A noisy classroom isn’t always a bad thing, sometimes it means students are excited and actively involved in hands-on, group activities. However, teachers always need a way to regain student’s attention so they can give further directions, answer questions or just transition the class to another activity. Here are some strategies to calm a loud class and regain their attention.…
90% of the behavior problems you have in your class can be eliminated by changing your routines and environment! 1.Establish clear expectations. Let’s use the example of getting in line. I want to take a minute to close your eyes and imagine how you would LIKE a classroom of students to get in line. Imagine the noise level, how quickly…
When asking teachers what their number one challenge in the classroom is many, if not most, of them will say dealing with student behavior. Student behavior can make a teacher love or hate coming to school. It can turn a teacher from someone with joy and patience to someone who is angry and stressed all the time. Yes, those “challenging…
Problem solving is a very important skill for students to learn. It’s not only important for their future but also the overall peace and management of your classroom. The more you train your students how to solve their own problems, the less you have to get involved in solving them yourself. Win Win! Here are three activities to get you…
Every teacher needs some kind of classroom management system. You might already have something in place school-wide but you need something of your own too. You might even rotate different management systems throughout the year. There have been a few years when I had a very challenging or talkative class. I found myself having to change my classroom management system…
It’s the beginning of a new year. Many students burst out of bed, excited for what the first day of school will hold. They are excited to see who’s in their class, find out what kind of teacher you are, and leave their parents (or babysitters) behind. Then, they enter the classroom and the typical teacher spends the first couple…
It’s impossible to be a teacher or administrator and not have to discipline students. What should discipline look like though? I taught for seven years in Africa. There, it’s still common practice to hit students with a stick when they are misbehaving. Is that discipline? How about having students kneel beside their desk or stand in the back of the…
I’m always amazed how many teachers come back from Winter break feeling refreshed and inspired, only to be completely overwhelmed shortly after. Let’s be honest, the slow (usually cold), gloomy months of January and February can be difficult for teachers and students to get through. Behaviors crop up in the classroom that you may not have really seen earlier in…
It’s November, and most schools started back to school a couple of months ago. About this time teachers everywhere are beginning to feel overwhelmed by student behavior (or should I say misbehavior). The excitement and newness of the beginning of the school year has worn off and students are all showing their full colors! If you are struggling with a…
Why do you need to document behavior? Most school districts now require teachers to document student behavior in some way. Regardless of whether or not you’re school requires this, teachers should be documenting repeating behaviors. First of all, these documents are helpful to use when meeting with parents. It’s something physical you can show them and they can’t deny what…
