATIONS/RULES
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​​     Norms are standards of behavior that are accepted within a specific setting or within a particular group. At the elementary school level of preschool-grade 3 children, these are more commonly referred to as expectations or rules.  Within each classroom, they are created together by the community of learners and the teacher. Since the opinions of the students are considered when they are being written, ownership and accountability are promoted.
     Expectations or rules are usually limited to three or five that are considered to be the most important by the group.  They set the ground rules for the class to follow. Emphasizing what they are supposed to do, they are stated simply, positively, and clearly.  Once consensus is reached and everyone is in agreement, the expectations or rules can be signed by the group. They are posted as a visual reminder and referred to daily for reinforcement and acknowledgment.