How to Get Control of the Classroom After School Starts

Being organized and prepared helps you maintain classroom control.

Gaining control of a classroom after school has started and students have already adjusted to a routine can be a challenge for teachers and substitutes who must lead the class without the benefit of establishing rules and expectations at the beginning of the school year. One solution for teachers who will stay with the class through the end of the year is to start anew and establish your own expectations and rules. However, for teachers and substitutes who are unable to start fresh, there are several strategies to implement to help you gain control of your classroom.

Instructions

1. Educate yourself about school and classroom policies. Before working with your students, talk to teachers and staff at the school about important school rules and policies. Ask what the consequences are for students who do not follow the rules. For example, does a student who arrives late to class go to the office, or does the school have some other procedure? Ask the teacher you are taking over for to leave you a list of classroom rules, or discuss them with a reliable student or another teacher so you are familiar with the current student expectations.

2. Greet students when they arrive in the room. As students arrive for class, greet them warmly at the door by introducing yourself and asking their names. If there is time, have a brief conversation with each student to get to know them and build positive rapport and help students feel comfortable.

3. Review classroom rules and expectations with your students. Stick to the previously established expectations, and avoid adding too many rules of your own.

4. Praise positive behavior. When you see students displaying appropriate behavior, praise them by noting what you like about their behavior or by offering them a small reward such as a sticker or treat. Tell students that when you see the whole class behaving, you will give them a tally line on the board, and when they reach a specific number of tallies you will give them all a special prize, such as a piece of candy or a positive note for their teacher.

5. Follow through with consequences. When you see students misbehaving, remind them of the rules and follow through with the established consequences. Remain consistent, and hold all students to the same expectations. Don't let students argue with you about the consequences of their actions.

References

• Scholastic: Back to School Checklist-Organizing for Success
• Zephyrus Interactive Education: Classroom Management and Dealing with Pupils

Resources

• Super Substutute Teachers: Classroom Management Strategeies