Classroom Management

Preparing for the First Days of SchoolBy J.O.

Teach Like Your Hair’s on Fire

“This is the issue that overshadows all others in the world of education. It is the matter of classroom management.”

“If your class is not in order, nothing good will follow. There will be no learning. The kids will

not read, write, or calculate better. Children will not improve their critical thinking. Character cannot be built. Good citizenship will not be

fostered.”

--Rafe Esquith

Effective Classroom Management will Minimize Discipline Problems in the Classroom“Effective teachers manage their classrooms with

procedures and routines.” (Wong, 2005)

“Ineffective teachers discipline their classrooms with threats and punishment.” (Wong, 2005)

A Classroom of Fear

• “The teacher is afraid: afraid of looking bad, of not being liked, of not being listened to, of losing control.”

• “The student is even more afraid: afraid of being scolded and humiliated, of looking foolish in front of peers, of getting bad grades, of facing their parents’ wrath.”

Teach Like Your Hair’s on Fire by Rafe Esquith

The Purpose of Education

To Make the World a Better Place

We spend so much time trying to raise class averages

We push students to run faster and jump higher

Shouldn’t we also try to help them become better human

beings?

Replace fear with trust

Give a positive and patient response to all questions

Children depend on us, so be dependable

Discipline must be logical

Once the kids see you as unfair, you’ve lost them.

You are a role model

I am considerate of other people

If we can help kids achieve a state of empathy for the people around

them, we’ve accomplished a lot.

I have a personal code of behaviour and I follow it

A personal code of behaviour resides within the soul of an

individual. Teach this by pointing out this behaviour in others.

At the core of classroom management is the culture of the classroom• Display bright

posters and student work

• Post your expectations

Create a positive classroom environment• Develop clear and effective procedures and

routines

• Clearly communicate expectations for behaviour

• Teach all procedures to your students. Rehearse and reinforce as necessary.

• Be consistent

• Be prepared

My Pledge to Students

• I will trust you until you give me reason to do otherwise.

• I will respect you and work with you to solve problems.

• I will promptly correct and offer feedback on your work.

• I will work with you to meet learning goals.

• I will offer extra help and alternative assessments should you require them.

Eeks! It’s the first day of school!

Relax. It will be a good day.

Plan your lesson

• Plan too much

• Photocopy everything you need before Labor Day Weekend

• Organize your materials

• Write an agenda on the board

• Write a “script” for what you will say to your students

• Prepare a seating plan

• Prepare a “bell work” activity

It’s show time!

• Be sure you have used the washroom

• Greet students at the door

• Instruct students to find their seats and begin the “bell work” activity

• Close the door when the bell rings

• Discuss expectations

• TEACH classroom procedures