Discipline Procedures in the Classroom

Teaching also involves effective discipline.

Providing discipline in the classroom forms a key part of a teacher's job. Keeping children attentive and focused allows better retention of learning, and fewer interruptions mean more time for education. Effective classroom discipline should be simple and direct.

Monitoring Behavior

Knowing your class and classroom can help prevent discipline problems.

Watch your classroom carefully. Knowing which student needs extra attention can prevent him from acting out negatively. Do not seat students with discipline issues in the same area of the classroom, if possible. Walk around the classroom during quiet time to prevent any students from "slipping under the radar."

Non-Verbal Redirection

Turning off the lights may help regain classroom control.

If you notice a student beginning to act out or get antsy, a head nod or raised eyebrow may be enough to redirect her behavior. Tap your desk with a pen or clear your throat to get the attention of students who are talking during silent time. For a classroom of noisy or misbehaving students, turning off the lights should redirect the behavior.

Verbal Redirection and Consequences

Lost recess time may keep a problem behavior from re-occuring.

Gently remind a misbehaving student of the classroom rules. Use "I" messages, such as, "I am disappointed you are speaking out of turn" or "I am upset when you draw on your desk" to redirect behaviors. Consequences, such as lost time at recess or a writing assignment can be given as a last resort for non-compliant behavior.

References

• Discipline by Design: 11 Techniques for Better Classroom Discipline

Resources

• Super Teacher Worksheets: Classroom Behavior Discipline Ideas