Change

 

 

Change is such a simple word, but so hard to do.  It is especially hard in the classroom. If what you are doing to manage student behavior isn't working then it's time to change.  Even if the school year is well underway it is never too late to make a change and establish rules and routines for your classroom.  Look over the list below of questions that will help you decide if you need to make a change in your classroom management. Be honest! No excuses!  Take time to reflect on your answer and what you can do to make a change.

 

1. Do you know your students?  What is their home life like?

2. Do you have a set of no more than 5 classroom rules written in a positive way and posted so all can see?

3. Do you focus on the misbehavior rather than the student?

4. Do you get the full attention of the class before you start speaking?

5. Do you check to make sure all students are following directions?

6. Do you have ideas/activities in place for students who finish early?

7. Do you have classroom rewards and consequences?

8. Do you have your days and weeks fully planned or are you just "winging it"?

9.Do you set limits and apply them fairly and consistently?

10. Do you have procedures in place for what you want the students to do? Have you practiced and explicitly taught these procedures?

 

Responding to misbehavior

Do you find yourself responding to misbehavior in an angry fashion?  We all get frustrated and angry, but often that does not get the results you want and often escalates the situation.

Look over the different ways you can respond to student misbehavior. Choose 1 you would like to practice. You may also want to add your own.

 

1. Before responding, take a deep breath and count to 5.

2. Say the misbehaving child's name and nothing else.

3. Move closer to the student.

4. Use proximity praise. 

5. Quietly remove the object that is distracting the student. 

6. Provide a choice for the student.  Let them choose. Stay calm and don't respond angrily.

7. Don't argue with the student. 

 

Don't be afraid to ask for help. Ask another teacher or find a blog/forum/Facebook/web sites  to help you.  We've all been there!