Classroom Management 12 Discipline Techniques

Managing behaviour is more important than the curriculum

Teaching and learning happens the best in a well managed classroom. If the students are disorganized and disrespectful, if they don't respect the rules and their teacher, the environment is not conducive to learning.

Have a philosophy of teaching

I believe that a teacher should build a good relationship with her students based on mutual respect and trust and create a strong community of learners.

Model and conduct the behaviour that you want to see

Modelling the expected behaviour, the routines is an important classroom management strategy to create a learning environment conducive to learning.Examples: keep your desk clean, be organized, be respectful with students, don't raise your voice, apologize when appropriate etc.

Command the students, honour them in their diaries

Communicate with parents not only when there are problems but also to praise the child. Let parents know when their child is successful, when he/she has a good day. It brings them joy and helps creating strong, positive relationship.

Connect with students individually

Mingle with students, sit with them, talk with them at an individual level, it helps create good relationships.

Be creative

Avoid escalating a behaviour situation by being creative. If a student makes noise or is off task go and whisper in his ears- "It looks like you have a bad day"

Be welcoming

Welcome the students when they come to the classroom. It sets a calm, positive tone for the day.

Be well prepared every moment

Have some generic material to keep them busy when you need to do something

Be consistent

Being consistent is crucial. Apply the same consequences for all the students when they don't respect the rules.

Avoid raising your voice

Raising the voice is a sign of poor classroom management. By yelling at students you show that you lost control and model an inappropriate behaviour for your students.

Position yourself in class

Avoid staying only in front of the classroom. Move around when teaching, navigate in the classroom to support them when working on a task.

Be courteous

Stay in the door when you dismiss students. Tell them that you had a wonderful time with them. Wish them a nice afternoon. Your smile exude warmth and kindness.