Classroom Management

I think the most effective way to manage a classroom is to make sure that the students know what the rules are on the first day and observe them from that day forward. If the rules are clear then there should be no room for interpretation or for students to twist them for their own gain. Obviously as the school year gets started some of the rules may change or new ones may be added but I think that some basic ones to have are as follows:

1. Speak only when you are spoken to or called on by the teacher-This way every student gets their turn to speak and they won’t be interrupted.

2. Turn all assignments into the appropriate basket by the end of the day they are due-This will eliminate most of the late work that is received and gives you time as the teacher to grade the papers.

3. If you have a question, ask for help- I think too often students are so worried about interrupting class that they don’t get the chance to ask about things that need clarifying and they are either confused and behind or you will have to answer the same question several times later on.

4. Get permission from the teacher before leaving the classroom-If students are able to leave whenever they want then there will be several disruptions that take away from the learning process and you may not even know where the children are headed.

5. Respect the teacher, yourself and others-School should be a place where everyone wants to come and where they feel safe. If you don’t respect yourself and acknowledge your own strengths then you will never learn to respect others and when you are in a classroom setting it is important to treat everyone equally and show them all respect.

The list of rules that should be used in a classroom could go on for a long time. The list above is to just name a few. I believe the rules will be different depending on what grade you teach and the way in which you decide to organize your classroom. No matter what the rules are it is important that the kids know you will respect them if they do the same to you and your classroom. Part of that respect is following the rules.