I LOVE CLASSROOM MANAGEMENT! said no teacher ever. Why can't they just behave? Because they are kids and they all come from different environments with different expectations. It is a HUGE part of teaching at any grade level but especially in the primary grades. Here are some things that help me!
Simple, posted, and reinforced classroom rules.
These are my rules. I enforce them consistently and when a rule is broken I point out which rule was broken, why is was a bad choice (not safe, hurtful, made us late, etc.), and how to do better the next time. The last part is the key. Use behavior problems as learning opportunities. No one is perfect, including you. Tell the kids when you make a mistake. Say sorry if it warrants it. Treat each other with respect.
Clear, consistent expectations.
Teach it at the beginning of the year or teach it all year. This is a teacher rule to live by. Now you are going to be teaching the rules throughout the year. But if you really reinforce them at the beginning of the year, most of the kids are going to comply. Something that my 1st graders really struggle with is getting out of their seat to talk to you, show you something, tattle, etc. I used to just answer them because it was quicker and I could usually take care of what they needed immediately. BUT they kept doing it. So I learned not to do that. If they need something, they have to follow the rule: Stay in your seat and raise your hand or I don't listen to them. Do I still have kids out of their seats? Yes but much less.
Have a routine for EVERYTHING! Here are my hand signals that can let me know what they need without letting the rest of the class know (and avoiding the bathroom envy).
How do I get a pencil?
Raise your hand.
How do I sharpen my pencil?
You don't but if you hold your broken pencil up in the air and I nod at you, that means you can go put your pencil in the needs to be sharpened cup and get a sharp one. I drilled holes and screwed these cups down.
How do I get a tissue?
Get one whenever you need it. But if you bring it back to the carpet, hold onto it until we get up to go back to our desks.
What do I do when I need to go to the restroom?
Cross your fingers and hold up your hand. If I nod at you then the answer is yes and you should put a bathroom pass on your desk so I know that you left the room.
How do I tell the teacher I need a drink?
Hold up your 3 fingers that look like a W for Water.
How do we line up?
In number order under your number.
Every child is assigned a number. It is on their mailbox and folder. They write it on their papers so paper stuffing is easier. Also after a test, I put the papers in number order and can see what papers are missing.
The helper gets to be first in line. After Mrs. Bates sings the song, you use hip and lip in the hallway.
How to we sit on the carpet?
In your assigned seat with pretzel legs and hands in lap so you don't bother others or get your hands stepped on.
What if I need an eraser, crayon, marker, pencil, glue stick, etc.?
Raise your hand and ask.
What if I can't find the lid to my marker or gluestick?
Get a spare from the gluestick drawer. I also keep clean glue caps so I can change them out when they are clogged.
How do I pack my takehome folder?
Left side papers are left at home. Right side papers are right back to school.
I'm done with my paper, can I get up and put it in my mailbox?
If we are doing the paper together, no. Mrs. Bates will call you by number or table to go put your paper in your mailbox. If we are working independently, then you can put it in your mailbox.
I'm done, how do I show you that?
Show ok with your hand up and I'll check on you.
Who gets to pass out the papers?
The helper of the day gets to put them on the table captains desk and they pass them out to each student. Check the color card at the front of the room to see if it matches the sticker on your desk.
What do I do when I am done?
Check the I'm Done choices.
Have a plan for when someone can't behave.
He can't stay quiet and focused on the carpet. > He can sit in a chair or go back to his desk.
She keeps talking during quiet work time. > She has to work at a quiet desk away from the group.
He keeps breaking his pencil on purpose. > He has to write with a crayon for the rest of the activity/day.
She pushes in line. > She has to hold the teachers hand in the hall.
He goofs around in the restroom. > He has to go with an escort (the responsible kid who will tattle).
She throws all of her scraps on the floor. > She has to stay in at recess and sweep the room.
I could go on and on and on. The point is, try to be ready with a consequence (natural or logical) but if you aren't, think about how to handle it better the next time. Also, after the heat of the moment is over, talk to the child about the mistake and how he or she could do better the next time. Reinforce that the rules are to keep everyone safe, happy, and learning to the best of their ability.
Have a way in place to notify parents of positive and negative behaviors.
Try to make a positive contact before a negative one comes.
Click Here > Positive Notes
If you have to contact them, phone calls or face to face at pick up time is best. Writing a note or sending an email is easier for teachers because it is less confrontational but sometimes this can backfire because the parent can become defensive and read into what you do and do not say in a note. And they can post a photo of it on social media. When I approach a phone call, I will say that their child had a "tough day" and I want to tell them what happened and how it was handled and if they have any input on how we could work together to help their child be more successful at school. Even hinting at blaming the parent for the behavior is going to set you up for a defensive parent. Get them on your side. And is always better to call them first than wait for them to call you. You want your side of the story to be the first one out there!
Tell administration if you have any inkling that the parent may be upset about the behavior or discipline.
Giving them a heads up is very valuable so that they are not blindsided when that parent calls after school or shows up in the morning.
These are just a few ideas to help you keep your class under control! I'd love to hear your ideas in the comments below!
