Classroom Management Tips From Master Teachers:

1.

One of the most important jobs is to set the tone for the rest of the
school year. Your first week is critical in establishing respect and
classroom routines. Create a community within your classroom so that
you establish relationships with your students and the students
support each other. As a group set the classroom rules and
expectations.

2.

The very first day we share about ourselves and some of the things we
have an interest in. I use this information throughout the course of the
year in story problems, hooking up new friendships, and I relate their
teaching to their talent. Like, in a sport, you need to practice in order
to become better at new skills.

I do a lot of role playing in my room. We practice the procedures in
the classroom, like how to line up at the door, walk in the halls, ask
questions, what to do if I am in the middle of talking to another
student, and how to show our respect at all times.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Use visual aides to support the classroom rules and expectations.

Review them frequently and state what you want from them! (i.e.
review circle time rules and expectations or review hallway/line basics
each time before entering the hall)

When a student is sick, other students in the classroom can help to
collect the paperwork for the day and write down the assignments that
the student needs to make-up. They become the teacher mentor
when the student returns and help to teach what new things they
should learn.
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random names to answer questions. This keeps the students actively
involved in their learning. I also use them to partner kids to work
together; this helps to allow students to work with a variety of people.


7.

8.

A polite request goes a long way! Allow students to opportunity to

change their behavior. Be their coach!

Find your 'peaceful place' when dealing with inappropriate student
behavior - take deep breaths; remember the reason you became a
teacher: to help students become the best they can be. Don't give up
or in. Most students who misbehave have had teachers give them
what they want (a ticket out of class) - so - do the opposite. Show
them you care. Show them that they are valuable. Show them that
they can choose a more positive behavior. Be consistent. Be caring.

9.

Read "Mindset" by Carol Dweck.

10. Create routine (i.e. shutting the door DVDVLJQDOWKDW\RXUHUHDG\WR
JHWVWDUWHGRXWOLQHRIWKHGD\VWDVNVLQEODFN on the whiteboard and
homework in red)
11. Have a "happy chair." Take a seat to show that you are waiting; it's
amazing how students respond to a non-verbal respectful gesture.

12. Explain the importance of teamwork. A teacher cannot effectively

teach without the support and participation of the students. My
classroom motto is "We do better, together." I take the time to
explain that if class begins on time, students are positively
participating and engaged, thus take home work is likely to be
minimal. Students are SMART- they want to do 'right' by their
teacher.

13. Use of proximity to support or allow independence

14. Positive reinforcement (praise, privilege)

15. Access to calming tools (fidgets, sensory, motor, mouth)

16. Natural consequences (having them fit the situation/circumstance)

17. Weighted decisions/options

18. Not engaging in behaviors (calmly state expectations objectively and
walk away)

19. Diversion to move and focus attention

20. Make time to reflect/recognize the successes and recognize the need
to make different decisions.

21. Involve the students in decision making and taking responsibility for
the community.

22. Meet students where they are at and build them up.

23. Give opportunity for students to stay in the room, but give a task to
calm them.

24. Give feedback at a later point or in private to create a more teachable
moment.

25. Maintain high, yet reachable goals/expectations (age/developmental
level).


26. Use Restorative Justice practices to help build a more cohesive group.

27. Build relationships with your student.

28. Build a community within your classroom so that students get to know
and support each other

29. As a group, decide on classroom rules and expectations.

30. Provide students with the skills to problem solve.

31. State your expectations of students (walking feet vs. no running)

32. Resources: http://www.challengingbehavior.org (TACSEI) and

http://isd742.org (Programs PBIS)