How to Control a Class

Are the students in your class jumping out of their seats and acting up. Or do you have good class control but want to refine it. Classroom management is a skill that you can develop. Read on for tips and techniques.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Patience
• Flexibility
• Knowledge of School Policies

1. 
    

   Begin with color. Yes it is great to stimulate students but the classroom should be a soothing environment where you can ramp up or down the stimulation as needed. Keep colors on walls (bulletin boards) soft; baby blue, pale green etc. Add little splashes of bright colors.
   The over all feel of the room should be calm and relaxed.

2. 
    

   Establish rules. Begin the year by stating the class rules and discussing them. Have the students indicate they agree with them by raising their hands (if they are young) or verbal agreement (older students). Right away you pull everyone into a united effort. Have the rules posted in the classroom. Be aware of the school policies and share these with the students.

3. 
    

   Seating is very important for class control. Studies show that kids in the back of the classroom are more likely to have discipline problems. Consider an L shape design for your class so everyone is in front. Or be sure to visit the back row frequently.

4. 
    

   Never back a student into a corner. Give choices. If a student is acting out for example, you could offer them the choice of going to the book area and reading quietly or staying after school. Try to handle situations yourself and not refer to the principal's office. It should be clear you are in control of the situation.

5. 
    

   Give mini breaks during class. Young students can do a short burst of physical activity under your direction and older students can just take a break. Try to refrain from taking away recess. Students need time to work off energy.

6. 
    

   Treat your students as students. Be professional but friendly and be sure to convey that you respect and care for them.

Tips & Warnings

• If a student is very hard to control and does not respond to your efforts, request a conference with the parent and the student and discuss what can be done.
• Some students act out because the work is to difficult. Make sure the student is appropriately placed.

Resources

• One-Minute Discipline : Classroom Management Strategies That Work
• Classroom Management That Works: Research-Based Strategies for Every Teacher
• The First Days Of School: How To Be An Effective Teacher

[CBeatrix]

on 10/14/2008 Very good suggestions! I have some teaching experience in classes. 5*