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Step 1
Observe other teachers' classrooms to see what types of classroom management techniques are being used effectively. In particular, observe teachers who have a reputation for running a classroom smoothly as well as having the respect of students. Once you've seen them in action, make a point to sit down with them and ask questions about what she is doing.
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Step 2
Develop a classroom community from the very first day of school. Ask your students to collaborate with you to come up with rules, behavioral expectations and consequences for infractions. Though you will need to have some non-negotiable rules of your own, students are much more willing to participate in a community in which they have a stake or in which they feel respected.
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Step 3
Make your expectations crystal clear. Post them visibly in the elementary classroom as younger children may need a visual reminder of the rules. while middle-school and high-school students are mature enough to be provided with a copy of the rules and expectations. For an added measure of responsibility, you may want to ask students to sign off on the policies.
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Step 4
Avoid the temptation to be your students' friend. Many teachers feel that they won't make a connection with their students unless they try to relate to them as a peer. The truth is that you can be friendly with students, but you aren't their peer. You need to establish firm boundaries so the students know you are fair, but clearly in charge.
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Step 5
Deal with problems discreetly and calmly. Ask a student is being disruptive to step away from the class with you and deal with the problem there. However, don't engage in confrontation or a long discussion that will take away from the rest of the students' learning. If the situation can't be controlled quickly, defer the conversation to after class or after school. You may need to ask a disruptive student to leave the classroom if he refuses to settle down.
