Top 8 Tips for Classroom Behaviour Management

1.  First few days of academic year are most important.

Help children to formulate two or three rules for the classroom. If the kids help it’s easier for them to own the rules. Be sure that you’re consistent in keeping the rules so the children know that they are important. Have fun and let children know you care about them.

2. Don’t make any rules for your class that you are not willing to follow through with.

Always be consistent and fair and let your students know that you mean what you say.

3. Never get into a power struggle with your students.

Always listen to both sides with a nonjudgmental and non-confrontational attitude.

4. Take the lead.

Once you gain the confidence things will go more smoothly, and once you take a firm lead, the students will respect and respond more readily.

5. Have a good balance of discipline and humor with the children.

In order to gain their respect, you need to convey your genuine enjoyment to be with them. My students understand I am sometimes tough on them because I care enough to wish they try harder and get better. I also manage to find a way to show I care in some meaningful way. Humor is important to have for your own perspective and for the children. It keeps the days lively and enjoyable.

6. It’s not what you teach, but how you teach it that makes all the difference.

If what you are doing in your classroom is exciting and motivational, classroom discipline problems disappear. Students do not want to get in trouble because they do not want to miss out on what is going on in your room.

7. Children will quiet down when the teacher is quiet and waiting for their attention.

I lost my voice the first year trying to focus their attention on me. Now, I simply wait for the attention I deserve before moving on to the next lesson or set of instructions.

8. Adolescents love choices and challenges!

Whenever possible, give students choices – whether it’s a long-range project on a country they select, or coloring a map with crayon, marker, or colored pencil! I try to give as many “small” choices as possible, even if it seems insignificant.