Forums

Tatyanna,

Classroom management is so important in the elementary schools and it helps to build relathionships with the students as well. I am a preservice teacher that will be student teaching in the fall of 2020. In all of my education classess we discuss different methods, ways, and ideas of classroom management that is relevant to all different teaching styles. 

When diving into classroom managemnet it is so important that you start it from the beginning. Do not wait weeks to implement classroom mangament because students will have a hard time adjusting. If students are aware of the expectations and the structure of the class from the start of the year there are no questions becuase they know what is expected of them. 

Another idea that I plan on implementing into my classroom when it comes to rules and expectations is that my students are apart of the conversation. I do not want to tell them what I want them to do, I want them to come up with expectations for themselves and classmates that are to be followed by everyone in the class. Along with this, I will have my students discuss the consequences that will arise if the expectations and rules are not met. This holds students accountable for their own actions and that way they do not have any questions about the expectations or rules. This method gives students ownership and voice in the classroom. As educators we will guide them into the right directions in this discussion but this gives the class a sense of community from the beginning. 

I hope this helps you with classroom management or gives you ideas for your own future classroom!

Madison Hiestand

Hello Tatyanna,

These strategies have worked for me:

1) No matter the subject establishing a consistent routine is crucial to keep young students focused on school work as much as possible. Plan for every 15 minutes of each school day. Keep morning work as tight and routine as possible, so they understand clearly what is expected. That gives students a sense of belonging and they will respond to such positive communication. Young minds and active bodies will wander off if given even 1-2 minutes of idle time. What will you be doing each 15 minutes of classroom instruction and management? And from where? Avoid sitting at your desk. Students may feel it's time to move around, if you are not standing in front of them, or walking among their desks, checking on their focus.

2) Keep in mind that young children act-out if they don't know what is expected of them. Many react in negative ways for attention, but are good deep down. You just need to understand what motivate each to focus on work. Document. Document. Document. Each student brings different issues with them. Some feel (students' terminology, not mine) 'it's better to be bad than stupid,' and all will test their boundaries with you.

3) Teach students to self regulate by using a reseach-based self-management program such as Zones of Regulation. It's okay to work in sensory breaks, or calming video breaks for the entire class, if your principal and district approves this. Write those breaks into your daily routine, and make sure to execute them along with direct instruction.

Let me know what you do try and how it works. I'm always learning and refining my classroom behavior techniques, too.