How to Control a Classroom of 4th Graders

Children can be a great joy, yet put them in a classroom and you have nightmare potential. If you are ill prepared to deal with them it can be the biggest headache you have ever had. Learn how to deal with them 4th graders effectively and you will reap the benefits.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Stern demeanor

How to Control a Classroom of 4th Graders

1. Set ground rules from the very beginning. Let the children know what you expect. Do not tell them what they cannot do as that will almost certainly have the rowdiest of the bunch looking forward to doing just what you asked him not to do. Setting ground rules in the beginning will lay good ground for your future interactions with them.
2. Enforce your rules all the time. Sometimes we have a tendency to let some students who are little better behaved slip through or get by when they break some rules. This ultimately sends the wrong mesage. This lets some students know it is okay to break the rules because you may be able to get away with it. Enforcing the rules shows students that you will not waiver and show no favorites.
3. Remove children who are too rowdy and disrupting the learning for the rest of the class. If one student is being too disruptive and causing problems for the rest of the class then send him to the office. Doing so sends a big, clear message that you mean business and that negative behaviors will not be tolerated.
4. Applaud the efforts of your students. You cannot constantly yell at them, always being strict, and then expect them to do what you ask happily. Be firm, but at the same time be sure to praise them for their good behaviors as well as things that they do well. This positive reinforcement lets them know that although you are a disciplinarian that you also encourage and applaud their efforts.
5. Come up with a way to regain focus or attention if things start to get out of hand. A simple phrase or visual cue should do the trick. Inform the students of this cue so that they are aware of it and know to look for it. It also lets them know when they are misbehaving and need to refocus their attention.

Tips & Warnings

• Model behavior you want out of your students so they have a good example to follow.
• Never yell or raise your voice.