Classroom Managment Plan

Classroom Management Plan

Classroom management is the most essential element in creating a positive, productive learning environment.  The strategies and systems used within a classroom must provide consistency in procedures, expectations and consequences for behavior. When students clearly understand what is expected of them as a class and as an individual, academically and behaviorally, they are able to feel comfortable and successful within the context of the classroom.  

As educators, we can construct and maintain good classroom management by:

·         Teaching students to live and work by the lifelong guidelines (trust, truthfulness, active listening, no put-downs, and contribution by giving one’s personal best) so they will be more engaged in the classroom and feel comfortable expressing themselves in all situations.

·         Creating clearly defined procedures in the classroom, such as arrival (what to bring, etc.), daily routines (starters, etc.), turning in and receiving back papers, clean-up and exit routines, etc.

·         Allowing students to have a voice within the classroom by creating, signing, and posting their own “essential agreements” for classroom behavior and expectations.  As students are able to communicate their expectations, they feel ownership of their classroom and become invested, which generates respect and self-discipline. 

·         Establishing clear expectations and consequences regarding academics and behavior for the classroom.

·         Being consistent in our routines, rewards, and consequences. 

As a teacher implements these strategies and procedures into the daily classroom routine, a bridge of trust develops between student and educator. When mutual trust is evident in a classroom, students are more willing to respect a teacher’s guidelines, as well as their peers.  Students then take responsibility for their own actions and are able to look at direction as an impetus for growth.  

What is your plan or philosophy regarding classroom management?  What are some tips you might offer for better classroom management to a first year teacher, or a teacher in general?