5 Fresh Ways to Reinforce School Behavior Expectations
Whether it is the first week of school or the Monday after spring break, reviewing school behavior expectations is always a smart move. But let’s be real. Students tune out fast if the review feels like a lecture. So how can we make it stick and make it fun?
Here are five creative ways to reteach school rules that your students will actually enjoy. These ideas are simple, effective, and ready to go whenever your class needs a refresher.
1. Start with a Story and a Dog
Books are a great way to introduce behavior expectations in a friendly, non threatening way. One of my favorite read alouds is Cool Dog, School Dog by Deborah Heiligman. It is playful and relatable and opens the door to talk about what it means to be a "school dog." That is a student who follows expected behaviors and is ready to learn.
I love pairing this book with my Behavior Expectations Classroom Lesson. The lesson uses a fun “dogs at school” theme to explore hallway, cafeteria, and classroom behaviors in a way that gets students laughing and participating.
🦴 Try it here: Behavior Expectations Classroom Lesson & Activity
2. Make Behavior Review a Game
When students get to play, they pay attention. That is why I created the School Behavior Expectations Game Show. It turns behavior review into an interactive quiz-style game that works in PowerPoint or Google Slides. Students love the format and get excited to show what they know.
This is especially helpful after breaks when students need a soft reminder about routines and rules.
🎮 Play it here: School Behavior Expectations Game Show
This School Behavior Expectations Game Show is the perfect NO PREP way for your students to review these behaviors and expectations in a fun and engaging way! Working in teams to answer questions about what behaviors are expected in the school setting will give them a comprehensive review in a game format!
Included in this resource:
⭐A quiz style game show with 25 questions about 5 different school behavior expectations topics
⭐Score cards to keep track of rounds played and game score
3. Reinforce with Quiet Time Activities
Sometimes students need a moment to settle and focus while still staying on task. These Color by Code pages are perfect for that. Each picture is tied to expected behaviors like following directions or using kind words.
Students get to color and relax while reviewing school rules in a low-pressure way.
🎨 Grab the printables: Color by Code: School Behavior Expectations
These no prep School Behavior Expectations color by code pages are the perfect color by code activities to reinforce school behavior expectations with your students! These activities are great for individual students, small groups, morning meetings, early finishers, or to supplement your classroom lessons.
This resource includes:
⭐9 color by code pages using pictures of expected school behaviors
⭐Answer keys to all pages
4. Use Visuals and Repetition
Kids benefit from seeing the same messages in different ways. After you introduce rules through a story or activity, continue to revisit expectations with visuals, anchor charts, and short reminders.
The materials in this bundle are designed to be flexible and reusable so you can reinforce expectations all year long.
5. Bundle It All for a Whole-Class Reset
Instead of searching for separate activities, try the complete School Behavior Expectations Bundle. It includes the book-based lesson, game show, and coloring pages. Everything fits together with a playful dogs-at-school theme that students find engaging and easy to remember.
This bundle works well during the first weeks of school, after holidays, and anytime you need to reset classroom behavior.
🐾 Check out the full bundle here: School Behavior Expectations Bundle
Make Expectations Stick All Year
You do not need to start from scratch or deliver the same old lecture. With the right tools, you can create a positive classroom culture that lasts. Whether you use just one of these resources or grab the full bundle, your students will feel supported and ready to succeed.