Implementing Classroom Management

Classroom management is something I feel is constantly on my mind. I am always thinking of new ways to be more effective in managing the classroom. Something might work one day, and the next it's a completely different story. Being flexible and able to juggle these inconsistencies is essential to creating an environment most conducive to learning. At the same time, however, having consistent expectations shows the students the correct way to behave in the classroom.

Page 83 in First Days of School discusses the notion of consistency as being one of these essential components. Students must know the class procedures and teachers should be consistent in implementing them. I feel this is something I'm working on every day. Last week's Love and Logic seminar also touched on this with the notion that teachers should not use threats of consequences they cannot follow through with. One that is breached, it is almost impossible to have effective classroom management skills.

Luckily, and this is especially true in Kindergarten, students want to be accepted by their teachers. While they will test every limit, at the end of the day, all they want is for you to tell them they've done a good job. If we hold strong to our expectations, our students will work with us to learn, and even have a little fun in the process.