A few years ago I decided to come up with a way to make the rules more meaningful to the kids. Here's what we do: Brainstorm good rules in pods, then share out as a class, while I write them down. (The kids are going to be a lot more likely to share out whole group if you let them make sure their ideas are good by sharing with peers first). Next we fit them into categories. Most rules will always fit under "Be Respectful, Come Prepared, and Be Productive" and it keeps the rules list short and tidy. After we come up with the list, the kids draw pictures that show each rule. I attach their pictures to each rules poster and put them up on the wall. Now that's what I call ownership! ;)
Once the rules posters are made we discuss them one more time and each child picks one of their pictures to explain. And for the finale'...each child signs the rules contract showing they know and understand our classroom rules.