Elementary school classrooms can be full of energy and movement. Keeping that energy under control takes a lot of work from teachers, but there are many classroom management strategies that can help create an environment where learning can happen without distractions from disruptive behavior.
Here are some classroom management strategies for managing behavior in the elementary school setting:
Use non-verbal cues
When you need to get the attention of a group of students, use non-verbal cues. Your body language can help make your intentions clear. Staring at someone or using an angry tone of voice is usually not effective for gaining cooperation. Instead, try using a firm voice and open posture to show that you are serious about what needs to be done.
Use humor
When you’re a teacher, it’s easy to let the negative in your day-to-day take over. You know what I mean: the student who refuses to participate, the whole class fighting over seats and attention, etc.
Humor is a great way to diffuse any situation and help students feel better about themselves; it can also be used as a teaching tool. If you catch one of your students making an off-color joke during class, you might choose not only to laugh along with them but also use that moment as an opportunity for some classroom management: “That was funny—but we don’t say things like that here! And why do we say things like this? Because they aren’t nice words.”
Be consistent
Consistency is one of the most important characteristics of a good behavior management plan. If you are not consistent, your students will not know what to expect and will be confused about what you want from them. When teachers are consistent, students learn to trust that they will be treated fairly, which helps to build relationships between teachers and students.
Reward Positive Behavior
You might consider rewarding students with verbal praise, such as saying “thank you for working so hard” or “I appreciate your effort today.” This can help encourage them to continue with the behavior in question.
Collect Behavior Data
Some principles require you to track behavior data to share at meetings or with parents. I recommend using simple charts and contracts that students understand that can help them track their own behavior.
To make classroom management and data collection easy, I created this Daily Behavior Chart resource!
I included an editable behavior contract, a data collecting graph to chart progress, and a FREE poster about Big Problems & Little Problems which has been so helpful for students who are not able to control their emotions over small issues.
Here’s an example of how I use this classroom management tool:
I give the student 2 goals (for example, “Keep your hands to yourself.” or “Used walking feet.”) Then, list up to 8 specific times during the day under the schedule. For example, “Morning Work, Reading, Writing etc. for the student to show they are meeting their goal in a short period of time.
The student colors the face according to how well they did during the scheduled time. You can track the data daily to share with parents or at meetings.
There is also a contract provided where you can make a “deal” with the student. For example, “If I make 6 out of 8 smiley faces, then I get to go to the treasure box.”
For more classroom management tips, check out my blog post here!
What are your favorite classroom management tricks? Let me know in the comments!