Try a few of these tips for classroom management to regain control of your class or start off on the right foot at the beginning of a new year.
Have you ever walked into someone else's silent, orderly classroom and wondered exactly how that teacher keeps his or her class under control? While all classes are different and classroom management styles differ, there are some things you can try that can help you with controlling students so you can teach effectively.
If you are starting a new school year, the key to effective classroom management is to begin the year right. Try a few of these tips for effective student management:
- The first day of school, talk to your students about class rules. Have the class agree on a set of rules and consequences for breaking them. If your students make the rules, they will be more apt to follow them.
- Consider how you will reward good student behavior. Positive reinforcement is more effective than negative reinforcement. Reward systems do not have to be elaborate or expensive. Pass out stickers or play money for good behavior, great grades, etc. Take away dollars or stickers for improper behavior. Having a "store" where students can redeem dollars or stickers for prizes at the end of the year gives them a reason to get excited about earning rewards.
- Always follow up on what you say you are going to do. Empty promises, good or bad, undermine your authority.
- Think about ways to burn off excess energy. Having students stand up and stretch during the day can help them stay focused longer.
Of course, if you are dealing with a class that is already out of control, student discipline can be a bit more challenging. Regaining control when you've already lost it can be tough. Here are a few things you can try to get your class back under control.
- Shake things up. Rearrange the entire classroom and break up any disruptive pairs.
- Walk around the room instead of standing in one spot. Teachers who sit at a desk have less control than teachers who seem to be everywhere kids don't want them to be. Make the last row your first row one day and teach from the side of the room the next.
- Address students politely and firmly, even if they don't deserve your respect. "James, knock it off." sounds like you are at the end of your rope. "Mr. Smith, have a seat now." sounds like you are in control.
- Whisper. The louder you get, the louder they'll get. Don't forget, there's only one of you, so there's no way you can outshout them.
- Stand directly in front of loud, disruptive students and make eye contact.
Finally, if you can't manage to get your class under control, don't be afraid to ask for help. More experienced teachers may have some tricks for you to try, especially if they taught the same students the year before.
