When done effectively, classroom management is important for three main reasons. It:
- Creates a productive, safe learning environment in the classroom
- Fosters meaningful learning and contributes to developing positive peer interactions
- Boosts students’ academic engagement and lowers negative classroom behavior
My Top Classroom Management Strategies
We’ve experienced two full moons in one month and the “honeymoon” phase of school is definitely over (no pun intended 😁). Here are some of my top classroom procedures that I use to keep my sanity and create a happy, productive classroom for any grade!
⭐️BUILD RELATIONSHIPS WITH STUDENTS IMMEDIATELY! Start the year with activities that allow you to build relationships with your students.
⭐️Classroom RESPECT CONTRACT– we spend a lot of time working on a RESPECT Contract together. Students help identify common expectations for how the classroom environment should feel and run. When students are involved in this process (even elementary school students), there is a culture of respect.
⭐️ADDRESS behavior quickly and privately. Students complete FixIt Ticket reflection sheets. (see link below)
⭐️RESTORATIVE CLASSROOM– my RESPECT contract and Fix It Tickets have truly changed how I handle behavior in class come from “The Restorative Classroom” techniques. There are clear expectations and students have opportunities to reflect on their choices.
⭐️ROUTINES– homeroom routines, lunch, attendance, morning work, arrival/dismissal
⭐️ESTABLISH EXPECTATIONS for group, partner, and independent work.( see blog post on the 100 numbers activity)
⭐️CREATE ENGAGEMENT: I mix things up…Behavior Bingo (math lotto), Capture the Flag, Room Transformations, Scavenger Hunts. Incorporating engaging activities helps kids get excited about learning and working hard
⭐️POSITIVE Classroom rewards: students can earn a monthly activity for outstanding behavior, or try behavior bingo. Class can decide on the reward they’re working towards (PJ day, movie day, game day, extra recess, etc.)
⭐️MODEL expected behavior and praise expected behavior…”I like the way Daniel looks ready to learn right now.”
⭐️POSITIVE PARENT RELATIONSHIPS: I make a point of making positive phone calls to students who I notice may need more redirection than others during that first week of school. Positive phone calls go a long way in gaining parent support. I literally make 3 phone calls each day after school during that first week.
⭐️BE INVESTED! I have found that if kids know you’re truly invested in them as humans, they will be more invested in being productive and will work hard on growing their math minds.
⭐️CHECK OUT THESE RESOURCES AND MORE on TPT at Math Minds at Work:
Sample RESPECT CONTRACT: EMAIL ME FOR YOUR FREE RESPECT SLIDE PRESENTATION: buildingmathminds.tpt@gmail.com
VISIT MY TPT store for these resources and more!
💕Happy Teaching!
Contact Me:
EMAIL ME FOR YOUR FREE RESPECT SLIDE PRESENTATION: buildingmathminds.tpt@gmail.com
You can connect with me on Instagram, my TPT store or Pinterest.
Math Minds At Work with Mrs. DelBene 