The Five Finger Rule

Many teachers agree that students need clear expectations to ensure they stay on track and abide by the rules.
This 'Full Value Contract' (Class Rules) is designed so that is easy to learn and teach and super effective - not to mention it will only take 5 minutes to learn, teach & start reaping the benefits!!!

How to do it

Start by talking about the fact that as a teacher you have some expectations of the clases you work with and these can all be summerised into 5 points

Then continue by showing your group your right hand, and asking them to hold out their own right hand.

Next introduce the components of the Five Finger Rule and at each set have them practice the movement and say what it stands for.

The Thumb
- Stands for: Be Positive, Stay Positive
- Action: Give A Thumbs Up
- Sample Statement: In everything we do Let’s Be positive and focus on the good

The Index (Pointer) Finger
- Stands for: Don’t Point the Finger
- Action: Point and Shake the finger
- Sample Statement: Don’t point the finger at somebody else. Take responsibility and move on

The Middle Finger
- Stands for: Be Respectful!
- Action: Go to show middle finger ‘the bird gesture’ then point to top of middle finger with palm facing the group
- Sample Statement: Treat others with respect including teachers and other students

The Ring Finger
- Stands for: Be engaged
- Action: Pretend to put a wedding ring on your finger
- Sample Statement: Be engaged with everything that we do in class

The Pinky Finger
- Stands for: The Little Things
- Action: Show and wiggle your little finger
- Sample Statement: Don’t forget the little things, because the little things make a difference

Now, ask the members of your class to repeat the elements of the Five Finger Rule and most of them will look to their hands (the educational ‘hook’) and be able to identify all five components and using the 'hook' they have memorised the five finger rule perfectly.

If a class member breaks a rule all you need to do is point to the finger of the relevant rule and talk with them about the rule they had broken.

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If you have any questions about the Full Value contract or "Five Finger Rule" feel free to call Luke on 8370 1500