Classroom Discipline Tips for a New School Year

As a new school year gets closer, many teachers--especially new teachers will be thinking of ways to manage their classrooms. Teachers want to strike a balance between being too friendly and being too strict. They want students to have the freedom to be themselves but not the freedom to do as they wish. Achieving such harmony is no easy task for any teacher, regardless of experience.

A teacher's actions during the first few days of the school year are critical to successful classroom management throughout the year. Most experienced educators know that getting off to a good start is crucial to a productive and enjoyable school year. So what should teachers do during those important first days of school?

An effective teacher will work with students to establish a handful of good classroom rules and meaningful consequences. Before developing rules, however, the teacher must be careful not to create a classroom rule or consequence that is in conflict with a school rule. For example, a teacher who says that chewing gum in class is permitted may find that there is a school rule against this activity. A teacher who tells students they are allowed to be late to class twice before receiving a detention may find that the school rule states students must serve a detention on the second late. Allowing students to have input on setting class rules gives them ownership in how they conduct themselves. Now, when someone breaks a rule, another student might admonish them and say, "Hey, we decided that everyone should use a hall pass." Peer pressure to conform can be a powerful correcting influence. Most students get excited about having a voice in creating a classroom environment where they can feel comfortable to learn. Having a discussion about classroom rules also reinforces in everyone's mind the need for respect, cooperation and responsibility--the key ingredients to any productive classroom.

Once reasonable rules are established, spell them out in writing. Print copies for all the students and have them sign it stating that they understand the classroom rules and the consequences for not obeying. Post a copy on the bulletin board and send a copy home to the parents along with a brief letter about how the rules were developed and how parent support is appreciated. Most parents understand the need for a few well founded classroom rules and will support the teacher's efforts. By informing the parents from the beginning, teachers will find parents have fewer questions or concerns if discipline needs to be administered. We've put together some sample classroom rules that might serve as a starting point for creating your own. And don't forget to review the rules with students several times a year.

Take a look at some ideas for Elementary classroom rules.

Take a look at some ideas for Secondary classroom rules.

Teachers can shape behavior to achieve the results they seek by praising positive actions. Students tend to respond well to positive reinforcement. When they model the behavior we want they are also providing an example to the other students. An elementary teacher might say, "Look at how well table 1 and 2 are cleaning up," and then say, "Can table 3 and 4 practice that?" A secondary teacher might say, "With everyone in their seats and ready to learn before the tardy bell rang we were able to finish our work on this unit today. Good job class!"

The teacher also needs to model desired behavior. Students should not simply be told how to behave--they should be shown. Students are quite observant of their teachers so being inconsistent really stands out. If you say you value certain behaviors you must practice them.

Getting up and moving around during the class can do much to keep problems at bay. Teachers who sit behind their desks rarely see what is happening in the back of the room. By walking around you not only notice misbehavior but you also spot students who aren't on task and may need additional help or perhaps a word of encouragement. When you see something you disapprove speak clearly and calmly and look directly at the student.

Teachers with effective classroom management control the seating arrangement in the room. These teachers are quick to learn personalities and avoid sitting students next to each other who will likely talk too much or be at odds. Assigning trouble makers to a front row seat is still a good practice.

As a preventative measure, don't overlook the importance of providing students with a relevant and stimulating curriculum. Motivated students are engaging students and therefore, students who are less inclined to be behavior problems. This is an excellent way to prevent misbehavior in the first place.

When you do have a problem with a student try not to embarrass or challenge him in front of his peers. Doing so usually only escalates the problem. Remember to use one-on-one talks before or after school to resolve what appears to be an evolving problem. By letting the student know that you're aware of the problem and that you want it resolved tells the student that you are taking steps to correct the situation.