Once teachers have decided a certain rule or routine is necessary and manageable, they should give an explanation and demonstrate. Then they should ask children to practice the routine, giving them support as required. It may sometimes be necessary to reteach the routine. The goal is for the children to assume responsibility for maintaining it. Consistency is very important.
Children find it very confusing if standards change from day to day.
This does not mean, however, that when new situations arise the teacher and the children cannot work out new solutions to management problems. It is sometimes necessary to be flexible and to allow more latitude for one child than others. Children can accept the fact that an individual is not yet ready to do all that the others do. Such cases, however, are exceptional, rather than the rule. Respect for the rights and properties of others, the growth of standards, and acceptance as a member of a group develop through involvement in the social activities of the classroom.