Classroom Management

Research tells us that good classroom management is the one commonality between all good instructors. Without it – you’re sunk!!

Three Basic Components Rules and Procedures Consequences Relationships

Rules and Procedures In place to protect student and teacher safety. There to facilitate the best conditions for learning.

Classroom Rules  Should be established on the first day of school and reinforced repeatedly during the first week.  If we treat rules and procedures lightly and don’t stress their importance in the beginning of the year…

We will exhaust ourselves trying to mend fences later on!!

 Classroom rules should be set cooperatively. Establish a few general conduct rules, which should be a result of classroom discussion.  This is a chance for students to take part in establishing the type of classroom learning environment they would like to be a part of.  Students will know that you respect them and care for them when you ask their opinion.

 Don’t establish too many rules. It makes it too hard to keep track of, and enforce.  Minimum number of rules with maximum consistency is the best guideline.  Consistency is KEY!!! Classroom rules should fit into the overall rules of the school.

Procedures  Procedures should not be confused with rules.  Procedures are usually unwritten, but have been practiced so students know them.  Practice makes …

Procedures  Many of our students come from chaotic backgrounds. They don’t know how to organize themselves and their environments.  Procedures need to be clearly stated, modeled and practiced, until all the students know them.

Our job is to establish an environment for learning. We do that by establishing procedures and practicing them until they are automatic.

What are some activities for which we need to establish procedures?

The Best Laid Plans…  Even teachers with well established rules and procedure will lose control if students are not engaged.  Keeping students busy and engaged is the best management plan. A bored student will find something to occupy them, even if does not fit into YOUR plan.

Consequences  Be sure to state the consequences for breaking a rule at the onset. They should be posted in the classroom.  Students need to understand that there are consequences for the choices they make - in school, and in life.

Good instruction is the best management. After that comes physical presence. Next, a friendly reminder. A firm reminder in private. Established discipline plan.

Proactive teaching is the best approach. Focus on what other students are doing RIGHT, rather than what one student is doing wrong.  “Johnny, thank you for putting your book away so quickly”  Not “Ralph – How many times have I told you to clean up?”

Sometimes acting out is a sign of a student’s struggling. We must be aware of our students’ strengths and weaknesses, and act accordingly.

Develop relationships with your students. It’s important for each of your students to feel that you value them equally, or they will ultimately act out to gain attention. NEVER treat a child in a manner that you would NOT treat an adult. Try to see everything from your students’ perspective. (Or that of their parents’)

Without the foundation of a good relationship, students often resist rules and procedures, along with the consequences.

Summary Establish rules and procedures early on. Be consistent in enforcing rules, and don’t keep changing rules and procedures. Develop relationships with your students of mutual respect. Keep your students busy and engaged in thought provoking lessons, not busywork.