Behavior Management in Fourth Grade

Active student engagement prevents undesired behaviors in the classroom.

Perfectly behaved students and a sedentary teacher are a thing of the past. Video games and television have made it easier for students to become distracted and lose interest in academic activities. This can cause boredom and misbehavior in the classroom, especially with students in the intermediate grades. Educators need to have a clear, consistent behavior management plan in place to keep students engaged.

Strategy

Be proactive by being prepared for the school day. Having lessons prepared and materials ready prior to the lesson will allow you to begin instruction immediately and allow less time for students to lose focus during instruction. Another way to be proactive is to have discussions about how to treat others and their property, as well as conflict resolution. This will give students the tools they need to solve their own problems before conflicts arise, which will decrease the episodes of teasing and fighting. Even fourth graders need reminders about manners and good behavior.

Time Management

Time management is key in keeping undesired behaviors to a minimum. Prepare lessons that are hands-on and interactive and keep the time limit to no more than an hour at a time. Also, plan lessons that allow for movement and sharing, which will keep students engaged. Keep the transition time between subjects or activities to a minimum, to keep students from getting off task. Transitions can cost an educator valuable time if they are not handled well.

Not all fourth graders function at the same academic level. Make sure lessons are modified for the special needs students, as well as the higher achieving students. This will ensure that all students are working on a task for a reasonable amount of time without a large number being finished early or barely getting started by the end of the lesson.

Clear Expectations

Having a clear set of rules and procedures from the beginning of the school year will reduce undesirable behaviors in your fourth grade classroom. One strategy is to allow students, as a class, to create a set of classroom rules for the year. Have no more than five rules. Post the rules clearly and refer to them throughout the year to remind students of the expectations.

Clear Consequences

There should be a clear set of consequences for undesirable behavior. Handle the first incident with a verbal warning. This allows students to reflect on their behavior and correct it. The second incident may cost the students a portion of their recess time, and a third may require them to write a note home. Regardless of the system the educator decides upon, it must be clear and consistent.

Considerations

When working with fourth graders, remember that a busy mind will prevent a busy body. Plan lessons that promote teamwork and partnerships. Lessons should be hands-on, interactive and include movement when possible. When these key factors are involved in the lesson, the students will stay on task and behavior issues within the classroom will remain at a minimum.

References

• Inspiring Teachers: Behavior Management Strategies
• Discipline by Design: Proactive Discipline