Elementary Classroom Management Techniques
Effective learning happens in a safe environment. One of the primary tasks of an elementary teacher is to create a safe learning atmosphere. Establishing an effective behavior management system that utilizes clear guidelines with expectations and consistent consequences creates a safe classroom. By reciprocating respect with the students and using creative strategies, all teachers can optimize learning for the students.
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Classroom Procedures
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Students need clear expectations taught if they are expected to behave well. Beginning on the first day of school, teach students your classroom procedures as you would teach them any subject matter. Write the steps for all procedural aspects of the classroom on a flip chart. Teach each new procedure to the children and model what you expect the students will look like and sound like when carrying out each step. Spend the next few weeks of the school year reviewing this chart each time a procedure is needed. Reteach the steps if you notice the class is not using the procedure correctly. Offer compliments when the procedure is followed well. Teach each procedure until you are confident the class can follow the steps without your supervision.
Classroom Checkbook
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Offer your students a practical incentive for good behavior. A classroom checkbook system not only teaches students a practical lesson in economics, it also offers an incentive to behave up to your expectations. Make and print blank checks on a computer. Copy sheets of these checks, cut them apart and staple them into a booklet for each student. Make and print a large checkbook register for each student. Place all banking materials in a folder for each student. Every Friday give each student a check for $25 as their pay day for hard work. Every Friday have the students write you a $15 check for their rental of desk space, purchase of pencils and use of water and electricity. They can save their $10 or spend it in a classroom store made from donated trinkets from families. Throughout the week, when you see a child not following procedures, first warn the student. If the behavior continues, dock the student's pay by an appropriate fee. Subtract this amount from her pay day. You may find it helpful to ask a student assistant to keep the class master list throughout the week. Offer bonuses for behavior that is exceptionally helpful or kind or for assigned classroom jobs.
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Office Space
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Create a safe area away from distractions for misbehaving studetnts. Separating a misbehaving student from the energy and distractions of the others can often stop the behavior. Move one desk to an area of the room that will minimize attention from the rest of the class. Use chalk to draw a box on the floor around the desk and call this area an office. Instruct a misbehaving student that she must ask for permission to leave the office and must grant permission to other students to enter this space. Many students will be able to focus better by removing the reinforcing negative attention they might be receiving from poor behavior, Chalk lines on the floor provide a concrete reminder of boundaries.
Good Old-Fashioned Communication
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Communication is often the key to better understanding. Teachers and parents have always found it beneficial to communicate regularly. Technology makes communicating with families easier than ever before. Gather input from parents about what may be happening with a misbehaving student at home. Offer tips to try at home that will provide security and routine for the child's life. Ask for tips to try at school that the parents may have found helpful. Remember to talk without offending and listen without defending.
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References
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