We know it’s impossible to plan for everything as an educator because, let’s face it, students can be unpredictable. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing but, it can sometimes leave an educator feeling like a deer in headlights. This is when having effective classroom management strategies in place can make all the difference in creating a positive and productive learning environment. In this blog post, we will discuss four essential classroom management strategies that can help you start the new school year off on the right foot.
Set Clear Expectations
One of the most important things you can do as a teacher is to set clear expectations for your students. This includes academic expectations as well as behavioral expectations. Take some time at the beginning of the school year to discuss your classroom rules and procedures with your students.
An important tip: don’t frame this as actions and associated consequences. Your students are craving a more grown-up, adult interaction and this kind of language will communicate that you see them as infantile. Instead, casually make them aware of what you’d like to see and what you expect out of them. Let them know that if they meet these expectations there will be positive reinforcement. If they ask what happens if they don’t, just say you’ll cross that bridge when you get there.
Build Positive Relationships
Building positive relationships with your students is another crucial aspect of effective classroom management. When students feel like they are valued and respected, they are more likely to behave appropriately and actively engage in their learning.
Keep in mind that your students are at a time in their lives where, for the first time, they have the most to say about the world around them. For this reason, you should take the time to get to know your students and show genuine interest in their lives. This will make them feel valued more than any passing grade ever will. Just start by asking them how their weekend was or if anyone has any fun plans coming up. Many educators will also ask students to recommend music to play during desk work (although make sure it’s appropriate for the classroom).
Use Active Learning Strategies
Active learning strategies are an excellent way to keep students engaged and motivated in the classroom. These strategies can include group work, discussions, and hands-on activities. When students are actively involved in their learning, they are more likely to retain information and enjoy the learning process. Be sure to include a variety of active learning strategies in your lesson plans.
Manage Transitions Effectively
Transitions between activities can be a challenging time for students, especially if they are not managed effectively. To avoid disruptions we recommend setting an alarm 5 minutes before the end of class. Use this time to let students know to wrap up anything they’re working on. The students will also appreciate having the extra time to relax before the next class. You can also encourage students to help with the transition process by having them clean up their workspace or gather materials before moving on.
The Wrap-Up
Effective classroom management is essential for creating a positive and productive learning environment. By setting clear expectations, building positive relationships, using active learning strategies, and managing transitions effectively, you can set your students up for success in the new school year. Remember to be patient and flexible, and don’t be afraid to try new strategies if something isn’t working. With a little effort and creativity, you can create a classroom environment that fosters learning and growth.
Need more tips and tricks for educators? Check out our blog for more helpful information!
