In the Omnimodel, community qualities are good indicators of what is needed to create safe, good and inclusive school environments. One of the key factors is predictability , and a shared understanding of common rules .
When doorstep rules are developed jointly between students, staff and parents, the foundation is laid for a safe, inclusive and health-promoting learning environment that supports students' well-being and development.
Doorstep rules are an effective tool for working with this, and here you will receive a thorough introduction to how doorstep rules can be established, with concrete examples in a school context.
NB! All tools must be seen in context to ensure a holistic understanding. All video lectures can be freely used in the work of increasing knowledge and understanding.
The important doorstep rules
Children and young people test boundaries and challenge adults. This is explained well in Omni staircase's step 2 (link). In the Omnimodel, community qualities are also good indicators of what is needed to create safe, good and inclusive school environments. One of several factors is predictability and in this context, common rules and understanding of these become important. Here, the work with doorstep rules comes in as a tool.
This text provides an overview of how doorstep rules can be established. It also provides examples of what doorstep rules might look like – here in a school context.
By introducing doorstep rules that children, staff and parents have created together, a common foundation for health, well-being, inclusion and learning can be established.
Establishment of the rules
Creating doorstep rules is the result of a thorough and step-by-step process:
1. Employee involvement : We start by involving employees in the process. Through workshops and meetings, we ensure that the rules are understandable, realistic and accepted by everyone. This creates ownership and commitment among the staff.
2. Identification of core values: Core values such as respect, cooperation, care and learning form the basis for the doorstep rules. They should clearly reflect the desire for a community characterized by mutual respect and support.
3. Defining Expectations : Define clear expectations for interactions between students, staff, and parents. This includes communication, respect, responsibility, and professionalism. By clearly defining these expectations, the foundation for a positive learning environment is laid.
4. Formulating clear rules: Doorstep rules must be formulated in a clear and concrete way. Avoid vague formulations and focus on creating rules that are practical, concrete and relevant to the community in question. This ensures that everyone understands and can abide by the rules.
5. Evaluation and Improvement: It is important to recognize that the needs and composition of the school staff may change over time. Therefore, the doorstep rules must be evaluated annually to ensure that they remain relevant and effective. This allows the organization to adapt and improve the rules as needed.
6. Making the rules visible : It is important that the doorknob rules are visible and known to all employees. Feel free to use posters to make the rules visible and training sessions to ensure that everyone both knows the rules and takes responsibility for following them. Remember that temporary workers are also made aware of the rules.
Examples of Doorstep Rules for Employees
- Greetings and farewells: Say “Hello” when you arrive and “Goodbye” when you leave. This creates a friendly atmosphere and teaches students courtesy.
- Show respect: Show respect for all children and young people, colleagues, parents and other parties involved.
- Promote inclusion: Create an inclusive environment where all students feel welcome, understood and accepted, for example by ensuring language and cultural understanding (See also the section on FFSS).
- Follow the school's values: Work in line with the school's values and goals to create a holistic and positive culture.
- Be Responsible : Take responsibility for your actions and ensure that student safety and security are always a priority.
- Promote learning: Create stimulating and creative learning environments and encourage curiosity and exploration. Always focus on community-building activities (see FFSS).
- Communicate clearly and kindly: Maintain as clear and friendly communication as possible with students, parents and colleagues (see authoritative adult role).
- Be professional: Act professionally, and keep personal matters separate from work.
- Show empathy: Be sensitive and attentive to students' emotional needs.
- Promote collaboration: Collaboration between colleagues, parents, and other partners to create a holistic support system for the student.
How to establish doorstep rules for students?
Students should experience safe and clear staff when they come to school. An employee who shows empathy, is open to input and takes students seriously will be more able to create a safe and positive school environment where students can develop as whole people.
Students need a fixed framework in the form of rules. This helps create predictability and an expectation of how they should behave in relation to each other.
Examples of doorstep rules for students
- Greetings and farewells: Say “Hello” when you arrive and “Goodbye” when you leave. This creates a friendly atmosphere and teaches students courtesy.
- Clean up after yourself: Leave the place better than it was. This includes cleaning up your belongings and shared classroom equipment.
- Wait for your turn: Teach students to wait for their turn, whether it is to raise their hand, get help from the teacher, or to speak up during conversations.
- Listen when someone is talking: Teach your student to pay attention when others are talking. This is an important skill for developing good communication habits.
- Be kind: Encourage kind actions like saying nice things, giving compliments, and helping each other.
- Respect other people's property: Teach students to treat other people's things with care and respect.
- Use a Calm Voice: Sometimes it's important to use a calm voice, especially indoors. It contributes to a calmer environment.
- Respect that we are different: Diversity in a classroom is a strength and an enrichment for the class community.
- Include everyone: Everyone needs to belong in a safe and positive community. Be aware of whether there is anyone who needs an invitation to join in a game or activity.
Doorstep rules for guardians
Everything the school does must be based on the best interests of the child. Close cooperation with the home is important to support the student's development. The relationship between the school and home must be characterized by openness and equality. The guardian's closeness to and knowledge of their own child is the basis for cooperation (Norwegian Directorate of Education, 2023) These rules are designed to create a safe, respectful and positive environment between guardians and school staff.
Examples of doorstep rules for guardians
- Greetings and goodbyes: Say “Hello” when you arrive and “Goodbye” when you leave. This creates a friendly atmosphere and teaches children courtesy .
- Respect drop-off and pick-up times : Arrive on time to drop off and pick up your child. This helps ensure a smooth transition and organized routine for the children and staff.
- Be aware of others' privacy: Avoid discussing sensitive or private matters at the entrance. Respect others' privacy and sensitivity around such topics.
- Think about what you are talking about and where: "Small pots also have ears" as the saying goes, think carefully about what you are talking about and where you are doing it (link to Trappa step 5).
- Request a confidential conversation: If you have a concern or need to discuss something difficult, request a confidential conversation in a private place.
- Use respectful communication: Be polite and respectful when speaking to staff, other parents, and students. Avoid conflict and confrontational language.
- Keep your cell phone on silent: Reduce cell phone use and keep it on silent to avoid distractions and maintain a focused environment.
- Engage positively: Participate in positive conversations and activities at the entrance. Encourage a collaborative environment among parents and staff.
- Care: Care about other people's children and include them in your everyday life. Say hello, talk to them, or invite them home.