Have you ever had a class that just seems to be “out of control” no matter what you do? Maybe you’ve tried everything, and nothing seems to be working. Well, you’re not alone. We have all gotten overwhelmed trying to maintain order in a classroom where we are outnumbered. However, we’re not here to talk problems, we’re here to talk solutions. In this article, we’ll dive into the ultimate blueprint for a well managed classroom which includes a game-changing tool for grades 1-3. Keep reading to transform your classroom and teaching experience now!
Why Classroom Management is Essential
A well managed classroom is important for a number of reasons. The number one reason is it helps keep the teacher in a positive state of mind. It’s easy to dip below the line if you’re constantly having to fight behavior issues in your classroom. In addition to being helpful to your mental health, a great classroom management system helps create a successful learning environment. So, how do you get a well managed classroom? Let’s dive in.
How to Create a Well Managed Classroom
Having a well managed classroom is essentially a dance you have to do with your students every day. You have to make sure everyone dances, freezes, skips, and jumps. How do you do all of that? Well here is what that well managed classroom includes:
- Clear Expectations: These are expectations that are not only stated, but also shown visually around the classroom. Having a poster or chart with expectations on the wall in an easy to see access place can be a great help. If you’re unsure what expectations to set, have students get involved in the rule-making process. They are more likely to abide by the rules if they have some ownership in them.
- Consistency: If you let something slide once, who is to say you won’t do it again? Students always recognize when things aren’t the same. Therefore, it’s important that the consequence matches the behavior and that consequence is the same every time that behavior pops up. Consistency is about more than just disciples. It also refers to your classroom procedures and flow. Predictability can reduce confusion and off-task behaviors.
- Engagement: You want to engage your students. A great way to do this is with interactive teaching methods, group activities, and hands-on projects. These activities keep students active while they are learning!
The 3 C’s of a Well-Managed Classroom
Beyond clear expectations, consistency, and engagement, you also need the 3 C’s of education! These include: consistency 2.0, communication, and care.
- Consistency goes beyond the rules and classroom expectations. Consistency also refers to grading, giving feedback, and even your mood. When students know what level they need to meet and how you’ll react, you build a positive classroom community.
- Communication is always key but this isn’t just what you say. Non verbal cues, active listening, and even written feedback can be a big deal! In order to create a positive classroom environment, make sure you are communicating with students in a variety of ways that are productive.
- Care is all about how much you care about your students as people. What you do to show this is entirely up to you. However, some ideas to make each student feel special include: recognizing birthdays, celebrating achievements, and understanding individual challenges. When you show your students you care, you’ll have more students who are willing to buy into whatever you want them to do in class. Plus, they will have someone who is there for them.
The 4 Basic Elements of Successful Classroom Management Plan
Every classroom has to have a classroom management plan. While everyone’s plan is going to look different based on your class’s demographic and personality, you’ll want to include these four basic elements of a well-managed classroom.
- Rules: Besides having classroom expectations and rules, you’ll also want to have guidelines for group work, using technology, center time, and classroom discussions. Remember, you can always incorporate student suggestions. By giving students input, you’re giving them a sense of ownership in the classroom.
- Routines: Having a routine is essential for a well managed classroom. Tools like Spiral Review from the Review in a Snap product line are perfect for predictability. These activities are designed for first, second, and third grade review and enhance previously taught content regularly. This ensures long-term retention and a stronger understanding of the concepts being taught. Spiral review integrates into a daily routine with ease and gives students a consistent, structured review without all the prep work for you.
- Consequences: Any well managed classroom will have consequences. However, consequences don’t always have to be negative. Make sure you recognize
- Relationships: None of the consequences, expectations, or any of this will work if you don’t have a relationship with your students. During the school year, create one-on-one interactions and understand individual student backgrounds. These little moments will mean the world to your students and help you form a positive classroom environment.
How to Develop a Well Managed Classroom
Knowing the pieces of a well managed classroom is important. However, how do we develop classroom management plans that create positive learning environments and strong classroom communities? Let me tell you!
- Establish a proactive approach. This means we are thinking ahead of the game and starting the year with icebreakers to set a positive tone and a sense of togetherness. You can also regularly revisit expectations and discuss what is going awesome and what students can work on. Remember, you want more positives than negatives. So, even if there’s a lot to work on, pick one or two areas students can improve to start.
- Ongoing training for teachers is a great way to develop a well managed classroom. There are always so many new strategies that are coming out all the time! So, check out webinars, workshops, and seminars that give you different perspectives and tools. Plus, at these training events, you can meet fellow teachers that might be able to help you with something that isn’t working in your classroom.
- Be adaptable. While structure is incredibly important, you can’t be so rigid that you can’t bend a bit. There are going to be pieces of this article that just don’t work for your classroom. Be ready to tweak your management plan and try something new.
- Get feedback from your students. You can get feedback at the end of each quarter or more frequently if you feel the need. For feedback, allow students to share what they love and what they think needs to change. Allowing students to collaborate with you on your management approach can lead to some amazing things in the classroom!
It’s no secret that strong classroom management is an essential tool for strong classroom management. However, it can be hard to accomplish. With these various tools and tips, you’ll be able to have a well managed classroom and a total classroom transformation! For more tips and tricks, make sure you follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter!
