Classroom Management: Strategies and Tips for Effective Teaching

Good classroom management is one of the best ways to help students learn and help your classroom run smoothly. As teachers, we of course want to help students learn and grow, but in order to do that, we need to create an environment where students are engaged, collaborating and excited about learning! The tips and strategies listed below will help you to create an environment that is conducive to learning and stress free while also enhancing your classroom management skills. 

Using Whole Brain Teaching

Whole Brain Teaching (WBT) is a method that helps all students be engaged for maximum learning. The premise is that learning is most effective when both hemispheres of the brain are actively involved in learning. 

Incorporating elements such as gestures, call-and-response techniques and group activities, help students stay attentive and create a collaborative classroom environment. 

My favorite call-and-response activities are these call-back cards! 

Classroom Management Systems and Routines

An efficient classroom management system lays the foundation needed for the rest of the school year. It helps to prevent disruptions, encourages positive behavior (PBIS) and supports academic growth. 

It is so important to set up clear rules, routines and consequences that are communicated to the students at the beginning of the school year. 

Continue reviewing these all year long! Remember, "Connect before content!" 

Build relationships and set up consistent routines. 

Classroom Management Tips

• Set up clear expectations and follow through!
• Create a positive classroom culture where students feel they can contribute without fear of criticism.
• Use positive reinforcement and build a positive rapport with students. I love having a whole classroom reward system! Check out this monthly themed one!
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• Develop conflict resolution strategies. 
• Utilize morning meetings for social and emotional learning. 
• Include a calm down corner with fidgets.
• Incorporate student choice once routine are in place (seating, choice boards, etc.)
• Master transition time! - I love using Daily Slides to help set up my daily routines. Timers, classroom rewards, exit slips, station rotations and more are included! 

There are so many different strategies for helping students stay engaged and on task! Each year, you may find that different strategies work for different groups of students.

Don't be afraid to try new strategies and scrap the ones that don't work for you or your class. Bottom line, teaching is not just about managing behavior (although it does feel like that some days!), it's about fostering a love for learning and creating lifelong learners. 

Check out this blogpost on setting up a successful and meaningful Morning Meeting! 

Morning Meeting Ideas to Help Students Develop Social & Emotional Learning (happyteacherlifewithkaitlyn.blogspot.com)