Problem: Article: Choose at least four to five simple rules for the classroom and write them down. You will use these rules to manage the classroom and establish boundaries among your students.  Your rules may include: all students must come to class on time and ready to learn, all students must be prepared to listen and ask questions by raising their hand, and all students must be aware of the consequences of missing class or turning in assignments late. You may also have a rule about playing fair with others in the classroom and listening respectfully to others when they speak. Make sure you have at least one to two rules that directly address discipline and behavior towards others in the classroom. Start the school year on the right foot by printing out the rules and handing them out to all students. You can also post them on the blackboard or put them on the class' online message board so they are readily available throughout the school year. Explain to your students that you expect them to all follow these four to five rules and to enforce these rules among themselves. You should be clear about the negative consequences of disruptive behavior in class. If a student talks over another student when he/she is speaking, for example, this could be considered disruptive and the consequence could be a reprimand from you. As well, if one student refuses to share an item with another student, this could be considered a violation of the rules and could lead to points deducted from his/her participation grade. Explain possible situations that may be considered disruptive or against the rules of the classroom.  You should also discuss the positive consequences of following the classroom rules, such as verbal praise, or entering a class raffle for a prize. You may also use the star system, where a student who follows the rules receives a gold star beside his/her name or a check mark. Group rewards can be effective, where you put a marble in a jar every time the group interacts well and follows the rules, and when the marbles reach a certain height in the jar, the entire class is allowed to go on a special field trip or event. Once you explain the rules and expectations of the classroom, you should have the class verbally agree to the rules or raise their hands to show they understand the rules. This will act as a commitment to the class rules by everyone in the room. Doing this will ensure parents are aware of your classroom rules and understand how you will discipline your students. Parents may need to be involved in classroom issues if they get out of control, so it will be useful to share the classroom rules in the first week of class. You can also ask parents to go over the rules with their children at home so the rules are clear. This will also signal to children that their parents approve of the classroom rules. Children respond to fair, consistent behavior, and will often lead by example. Make sure you review the rules and expectations for the classroom at least once a week so your students can remember them. It is also important that you ask your students if they have any questions or concerns about the rules. Some students may feel a certain rule needs to be more specific or to be adjusted. Be open to a discussion about the classroom rules and allow your students to voice their opinions. Though you may decide not to shift or adjust any rules, this will show students that you respect their opinion and indicate they are thinking critically about the rules. In the event of an issue or problem in the classroom, draw on the established rules and expectations for the students. Do not be afraid to be strict about the rules, as this is the only way they will be enforced in the classroom. Be prepared to give out appropriate punishments, but avoid yelling or getting angry at students. Instead, use punishments that encourage self awareness and discussion, rather than humiliation or embarrassment. You should also try to maintain positive consequences throughout the school year when a student or the class follow the rules. This will remind the class that the rules are made to reward, as well as to discipline.
Summary: Decide on basic classroom rules. Share these rules and expectations with the class on the first day of school. Discuss the negative consequences and positive consequences of the rules. Give a copy of the rules to parents during the first week of school. Review the rules on a regular basis. Put the rules into action.

Problem: Article: The floor is the part of the room that is most likely to show wear and tear. Once of the best ways to refresh a room is to install new flooring. If you’ve had carpet before, consider changing to hardwood or laminate floors.  If you choose carpet, make sure it reflects your lifestyle. For example, white carpet probably isn’t a wise choice if you have small children or a playful puppy. Visit a flooring store to look at samples and get a feel for what materials cost. For example, laminate is less expensive than actual hardwood. You could compare the 2 to see what works for you. Painting is probably the easiest way to give a room new life. For a bedroom, try to stick with cool tones such as blue. This will create a soothing environment. Feel free to be creative in your living space. For example, you could have a gray room with 1 red wall to create a dramatic accent. Whether you’re looking for a new dining table or an updated sofa, furniture will help make your newly redone room feel like home. Spend time browsing design magazines to get a sense of what you like. If you’re working with a designer, provide them with plenty of clippings before they shop.  For the kitchen, look at tables, storage racks, and bar stools. You might price couches, end tables, and lamps for your living room. For the bedroom, consider headboards, dressers, and nightstands. You might want a new table or buffet for the dining room. Your furniture should fit your lifestyle. For example, if you have a large family, consider a long dining table with a bench on 1 side to accommodate several people. If you and your partner love movie night, a comfy sofa might be your priority. the room for an easy update. If you don’t have the budget for a complete remodel, add accessories to any room for an easy update. In the living room, add new picture frames, lamps, and area rugs. You could add a new end table to your bedroom.  For your dining room, you might display decorative plates on the walls. To jazz up your table, add new place mats and napkins. Mirrors are a great way to make a small room look larger. To fill a large room, consider purchasing some oversize pieces, such as a long table or sectional sofa. Harsh overhead lights can make a room feel less homey. Try adding several table and floor lamps to a room to make it feel more welcoming. You can also add a chandelier or pendant to give your room an interesting new focal point.
Summary:
Select new flooring to update the space. Paint the walls to make the room feel like new. Purchase new furniture to modernize the room. Accessorize Redesign the lighting to add mood and ambiance.