The #1 secret to teaching students classroom rules: The rules must be taught on a daily basis over a period of weeks or even months and then reinforced and reviewed throughout the entire year.

Examples of classroom routines and procedures that must be taught: Lining up Walking in hall Lunch choices Cafeteria/meals Unpacking Packing Supplies Bathroom Centers

How to teach students classroom routines & procedures: MODEL, MODEL, MODEL! Teacher models examples and non-examples Students model examples PRACTICE on a regular basis TELLING just isn’t enough Use pictures to demonstrate the sequence Post the pictures in the classroom

The #1 secret to teaching routines and procedures: Never assume your students already know simple routines and procedures like how to line up or how to walk in the hallway.

What are transitions? Transitions are periods of time when teachers direct students to end one task or activity and begin another.

Because transitions are periods when students can be disruptive (Burden, 2003), carefully managed transitions involve both time management and behavior management.

The most successful transitions between lessons or activities are rapid ones that have clear ends and beginnings (Arlin, 1979; Burden, 2003; Cangelosi, 2000; Rosenberg et al., 1997) and that reduce the amount of “down time” between the activities (Sainato, 1990, Vartuli, & Phelps, 1980).

How to teach students to transition smoothly: MODEL, MODEL, MODEL! Teacher models examples and non-examples Students model examples PRACTICE on a regular basis TELLING students to transition is NEVER enough Incorporate pictures into every transition Use music to signal transitions Give plenty of warning before transitions begin Keep transitions short, never keep them waiting for too long

The #1 secret to having smooth transitions is: Using a picture schedule consistently!

Clean-up time is one of the most challenging aspects of the daily routine. How to have a successful clean-up time: Teacher models examples and non-examples of cleaning up Students model how to clean-up Start slow Practice on a regular basis Telling students to clean-up is NEVER enough Have a song or specific sound to signal clean-up time Give a 3-5 minute warning before you play the signal Hold students accountable for their clean-up Make clean-up time as short as possible Have a designated place for students to gather when they are finished cleaning up.

A successful clean-up: Students are busy putting away materials Students are on task Students who are finished cleaning are in a designated area Materials are returned to the correct locations Teachers are monitoring clean-up time to ensure it is successful Students are held accountable for their clean-up

An unsuccessful clean-up: Students are noisy Students are off task Students are still playing Materials are not returned to the correct locations Students are not held accountable for their clean-up Teachers are raising their voices The general atmosphere in the classroom is chaotic

The #1 secret to having a good clean-up routine is: Start from day one with modeling.

What is positive discipline? Using positive statements to deal with undesirable behaviors instead of negative statements.

When you spend more of your time making positive statements instead of negative ones your students will be more motivated to learn and less afraid of being “caught” or yelled at.

Teachers who expend a lot of energy on negative discipline find themselves in power struggles with students which prevents them from learning. Positive Discipline = More Learning

Scenarios: Jimmy is talking while the teacher is reading a book. Juanita is playing in the bathroom. Johnny refuses to share the blocks in the block center. Selena isn’t paying attention to the teacher during a fun math lesson.

How to deal with undesirable behaviors: Always stay positive Never raise your voice Stay calm Don’t take it personally Don’t bring up past transgressions Make consequences logical Make consequences as immediate as possible Be fair Be firm Be consistent

The #1 secret to handling undesirable behaviors is: Never blame the students!

What are centers? Learning centers are clearly defined areas in the classroom grouped by topic that offer materials and opportunities for hands-on learning.

If you have more than 6 students per teacher in your classroom having a center plan is a must.

During center times students should visit the centers independently according to your center plan.

How to establish centers in the classroom: Label everything Have clearly defined centers Have appropriate materials Have enough materials Don’t have too many materials Have a clear clean-up signal Have a procedure for dismissing students to centers Have a procedure for cleaning-up Have very clear rules and consequences

You’re probably wondering what in the world organization has to do with classroom management, but the truth is it has everything to do with it. Behavior is directly affected by how easy or difficult it is for children to find the things they need and by how accessible materials are for the teacher.

How to organize your classroom for student success: Label everything with words AND pictures Everything in it’s place and a place for everything Teacher models examples and non-examples of how to use materials in the classroom Students model examples of how to use the materials Review frequently where the materials belong Telling the students where materials belong is never enough, you must show them Break the areas in the classroom up into centers Name the centers and label them Have clear routines and procedures for center times.

The #1 secret to classroom organization: Label everything with pictures and words

How to talk about behavior issues with parents: Always tell the truth Talk with parents in person if possible Be prepared Never “dump” on parents Tell parents what you have done to help Ask parents what they will do to help

How to talk about behavior issues with parents: Ask parents if they have any suggestions Tell parents what your plan of action is Ask parents for their support Tell parents how they can help you Ask parents if they have observed this behavior at home Never tell a parent their child needs medication! Involve administration if necessary

Objectives Review: Identify and write age appropriate classroom rules. How to establish rules, routines, and procedures. How to effectively manage transitions. Motivate your students with positive discipline strategies. How to organize your classroom for student success.

Resources: Love & Logic by Jim Faye Conscious Discipline by Becky Bailey

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