Seven Behavior Management Tips for Your Classroom

You could spend a lot of time creating a great lesson and perfecting your teaching approach only to have it all undone because of a rowdy classroom. Here are seven behavior management tips that will put you back in charge and keep your students focused on learning.

1. Establish a short list of class rules. Make sure your class rules cover the essentials but do not feel like you need to write a list of 50 rules. That might cause confusion or result in students ignoring them altogether.
2. Share consequences and rewards. Rules do no good if students are unclear on the penalties for breaking them. Similarly, it’s important to establish a system for rewarding positive behavior and good role-modeling.
3. Establish a seating chart. Seating charts help you retain control of the classroom but don’t be afraid to move students around periodically if you find some students talking too much or struggling to pay attention based on where they are seated.
4. Create routines for transitions. Think of the moments in your classroom when students tend to get talkative and establish routines that keep things active and minimize disruptions.
5. Incorporate brain breaks. Brain breaks are proven to help students regain focus and perform better after sitting or working for an extended amount of time.
6. Correct bad behavior quickly. Don’t stop everything to deal angrily with one misbehaving student. Stay calm, give direction, and administer a consequence if the student continues to interrupt. Then, carry on.
7. Praise good behavior. Acknowledge and thank the students who follow the rules and meet your expectations.

Every student has good days and not-so-good days. Keep these ideas on hand for the times when you need to get your students back on track and refocus on helping them succeed.