6 Classroom Management Tips for an Amazing School Year!

Classroom Management can make or break a school year.  Before you clear the dust, decorate the walls, and pull our all of those brand new fabulous pens – prepare your classroom management strategies.  These 6 classroom management tips will get you on the right track to a successful school year.

Classroom Management Tip #1 – Get to Know Your Students

When you know your students, you are already miles ahead in your classroom management.  Knowing about their interests and personalities gives guidance for redirecting, greeting, and talking to your students. Getting to know all of your students at the beginning of the year is tough.  So how do you do it?

Try taking a questionnaire like the one below.  (If you have kids who struggle with reading and writing, then fill this form out for them as if you are interviewing them.) Keep these handy and during the first few weeks make it a point to talk to your students about one of the items at lunch or recess or when you greet them in the morning.

You can also get to know your students through Team Building Games.  You can read about ways to get to know students through team building in THIS ARTICLE.

Classroom ManagementTip #2 – Ask for Help (Even from Your Students)

Use volunteers, let the kids take on responsibilities (little secret – they love being about to help out), and ask for other teachers to help you.  Too often teachers are perfectionists and think they MUST do it all themselves. This is why we are stressed, tired, and fall into the negativity trap.  Think about your day and which items you can let others tackle for you.

 Classroom ManagementTip #3 – Add a Little Mystery to Keep them on Their Toes

Use mystery students to practice and reinforce your expectations.  This simple trick will keep your students guessing.  A mystery student is a student you pick at random. Either from your head, names on sticks, or any method you prefer.  Tell students what you are expecting (work independently, walk in a line, follow a class procedure, etc.) Then while students are performing the task you stated, you watch to see if the mystery student is meeting the expectation.  Want more details on mystery students?  Read the article HERE or click the image below to learn more.

Classroom ManagementTip #4 – Know What You Expect

If you don’t know your expectations then your students will NEVER be able to meet them.  Take time to think through all of the procedures and policies that will make your classroom run.  Not sure what you should expect from the students?  Read the article The Ultimate Guide for Back to School: 29 Tips for Back to  School.  You will get the FREE checklist and tips on setting up your expectations.

Classroom ManagementTip #5 – Let Them Succeed with Procedure Practice

Now that you know what to expect from your students, you need to let them practice what you expect. Make this into fun games like charades.  Give them a quick assessment on your expectations while teaching them how to complete tests and turn in assignments.  Grab the FREE test and game in this article 4 Fun Ways to Teach Your Expectations.

Classroom ManagementTip #6 – Keep Up With Documentation with the Classroom Management Journal

Your time is short and you need to keep track of both positive and negative student behaviors.  This journal allows to you track student behaviors, and communication.  It’s the perfect way to document your entire year.  Plus you get a Classroom Management book with 30 easy to implement classroom management strategies! Learn more HERE!

Click HERE to find more fabulous Classroom Management Resources and FREEBIES! 

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