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Step 1
Set up procedures for the beginning of class. While the teacher takes attendance and is busy with other administrative tasks, students need clear guidelines on what they should be doing. Whether it is writing in a journal, completing an activity on the overhead or filling in their assignment book, the activity needs to be something the students can complete with minimal supervision.
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Step 2
Decide what tardy students or those absent the previous day should do as they enter the classroom. Perhaps set up an area for tardy students to sign in or turn in their passes and a location in the room for make-up work that previously absent students can visit.
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Step 3
Require students to visit the bathroom before class begins. However, establish a procedure for students needing to leave the classroom for emergencies so they don't disrupt the entire class. Hall passes are frequently required for students to leave. Limiting unnecessary visits to the bathroom or water fountain saves valuable classroom learning time. Allowing unlimited visits becomes a major management disaster over time. A variation is to allow only so many visits each grading period.
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Step 4
Indicate how students can use and acquire needed supplies and materials. Having a procedure that students can only sharpen their pencils before the bell rings is useful only if you have a back-up for those students who don't. Having a basket of ugly, stubby pencils that they can use is one back-up method. If you only have new pencils, break them in half since you don't want this to be a pleasant alternative for students.
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Step 1
Consider procedures for getting students' attention. Often a signal will get students attention, such as flicking the lights or ringing a bell. Consider saying, "Clap once if you hear me, clap twice if you hear me," and continue counting up to five. Students will respond to whatever method you use as long as you are consistent. Do not start instruction unless you have students' attention.
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Step 2
Set rules for group work. Make sure each student has a role by using role cards with procedures for each job posted somewhere in the classroom . Let students know how they will be assigned to groups to prevent grumbling later and clearly establish the grading criteria in advance so each group member knows how their behavior affects the group's grade.
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Step 3
Decide how you want students to behave during whole class activities. Students should be required to raise their hands to participate during discussions to ensure that all students can take part without one or two monopolizing the activity. You probably want desks to be cleared of all items not directly related to the activity to reduce distractions.
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Step 4
Allow students to work together and talk quietly during seat work, a good learning method, but first set clear guidelines on how loud is too loud. Explain to students what they should do when they are finished. You can give an enrichment assignment, allow free reading or time to work on assignments for other classes.
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Step 5
Tell students how and when they may access supplies for activities, such as markers and glue. Try to keep these items in a central, easily accessible location. The teacher's desk should always be off-limits to students unless they have specific permission.
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Step 1
Develop a plan for ending the period that addresses straightening the room before departure. You can have everyone pick-up around their individual desks or have everyone put a piece of trash in the garbage as they leave, like a "ticket" to exit.
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Step 2
Dismiss students directly. The teacher decides when the class is finished not the bell. This allows the teacher to inspect the area and give any last-minute instructions or announcements.
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Step 3
Remain by the door so you can have individual conversations with students as necessary. Also, as new students approach you can greet them and give any special instructions.
