Classroom Management Minute

Throughout the school year I will add a quick classroom management strategy that you can implement in your classroom. Classroom management is important and student behaviors are a big issue that teachers face. So every Monday throughout the school year I will add on and give some meaningful classroom management tips! I hope they help you succeed this school year! 

Classroom Management Minute #1: Greet Every Student at the Door

This is such a simple gesture that goes along way with students of any age. It not only sets the tone for the day, but also is the foundation of a terrific and welcoming classroom environment. It is also a way to have a quick conversation to get to know your students without sacrificing instructional time. Doing this small gesture consistently throughout the year will pay big dividends. I began each class this way and also ended the day at dismissal with a fist bump for every student on the way out. It got to the point that each student wouldn't leave the building until they got their fist bump. I didn't realize the impact this had on students until I did this on a daily basis. This will begin to build a solid foundation for your classroom culture!

Classroom Management Minute #2: Consistency Beats Consequences

Students don’t need harsher consequences, they need predictable expectations. Of course students need consequences. By no means am I saying not to give consequences. However, having predictable expectations applied consistently in your classroom will help with behavior.

Consistency creates predictability. Students should know exactly what to expect, what happens when expectations are met and what happens when they aren’t met. If the expectation changes, students will test boundaries. Consequences shouldn’t be the first strategy. Instead of immediately jumping to a consequence for not following a rule or expectation, remind the student of the expectation and give the student an opportunity to correct the behavior. Consistency doesn’t mean being harsh. A teacher can be caring and flexible and still have predictable expectations. We care for our students but still need to hold them accountable for their actions. The important thing is the consequence is predictable and applied consistently. 

If breaking a rule or not meeting an expectation one day gets a warning, then that same one gets a referral another day, then a different day gets ignored - students aren’t learning the expectation, they’re learning to figure out what they can get away with. Make your expectations predictable. Teach the expectation, remind students, redirect the behavior, reteach it, and use a consequence when appropriate. The goal isn’t to create a classroom where students are afraid of consequences, but to create a classroom environment where students know what is expected and can count on the teacher to follow through.