Name: ____________________ Date: ____________________
Classroom Management Tips
Being a teacher is a big job! Here are some easy ways to help your students stay on
task and follow the rules. These tips will help you have a happy and calm classroom.
1. Targets
The easiest way to get a student to work is to give them a
Target. Sometimes students mess around because they are
bored or confused.
Go to the student and speak quietly. Say: 'Tony, here is your
target. I want you to finish up to number 6 by 10:30.'
This shows the student you care about their work. It helps
them see exactly what they need to do. You can even put a
small pencil mark on their paper to show where they should
stop.
2. Ten Magic Words
When a student is not behaving, use these ten magic words to help them take
responsibility:
'Is that what you want to happen? It’s your choice.'
Instead of just saying they will lose recess, say: 'If you do not finish your work, you
will lose 5 minutes of recess. Is that what you want to happen? It’s your choice.'
3. How to Say 'No'
Sometimes students ask for things you can't give them. Instead of
just saying 'No,' try a 'Conditional Yes.' It has three parts:
1. That sounds great! (Be nice first)
2. The only problem is... (Explain why not now)
3. How about this instead? (Give a new choice)
Example: 'Sir, can we make a poster?'
Answer: 'That is a great idea! The only problem is we must finish
our reading first. How about you finish the reading, and then you
can draw a picture about it?'
4. The Magic Script
You can reduce trouble by 50% if you use this simple script. It helps you stay calm
and not get angry.
'When you... [what they are doing], then I... [what happens].'
Example: 'Vicky, when you shout across the room, it bothers other people. Please
work quietly.'
Example: 'Greg, when you interrupt me, I cannot teach the lesson. Please listen
quietly.'
5. Moving and 'Withitness'
Move Around: Walk around the room to show you are in charge. If you stand close to a
student (about 2 or 3 feet away), it shows you are confident. It is your room, so you
should be everywhere!
Withitness: This means having 'eyes in the back of your head.' You should always look
around the room to see what is happening. If you see someone playing around, stop it
right away. Students will work harder if they think you are always watching.
6. Body Language and Eye Contact
Body Language: Stand up straight but stay relaxed. Do not
touch your face or wring your hands, because that looks like
you are nervous. Do not point fingers or frown too hard,
because that looks mean.
Eye Contact: Look at your students when you talk to them.
It shows you respect them. If you are happy, your eyes
should show it. If you are giving a rule, keep your eyes
steady so they know you are serious.
7. Transitions
Transitions are the times when you move from one activity
to the next. To keep things smooth, put a Plan on the board.
Write down what you will do and how many minutes it will
take:
Intro - 5 minutes
Practice - 10 minutes
Video - 10 minutes
Group Work - 20 minutes
Cross off each part when you finish. This helps students
know exactly what is coming next.
8. Keep it Interesting
If students are bored, they will misbehave. You can stop boredom by making the lesson
fun! Try these ideas:
Add a mystery or a secret to the lesson.
Play classroom games.
Give students choices about how they work.
Use computers or tablets.
Make the lesson about things they like in real life.
Name: ____________________ Date: ____________________
Vocabulary
Review key vocabulary words from the reading.
technique
noun
A special way of doing something.
The teacher used a new technique to help the students learn their letters.
management
noun
The act of taking care of or controlling something.
Good classroom management helps everyone learn better.
strategy
noun
A careful plan or method for reaching a goal.
Our teacher has a strategy for keeping the class quiet during story time.
implement
verb
To put a plan or idea into action.
We will implement the new rules starting next week.
engagement
noun
Being very interested in something and taking part in it.
The teacher tried to increase student engagement by making the lesson fun.
disruption
noun
Something that stops an activity or makes it hard to continue.
Loud talking can be a disruption during quiet reading time.
facilitate
verb
To make something easier to do.
The teacher helped to facilitate the group work so everyone could share ideas.