Me & We Boards: Rules for the Classroom
Ever try to play a game without knowing the rules? I bet it didn’t work out very well. To be successful in our society we have to know the rules of the game. Many of my students with special needs including those with autism can be much more successful in the classroom if the rules of the game are explained to them. Always a proponent of visuals, I created a board that shows students the rules and how they change throughout the day in certain activities.
Making the Me & We Board Work
When I started making this board I decided that it wasn’t enough to just merely show them the rules. I need to show which rules apply specifically to them and which rules the whole group was going to follow. So, I created a “Me and We board.” While not grammatically correct it really has a nice ring to it, doesn’t it? So, here’s how I use it. First, I explain how rules throughout the day can change depending on the activity and the place. Then, I talk about whole group expectations versus individual expectations. I’ve found that most students don’t have to be told to keep their shoes on but some students with autism do. So wearing shoes in class would on the ME side and doing work would be on the WE side. After I clearly define the expectations, the students reach a greater level of success and much more quickly.
Making It Work
The trickiest part of this visual is making sure that I manipulate it throughout the busy day. This can be a little tricky. Because of that I created two different sizes. One can be used on the students’ desks and a larger one is useful for whole group. I love the whole group option especially for early childhood classes, kindergarten classes, and community-based classes. Using this method allows me to discuss what we do as a successful WE. Then we talk about what to do to make sure that the ME in class is thriving also. This gives everyone in the class an understanding of what’s going on and what’s required of them.
Portable & Ready to Go!
The smaller size is a portable version of this that lets one student have the visual in front of them. I simply take the little board with the rules set in each area and place it in their work area. This serves as a continual reminder and, when I need to, I can simply tap on the board or the picture to reinforce a specific rule. Clipboards like the one pictured below make this a breeze for moving around the classroom or taking to specials.
Helping Kids with Autism
Some students with autism are extremely vested in this tool. My rule followers absolutely love this and will often move their own board pieces around in an appropriate manner. Of course, I can always come in and adjust it, but most of the time after we practiced for a while they are able and willing to move the board pieces. Even when they become proficient at using this tool, I encourage it so that they examine the variety of rules, see the rules, and continue to grow socially. I NEVER remove a tool that a student is having success with.
Let’s Get Independent!
There are going to be students who groan when I use this or say they don’t need it. I remind them that if they aren’t on task, following along with the class, or completing their work, then they need to be using the ME & WE Rules Board. We also talk about how the board is there to help them and to reduce their stress. If students start showing independence with the board, then I move it farther away from them instead of taking it away. This is similar to fading a prompt for other levels of support. Once the student can show me that they can continue participating in a group using the classroom rules, I will remove the board if they don’t need it. Remember that I NEVER take it away if they find it helpful rather only if they don’t need it anymore.
Support Behavior Plans
I also use the ME & WE board in behavior plans for students with IEPs. If I have a student who is having trouble following the school rules, this is my go-to support to add into the behavior improvement plan. While I often use behavior charts and reward systems, sometimes the student doesn’t need stickers, sweets, or time on technology. I’m not sure any of my students need more time on technology! I like to start with the easiest and cheapest method which the ME & WE board covers for me.
The Sanity Saver
So, the next time you hear yourself tell that one student what you need them to do again, give yourself a break and grab your ME & WE board. Your sanity will thank you and so will your student’s family.
