By Beth at The Southern Schoolhouse
Let me be honest – classroom management has never been my strong suit. I am soft! I admit it! As a young teacher I loved my students and I just wanted them to “like” me. I couldn’t be “mean”. Big mistake! I am also soft spoken so getting students to “hear” me was difficult. Being tough just didn’t come naturally, but slowly year after year I learned and improved.
Classroom management is a daily endeavor and encompasses many things, but I think if you start with the “small stuff” it will all begin to come together and make a huge difference in your classroom community – and your sanity!! In this article, I want to focus on the small routines that can have a big impact on your overall classroom management. I am including my Top 4 favorite routines that have helped build strong classroom management and community.
- Line-up routine! We all know transition times can be trouble! Everyone has their preference – # order, Alpha order, or by tables or seating assignments. Whatever your preference, be consistent with your expectations and practice until it’s right!
- Attention Getters! Using fun attention – getters to refocus the class is way better than having to repeat yourself 52 times! My go-tos are Class, Class! – Yes, Yes! And one specific to my school (we are the Stars) and the subject I teach Stars Read!- Stars Succeed!
- Solving The Pencil Problem! (Read this article to learn more.) Students not having a pencil or sharpening their pencil in the middle of class is a pet peeve of mine. Pencil holders on student desks have been a game changer! As always, consistency is the key!
- Routines for material distribution and collection are key! We all have our style of organization so this might be different for me than it is for you, but it is important to have a routine so these things can be done quickly and efficiently and don’t waste precious learning time!
Let us know about some of your favorite routines that make your class run smoothly!
