Classroom management

strategies I use in my classroom

Low Key Strategies

Eye contact

Proximity

Gestures/non-verbal

Minimal verbal

Say thank you in response to the desired behavior

Pause

These strategies can be clustered

(use more than 1 technique at the same time)

Preventative Strategies Signal to begin (auditory and visual)

Effective and explicit transitions between tasks

Winning over students (building rapport)

Numbering off within groups

use a timer to set clear timeframes for activitiesBe firm, fair and consistentModel appropriate behavioractive scanningIndicate type of response expected (e.g. Hand up)Built in accountability in each learning task

Strategies beyond low key involve stopping teaching to deal with behavior escalation:

Private dialogue (discreet and during the lesson 1:1)

Squaring off – body/face squared off, serious tone, set verbal expectation (minimal verbal), wait for compliance then say thank you when they comply.

Choices/ implied choices – not ultimatums, but providing clear explanations of the next steps that will escalate or de-escalate the situation. Increases the student’s responsibility for their actions and their consequences.

Informal contract – 1:1 discussion (not during learning time) “how can we work more effectively together” or “how can we solve this … issue”

Effective Choices are:

Related to the misbehavior

Not seen as punishment

Immediate as possible

Not an ultimatum

In a positive or neutral tone

Follow through on the choice

Logical Consequences are related, respectful and reasonable.

Classroom RulesAt the beginning of the year,

classroom rules are developed in collaboration with the students to

ensure that the students have ownership and responsibility for their

own behavior.

These rules are aligned with the individual school context, standards

and policies.

Proactive behavior management and

classroom management are more effective than

being a reactive teacher.

Avoid Power Struggles

Be explicit about choices

Clustering of low key strategies

Use humor to diffuse

Deal with allies first to de-escalate

Awareness of whole class and individuals

Short circuit the behavior (distraction)

Classroom management is

an ongoing process!

References

Department of Education, Western Australia, Classroom Management Strategies Professional Learning Workshops at Murdoch University 2012