Classroom Management Tips for New School Year
What Teachers Can Do to Help Develop Better Student Discipline
Jul 31, 2009
When teachers plan curriculum for the upcoming school year, they should develop strong classroom management. This will help facilitate learning by creating a serious, academic environment that nurtures student learning and reduces distractions caused by student misbehavior.
Prepare the Classroom for New School Year
The design of the classroom will shape students’ first impression of their new teacher. It will also determine how comfortable they feel in their new surroundings. Therefore, teachers should strive to create a welcoming environment. The classroom should be sufficiently decorated, organized and well-supplied with a student-centered focus. Consider the following classroom decoration tips to prepare classroom for the first day of school.
- add warm colors to offset the dull shade of classroom walls
- create a student work area that invites students to take ownership of the classroom
- customize bulletin boards to prepare students for upcoming units, activities, and important dates
By preparing their classrooms in advance, teachers will help orient students during the first day of school.
Set Clear Behavior Expectations and Consequences
Teachers must communicate specific behavior expectations both verbally and in writing. These expectations must be defined to students as well as their parents, which is why a written classroom management and behavior policy is essential. Both students and parents must sign this policy, which should list specific consequences for the first, second, and third offenses to class rules. Informing students of class expectations will eliminate future debates with students.
If a student arrives to class late with a good excuse but no teacher pass, he should be faced with a first offense consequence. Otherwise, the teacher is communicating to students that as long as they have a good excuse, they may be admitted to class late. Teachers must put these rules into effect immediately.
Help Students Acclimate to Classroom Procedures
The best way for students to learn classroom procedures is to practice them. Repetition is key. Once students practice a procedure, such as handing in homework, referring to a class calendar for missed assignments, or asking questions during class discussion, teachers should encourage students to summarize the procedure in their own words. This student-centered approach aids in student reflection and discovery.
Develop Consistent Routines
Routines should be created and used consistently during the first few weeks of school, providing students with ample practice using these routines so they become second nature. The key here is consistency. For example, if a teacher explains that bathroom passes will only be granted at the beginning of class or during independent work time, he should not make exceptions during direct instruction unless it is an emergency.
Communicate with Parents
Parent communication is essential. Since most secondary teachers have over 140 students each semester, this process must be streamlined. Sending home letters, notices, and updates is certainly the most efficient way. However, unless teachers require a returned parent signature, there is no way of assuring parents are reading these notices. Here are some suggestions to foster effective parent communication.
- Obtain parent contact information from your students, including home address, all phone numbers and email addresses, during the first week of school.
- Send out a mass email to all parents at the beginning of the year, informing them that you will email or send home updates at designated times, such as during the sixth week of each quarter, so that they can expect this communication.
- Encourage parents to contact you via email or voicemail.
Setting clear expectations for student behavior and garnering the support of parents early in the school year will foster a sense of respect and community. It is vital that teachers implement all rules and consequences consistently to all students. Teachers should also keep in mind that their rules should align with the standard discipline policies of the school.
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