MANAGEMENT vs. control - Expectations in My classroom
Being in control of a classroom does not necessarily come from a strict disciplining structure and hierarchy of rules. I have utilized Love and Logic in my classroom beginning my first year of teaching. Here are my simple rules to having a classroom management plan that will actually work...for 10 months:
1. BUILD RELATIONSHIPS: ask students what they like, have fun, let them see you laugh, talk to them about their lives. It does not have to be a HUGE discussion, but usually small questions, or a smile are enough to plant the seed of relationship. Students who you know and who know you, are less likely to step out of line because they do not want to disappoint you. I also call this step "LOVE"
2. DEVELOP "RULES" TOGETHER: ask students what THEY think the rules of the classroom should be. It opens up a discussion and allows you to communicate openly about expectations and consequences. Also, it usually ends up being 2-3 very simple rules (be nice, be police, be focused). I also call this step "LOGIC"
3. BE CONSISTENT: students like to know what they are walking into everyday. There needs to be consistency in rules, consequences and expectations. If they know what they are going to get, they can make better choices.
1. BUILD RELATIONSHIPS: ask students what they like, have fun, let them see you laugh, talk to them about their lives. It does not have to be a HUGE discussion, but usually small questions, or a smile are enough to plant the seed of relationship. Students who you know and who know you, are less likely to step out of line because they do not want to disappoint you. I also call this step "LOVE"
2. DEVELOP "RULES" TOGETHER: ask students what THEY think the rules of the classroom should be. It opens up a discussion and allows you to communicate openly about expectations and consequences. Also, it usually ends up being 2-3 very simple rules (be nice, be police, be focused). I also call this step "LOGIC"
3. BE CONSISTENT: students like to know what they are walking into everyday. There needs to be consistency in rules, consequences and expectations. If they know what they are going to get, they can make better choices.