How to Maintain Classroom Discipline Without Raising Your Voice (Part 1: Setting a Tone)

One of the most difficult challenges for new teachers is classroom management. How do you maintain an orderly, productive classroom? Learn some simple techniques that are much more effective than yelling, scolding, and suspension.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• chart paper
• flip chart markers
• poster paper

1. Determine your classroom expectations before you meet your students. You may want to type this up or create a poster that sums up the main expectations (a nicer way of saying rules).
   
   There are many things to consider. Is it alright with you if students get up to throw away a paper when you are speaking? How many times can they use the bathroom pass? What will happen if a student is late? Some of the categories to consider are:
   
   1) Homework 2)Absences 3) Talking in class 4) Disrespecting Others and You 5)Hall Passes 6) Lateness

2. Set the tone right away and be consistent. The first few weeks with a new class is commonly referred to as the honeymoon period. Students are on their best behavior because they want to start fresh and they are also trying to gauge how much they can get away with. When in doubt, err on the side of being overly strict. It is much easier to give more freedom as time goes on than to try to break bad habits once they have begun.

3. Learn about your students' interests and experiences. In the first days of class, do an activity that will help you get to know your students as individuals. The purpose of doing this is so that you are able to find ways to connect with them and relate to their interests and experiences. This activity will vary depending on subject and grade level. For an English class, for example, it may be writing a brief memoir entry on a given topic.

4. Have students develop a set of classroom rules and motivational posters to post around the class.