To maintain discipline, establish rules and
consequences, and be consistent with them. Introduce the students to them
the very first day of school, and initiate a discussion about their
importance. Never fail to consequence any student who does not comply with
the rules. You may provide older children with the opportunity to generate
their own rules and consequences.
Be firm, but not abrasive. Some educators
believe that in order to get students to be obedient, they have to display
an aggressive attitude. But being a bully is not the answer. You can have a
well disciplined classroom without any display of hostility. Say what you
mean and mean what you say. Your presence should command respect, but should
not spawn fear. Students should feel comfortable with you, but they should
not be too familiar.
Use words of encouragement frequently as these
often motivate children to do well. Your words of encouragement may be the
only ones a child has ever heard.
Be a good role model; exhibit the behaviors
that you would like your students to emulate.
Set high expectations for your students, and
encourage them to set attainable goals for themselves.
Be fair, and do not show favoritism. This
often creates an unstable classroom environment, and children are experts at
Show respect for your students, and it will be
reciprocated. Avoid using sarcasm, and do not speak to them in a
condescending manner. Calling students such names as, ?idiots, little
twerpts, and losers? is unacceptable. Remember that you can totally destroy
a child's self esteem with your words and actions.
Never argue with your students. You are the
adult, and you have to set the example.
Set boundaries; your storage and desk areas
should be out of bounds.
Design a seating plan and make adjustments to
it as the year progresses.
Establish a reward system so that students who
conduct themselves appropriately are given incentives for doing so. Be
careful not to reward behaviors and attitudes that you would like to
Treat each child on an individual basis, and
be cognizant of the fact that no two children are alike. They learn in
different ways, and some are more sensitive than others.
Show them that you have a genuine concern for
their welfare. Explain to them that you are there to assist them in any way
It may be necessary to explain to elementary
students in particular, the importance of being in school. Unbelievable as
it may sound, some students have the misconception that school is not
important, and are completely oblivious as to why they are there. Others
need to be frequently reminded. I can recall how astounded I was when one of
my students asked me why he needed to come to school. I thought this was
something that he should have known even before coming to school. However,
each time I am asked this question, which is not very often, I never
hesitate to explain why. My explanations seem to have an impact every time,
as students usually demonstrate a more positive attitude towards school.
Select teacher helpers each week. Students
enjoy helping their teachers as it makes them feel valued and gives them a
sense of pride. You could also utilize this as a form of motivation.
Place disruptive students in the front of the
class so that you can better monitor their behavior, and assign special jobs
for them to do. Paul could be in charge of watering the plants, while Drew's
responsibility could be to feed the fish.
Assign both individual and cooperative group
activities. Children need to interact with one another in the classroom and
not just at recess time.
Be well prepared for each lesson.
Find time to engage in ongoing professional
development activities, attend workshops, and do research on effective
instructional strategies as these will enhance your teaching skills.
Lastly, communicate frequently with the
parents by any available means. You cannot do it alone; you cannot survive
the classroom without parental involvement. Keep them informed of their
children's progress, and solicit their assistance when needed. You will
discover that this will also help you to maintain discipline in your