The main goal of classroom management is to ensure that everyone in the class, both teachers and students, feels respected, enjoys the learning process, and works well. While this might seem simple, it's a challenge that requires experience and understanding of what truly works.
Over the years, I've found that while titles and courses on group management are valuable, the results are even more important.
Here are some tips that have helped make my classes enjoyable, despite the challenges:
1. Start with Greatness:
From the very first minute, establish high and positive expectations. Make your students feel wonderful and capable. Explain that their actions don’t define them as people — because they are wonderful at their core — but that their behavior affects the group’s harmony and safety. If you instill a sense of greatness in them, you’ll see amazing results.
2. Be a Living Example:
Identify and live the values you want your students to adopt. Instead of quickly setting rules, take the time to identify your core values. For example, some of my core values are honesty, respect, kindness, responsibility, and tolerance—values that you, as a teacher, consider fundamental to making your class work and, above all, that you can exemplify in your daily actions. Explain what these values mean and how you practice them daily.
Next, work with your students to create classroom rules based on these values. Make sure to model these behaviors in every interaction and every day of the year—remember, leading by example is the best way to teach.
Here are some resources I have designed to help you foster these core values in your students.
Social Problem Solving Raccoon Theme | Social Emotional Learning
3. Clarity is Power:
Spend a couple of hours before starting the course, or during it, planning and aligning your goals with what you can offer. Ensure there is consistency between what you do and what you say. Constantly explain and model classroom rules to maintain clear and consistent direction.
4. Focus on Instruction, Not Disruption:
From day one, highlight and celebrate acts of order, kindness, and respect—whatever you’ve decided is most important. Focus on the positive behaviors you expect and that benefit the group, rather than concentrating on problems. This will help create a more constructive and motivating environment.
5. Model and Practice Procedures:
Identify the most important procedures and find strategies to model them. This includes activities like lining up, asking for help, using the bathroom, working in groups, and using classroom materials. Role plays can be an excellent tool to teach and reinforce these procedures.
6. Use Rewards and Recognition:
Give rewards when a student demonstrates actions deserving of recognition. Choose rewards that encourage personal growth and enjoyment, such as extra time in favorite activities, leading an activity, or enjoying special moments like listening to music or using the phone for something productive.
7. Fair Consequences:
Make sure consequences are proportional to the misbehavior. For example, if a child pushes another, they should directly address the situation with the affected classmate. Consequences should be related to the inappropriate action to teach responsibility and proper repair. Avoid consequences that don’t connect with the behavior needing correction.
8. Be a True Leader:
A leader guides, organizes, plans, and sets an example. Maintain clarity, energy, and a positive attitude to keep your credibility, authority, and respect. Don’t let lack of clarity or a negative attitude affect your ability to lead effectively. A good leader also adjusts their style and strategies to continually improve the classroom environment.
Thanks for reading! I’d love to hear your classroom management tips—share your insights in the comments below and let’s learn from each other!
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