Star Rules and Transitions 

Star Rules and Transitions 

Classroom learning rules set the tone for a positive learning environment. The STAR rules are most commonly used.  

• Sit Tall  

Feet on the floor, back against the chair, hands in lap.  

• Talk Big  

Answer in a normal voice, not a yell or a whisper. 

• Answer on Signal  

When the teacher gives a signal, students answer with the group.  

• Respect Others  

We are all here to learn, we all make mistakes sometimes.  

The teacher posts the STAR rules in the immediate learning area, so they are visible to students during the lesson. The STAR rules are reinforced at the beginning of the school year with the group and before starting the lesson and elicit a choral read-aloud with them. 

Students are awarded points frequently for following the STAR rules at the beginning of the school year. As students learn the rules, points become more academically focused. 

The teacher establishes a routine for efficient transitions during the lesson and group rotations. 

The ways to achieve smooth transitions are:   

• Use a timer to provide an audible signal for switching groups.  
• Clearly define each step of the transition, such as allocating twenty seconds for putting away materials once the timer goes off. At the end of twenty seconds, students should be standing by their chairs, ready to move to the next group.  
• Create a signal for each step of the transition. It can be as simple as the teacher saying ‘one’ as students push in chairs and stand up, ‘two’ as students move to their chair in the next group, and ‘three’ as students sit down in their new group.  
• Establish a classroom ‘traffic pattern’ for moving to each group.  
• Set the expectation of walking feet and quiet voices during movement.