#26: Essential Classroom Management Tips Every Elementary Teacher Needs to Know with Alex John
Many teachers enter the classroom without formal training in classroom management, leaving them to figure things out on their own. Defiant behavior, blurting out, and general disruptions can make teaching feel overwhelming. Fortunately, classroom management doesn’t have to be a mystery. With the right strategies, any teacher can transform chaos into a well-structured, engaging learning environment.
The Secret to Strong Classroom Management
Our expert guest, Alex from The Kindergarten Connection, has spent years mastering classroom management techniques that work for young learners. Through her experience teaching transitional kindergarten and beyond, she has discovered key strategies that make all the difference. Here are some of the essential classroom management tips that every elementary teacher should know.
1. Go Slow to Go Fast
In the rush to dive into academics, it’s easy to skim over routines. But taking the time to explicitly teach classroom expectations at the beginning of the year will save time in the long run. If students don’t have clear guidance, teachers end up constantly correcting behavior, leading to frustration for everyone.
2. In the Beginning, Routines ARE the Lesson Plan
Instead of jumping straight into academic content, focus on teaching classroom routines. This includes how to line up, how to transition between activities, and how to request a drink of water. By embedding routines into the daily schedule, students learn expectations naturally, reducing confusion and minimizing disruptions.
3. The Four Pillars of Classroom Management: Routines, Patience, Consistency, and Follow-Through
These four words are the foundation of a well-managed classroom:
- Routines: Establish clear, predictable routines for students.
- Patience: Allow time for students to adjust to expectations.
- Consistency: Enforce rules and expectations uniformly.
- Follow-Through: Mean what you say and ensure that consequences are applied consistently.
Mid-Year Classroom Management Reset
Even if the school year has already begun, it’s never too late to reset classroom expectations. Teachers often feel like they must push through when things aren’t working, but stepping back to reteach routines can be a game-changer. The good news? It doesn’t take as long as the first time. A few days of focused reteaching can bring the classroom back under control.
Addressing Challenging Behavior
What about students who continue to struggle despite clear routines and expectations?
Give Strategies Time to Work
Teachers often abandon a strategy too quickly. Children test boundaries, and behavior may get worse before it improves. Staying consistent and following through with expectations is key.
Utilize Support Systems
Don’t hesitate to seek support from school psychologists, counselors, or even fellow teachers. An outside perspective can often identify triggers that might not be obvious to someone immersed in the classroom daily.
Use Natural and Logical Consequences
Avoid punishments that don’t relate to the behavior. For example, if a student keeps breaking crayons, make them the “Crayon Manager” and have them request crayons from the teacher instead of freely accessing them. This natural consequence teaches responsibility without being punitive.
Proactive Strategies to Prevent Behavior Issues
Classroom management is more than just reacting to behavior—it’s about preventing problems before they start.
Teach Routines Explicitly
Students thrive on clear expectations. Instead of assuming they know what to do, explicitly teach and practice routines, including seemingly small details like how to use the paper towel dispenser.
Provide Choices to Increase Student Control
Giving students structured choices (e.g., “Would you like to sit here or here?”) can prevent power struggles and make them feel more in control.
Use Visual Cues to Reinforce Expectations
For students who blurt out, a simple visual reminder (like this “Raise Your Hand” poster) can be more effective than repeated verbal warnings. Reinforce positive behavior by acknowledging students when they follow expectations.
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
- The most common classroom management mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Practical strategies for setting up effective routines from day one.
- How to reset classroom expectations mid-year without losing momentum.
- Tips for handling defiant or challenging student behaviors with confidence.
- How to create a structured and engaging learning environment.
Bringing It All Together
Classroom management is a journey, not a one-time fix. The key is to establish strong routines, stay consistent, and be proactive in addressing behavior challenges. By focusing on structure, patience, and positive reinforcement, teachers can create a calm, productive learning environment that benefits both students and educators.
Want More Support? Join The Science of Reading Formula!
Struggling with classroom management or looking for even more strategies? The Science of Reading Formula offers additional resources, professional development, and a supportive teacher community. Join today!
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LINKS
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