Hi Everyone. This post is to share some of my tried and true methods of managing a classroom.
I find that establishing respect is the first step. If you walk into a classroom and allow the students to act up, they will continue. First you must establish that you are the teacher and this is a classroom.
There are many ways to establish control right away. Some are loud and some are kinder, gentler and more effective.
My favorite is to smile brightly and establish eye contact with each student, one at a time. They will usually smile back and settle down, in order to connect with me. This works nearly every time. We'll discuss what to do when this doesn't work later on.
Once I have their attention, I use a firm, clear voice to enthusiastically outline our lesson plan. I will give them a quick outline of the activities and my expectations. I will check that everyone has understood and ask if they have any questions. Usually, they don't have questions and we can get right to work.
I find that if they have a clear idea of what to expect and what my expectations are, we waste little if any time at the start of class and can get going.
I find that establishing respect is the first step. If you walk into a classroom and allow the students to act up, they will continue. First you must establish that you are the teacher and this is a classroom.
There are many ways to establish control right away. Some are loud and some are kinder, gentler and more effective.
My favorite is to smile brightly and establish eye contact with each student, one at a time. They will usually smile back and settle down, in order to connect with me. This works nearly every time. We'll discuss what to do when this doesn't work later on.
Once I have their attention, I use a firm, clear voice to enthusiastically outline our lesson plan. I will give them a quick outline of the activities and my expectations. I will check that everyone has understood and ask if they have any questions. Usually, they don't have questions and we can get right to work.
I find that if they have a clear idea of what to expect and what my expectations are, we waste little if any time at the start of class and can get going.