4 Astoundingly Easy Classroom Management Ideas For Every Classroom
What I’m about to talk about is something that they just don’t seem to teach in your college-level courses, and it is something that can either make your year flow smoothly or turn it into the rapids in the Grand Canyon. Classroom management. Those dreaded two words are a topic that many college courses seem to skim over, and many student teachers and first year teachers struggle with. Where do you draw the line? What strategies do you use? Do classroom management tools actually work? There are so many questions, and I will dive into a couple of them. Mainly, I’m going to give you some classroom management ideas that will hopefully help you whether you are a student teacher, a first-year teacher, or a veteran teacher who just needs a little refresh!
Classroom Management Tips
Before I start talking about different classroom management ideas I have tried and used throughout my years of teaching. I wanted to give you a couple of tips that will help you manage a classroom. It can often look easier than it really is. But if you use some of these tips, it will become easier for you.
Tip #1: Set and practice your procedures and routines on the first day.
Tip#2: Practice procedures and routines many, many times for a couple of days and continue to practice them throughout the year.
Tip #3: Keep expectations the same all year long.
Tip #4: Set up classroom rules, expectations, etc., asking students, so they are invested in the learning environment.
Tip #5: Expect ALL students to follow the rules, procedures, etc.
Classroom management does not mean you are the “mean” teacher. It means that you are holding your students accountable for their actions and behavior inside your classroom. You will notice the more structure students have and the more they practice routines, expectations, etc. It will be easier to get through work, transition to special areas, and more.
Classroom Management Strategies
If you are worrying about disruptive behavior that may impact the learning of other students. But don’t worry; I’ve got some easy strategies you can implement in your classroom that are not “whole class” classroom management rewards-based ideas.
Proximity
If a student is talking, playing with an object, on their cell phone (if in upper elementary or middle school), etc. In order to get them back on track, try getting closer to the student as you are teaching. As your voice, footsteps, etc. get louder and closer to that student, they will often stop whatever activity they are doing. If they do not, simply touch or tap the desk next to them and give them the “teacher” look while still teaching. You want the student to realize you noticed them but do not want to embarrass them either.
Countdown
Students DO NOT need 15 minutes to put their math worksheets in their folders, even if those folders are across the room. Use a countdown to help motivate students to move a little faster. Plus, it will reduce your transition time from one activity to another.
Positive Praise
While transitioning, completing work, or really any time in the classroom. Use positive praise to sum it up, don’t use “don’t.” An example is, “I see Joey has his notebook out and is ready to learn.” or “I love how Zoey is writing in complete sentences.” Instead of pointing out what is wrong or what students are not doing. Point out the good students are doing.
Mid Sentence Pause
Have you ever been listening to an audiobook or watching a television show while zoned out or scrolling through your cellphone, and suddenly the book or tv show stops? You probably have the same reaction I do. You look up and suddenly realize it is quiet. Students notice a sudden silence pretty easily too. If students are not paying attention, talking, or goofing around. Try a mid-sentence pause. They will realize the room became quiet, your sentence was not finished, or that students are looking at them because you are trying to make eye contact with them.
Do Not Wait
Gone are the days of ‘I’ll wait until you stop talking.” Sadly, they will never stop talking, and you will be waiting 2 minutes, 5 minutes, 15 minutes, etc. While it may be true, they will stop talking eventually. During that waiting time, you are wasting time. Even so, you are the teacher, and you do not wait for them to stop talking. Use the countdown strategy, proximity, or positive praise to get them ready.
Classroom Management Ideas For Elementary
I will get down on my knees and beg you to please NOT use clip charts or any public display of behavior. It can be very demeaning to students and can cause a lot of anxiety. I will tell you a quick story about a child I knew. We are going to call her Lynn. Lynn was a 5th grader when I knew her, and when asked who her favorite teacher was so far, she could quickly rattle the name off.
She also was able to rattle off her least favorite teacher just as quickly. When asked why the teacher was her least favorite, she said, “because she made me clip down to yellow, all because I forgot to move my name student from absent to bringing or buying.” One day in 1st grade, this amazing student had to “clip down” to yellow, and she never forgot it! Imagine that. There are so many amazing classroom management ideas out there, and I will share a couple with you!
Marble Jar
Grab some marbles from the dollar store and see if your students can fill the jar up to earn a special prize. You may change the jar size, making it bigger each time, or maybe they have to fill a square vase, a large oval, or a tall skinny one.
Management Boards
It’s easy to create a fun management board on the computer. I love using monthly management boards. These boards are one of my favorite classroom management ideas. Students love working together to fill a paper gumball machine with gumballs or trying to get all the pieces to the puzzle.
Compliment Tracker
Does your classroom get a lot of compliments? Or maybe your class needs to work on getting compliments from other teachers, the principal, etc. Make a compliment tracker. Anytime they get a compliment, you put a star, smiley, or whatever on the tracker. Once they reach their goal, they get a prize or special surprise.
Point System
Students can gain points based on behavior, participation, etc. You set the number of points they need to receive their reward. I often suggest starting at a low number of points for something small like a sticker and adding to the total number of points as the prizes get bigger, like extra recess or pajama day.
These classroom management ideas can be implemented the first week or whenever students need a little extra positive behavior incentive. They work at any grade level and can be modified to fit any group of students. Plus, they are a fun way to get students to pay attention to their behaviors and learning!
Effective Classroom Management Ideas and Advice
It can sometimes be challenging to look at your classroom management with a critical eye, but every teacher should consider doing it! There are so many classroom management ideas out there, and I promise you it took me a couple of years to decide on the management strategy I liked best. The best part is my strategies change year to year depending on the group of students and their needs! Classroom management is always changing and revolving depending on the students sitting in front of you. Overall, I hope I have given you some classroom management ideas and advice that will help you in your classroom!
