How to Prevent Problems in the Classroom

Giving kids constructive activities is a proactive way to keep them from becoming unruly in the first place.

A classroom can be a challenging place to teach in if the children are unruly and undisciplined. No matter what the age, children can become difficult to control, which creates a negative situation for everyone in the classroom, even those who behave well. A teacher can implement a number of strategies to keep children focused on positive and constructive lessons and activities, and help you keep them from getting distracted.

Instructions

1. Create a lesson plan that keeps kids engaged at all times. Over-plan the day so that kids have activities as soon as they walk in until the moment the class ends for the day. Use lessons that involve drawing pictures, flash cards are writing on the chalkboard or whiteboard, for example. Use auditory lessons, such as lectures and songs, and mnemonic devices, a learning technique to assist in memory such as a short poem or word game. Incorporate games that get kids physically touching and moving, such as Simon Says.

2. Arrange the classroom to create an environment that discourages unruly behavior. Move the furniture around so that foot traffic moves easily, especially around areas such as the water fountain or pencil sharpener. Create a seating arrangement that gives the teacher full visual contact with the students at all time and allows him to move around easily and engage the students on an individual level. Group the desks together in a way that minimizes distractions, and makes it difficult for problem children to start distractions.

3. Have children decide in a group setting what constitutes good behavior. Team up children who both exhibit bad behavior and good behavior, and have them work together to decide what is acceptable behavior and what is not acceptable. Post the things they agree on in a prominent place in the classroom. Reward kids if they adhere to these principles. This reinforces good behavior, which supplements the punishment of bad behavior.

4. Don't issue empty threats. Follow through if you tell a child that if he exhibits a certain behavior, you will dole out a specific punishment. Failure to follow through could cause the child to doubt your seriousness and continue misbehaving without fear of retribution. However, do not lose your cool when you do punish. Do not yell or scream, but remain calm so that the child knows that she cannot push your buttons.

References

• Centre of Knowledge on Healthy Child Development: The Good Behavior Game
• The Apple: Best Ways to Prevent and React to Discipline Problems
• Statewide Parent Advocacy Network: Physically Arrange the Classroom Environment to Prevent or Minimize Discipline Problems
• My Classroom Management: Lesson Plans that Prevent Discipline Problems