Want to hit the ground running? What are key features for classroom management?
There are many times that both you and your students will need to take a different approach to maintain classroom management. There are some keys to building connections within your classroom.
Teach Use Humor - sometimes simply lightening the mood will create a renewed sense of calm. Humor will also, demonstrate to your students that you are a person with interests other than the lesson on the board.
Wipe the slate clean every day. - Give your students and yourself permission to start the new day with a chance to excel, no matter what yesterday looked like.
Be a voice of optimism - Encourage your students in the academics, behavioral, and emotional learning; be the person that supports them with these hard goals. Try to avoid the teachers with a constant negative attitude - what we hear becomes what we think and what we think becomes what we are.
Movement Breaks - allow for movement; no one wants or should sit for extended periods of time. Incorporate movement breaks; look for GO Noodle!, The Learning Station, and Danny GO! Take a walk when you get a chance - it will help enerrgize yourself.
Take a time out - allow students to remove themselves to a quiet area to reset their emotions and bodies. Make sure the calm area is in the area of the classroom where whole group lessons can still be heard. Don't forget to give yourself a break from school, too. Schedule some time for yourself afterschool, on weekends, and during breaks to allow your mind and body to reenergize and recharge to be your best you.
Teach visually and auditorily. - students benefit from multi-modal learning and those benefits are not just academic but emotionally as well.
Allow students to save face in front of their peers - give them an out to return to learning without being belittled or marginalized.
Encourage - be their cheerleader. Find your own support group, your cheerleaders.
Provide choices - students should have options, it gives them a sense of power and control. They won't feel as great a need for control behaviorally (acting out).
Smile
Play - allow for 'fun' learning. Engage yourself in a teacher night with friendly co-workers. Those who laugh together will be better supporters for each other.
Avoid power struggles - students should have a sense of dignity in your classroom. One of my favorite tips for teachers is Q-TIP (Quit Taking It Personally).
Teach social skills - show students the desirable behaviors, reteach as necessary.
Agree to Disagree - let students know in the beginning of the year that you and they may disagree and that's ok. The rules will be followed but the other areas of conflict can be discussed and a compromise will be reached. Remember, you may disagree with your colleagues and administration but everyone still works for the same goal - the betterment of your students.