Classroom Management for Elementary Teachers
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If you’re in education, you know that the first two weeks of school are dedicated to practicing procedures, rolling out systems, and going over expectations with your students.
This is the most important thing you can do.
By prioritizing these things, you have set the groundwork for the remainder of the year. Many teachers will talk about the benefits of having these systems in place so that their students know what to do at any given moment in their day.
Pencil broke? No problem. They know where to go for a new one.
Need to go to the bathroom? Not an issue. They know what sign to throw up in the air to non-verbally communicate to the teacher that they’ve gotta jet.
And while they may be important for the students, they are equally as important for you – the teacher. Not only are you making things very predictable and efficient for your students by breaking procedures down step-by-step, you are also minimizing the amount of brain power that you have to use at any given moment.
Teachers are constantly making minute by minute decisions. Every minute of every hour of every school day. Having procedures in place will free your brain up to focus on what you’re actually there to do – teach.
You no longer have to decide what Sophie should do when her cool, sparkly mechanical pencil runs out of lead. You don’t have to mediate conversations when Joe is in Steven’s spot on the carpet. Kids are able to independently figure things out because they are aware of the procedures and expectations in the classroom.
You are free.
Because you’ve laid the groundwork. Now the rest of the year is yours to teach.
Questions of the Day:
- Do you have procedures/routines for your students at school/children at home?
- If you are a parent, what is one rule you stand firm on?
My children are all grown up now, however, there are still some remnants of those “procedures” at home. They are in the form of post-it notes in places that can easily be noticed (bathroom mirror, refrigerator, microwave door, etc.). The one rule that I stand firm on is, “If you are going to be late, call or message me.” Violation of that rule will signify World War III in my house. haha.
Sounds like a great plan for elementary school teachers, Keep sharing the value and empowering both teachers and students!
Yes, we have routines/procedures at home. My kids know what to do and what is expected of them.
I think these tips would work for many in middle school as well! I’ll be passing this post on to my husband, a fellow educator. Thank you!
I used to teach elementary school. I remember there was a statistic that teachers make about 1,500 decisions a day! I agree it is important to have procedures in place to free you up.
This is great advice, even just for households. When your kiddos know where things are, where to find them, and the processes for accomplishing their tasks, things are much more seamless throughout the day 🙂
-Clarissa @ The View From Here
It is really good practice. Hope, there is also a session on safety, so that kids can know what’s good and what’s bad for them.
I’m neither a teacher nor a parent but I’m a proud aunt! Though that’s not saying much because I spoil those kids rotten lol. I’d be afraid to be in a class full of kids TBH. They’d eat me alive. These are great guidelines though. Lay the groundwork early.
My sister in law is a 25 year veteran teacher and she talks about how important structure and routine are for her classroom. Great post!
Yes! Otherwise the classroom is so chaotic. Children need the same routine/structure whether it be in the classroom or at home.
My best friend from high school is a teacher, I am forwarding her this! What great tips!
Sounds like an amazing plan. You are such a great example for others!
Yes, I totally agree about having procedures. Otherwise it would be a little chaotic. Great share. -Cass from sugarsaltspice.com
Great informational post. Good for teachers in school and parents and grandparents at home to have a system in place so things move smoothly.
Proud of you Ms. Divya.
You know, I’m not a teacher or a parent, but these tips would be surprisingly perfect for my life as a blogger too!!
Yes, we have procedures at home. My children know what are their responsibility at home. I even right them before sleeping procedure. 🙂
So important to set these ground rules – I think even for classes with older students too! They learn very quickly what the expectations are and what is or isn’t appropriate 😉
Absolutely. I’ve taken a break from school to stay home with my daughter, but I’m almost done with my MA in Education and classroom management is absolutely one of the most important aspects in the classroom!
http://www.liliesandlambs.com
Having a system that the kids can follow will definitely help you improve your class. I think it’s important that teachers take note of this and make sure that their students are aware of all the procedures.
This is a very nice system that you’ve developed. I’m sure each teacher has her own. Whatever it is, it’s good to have rules and procedures so that the kids know what to do and how to act.
Im not a teacher but this sounds like a great book that parents could probably utilize as well around the home.
we have our rules and routine at home, my kids doesnt like it but they have no choice but to obey my rules. lol.
I like the idea of having procedures in the classroom with your students. I think the same idea works well when managing a home in raising children.
Establishing a routine early in the year really sets the tone for the rest of the year. Students need boundaries and consistency when it comes to classroom rules and procedures.
Teachers have a tough job, they get so many hours a day to get through things but must reach each child as well. Management early on in the classroom could make for a amazingly smoothly year for all!
Teachers are incredibly vital to a childs development!
These are really great tips for classroom management. I’ve got two family members who are teachers and I’ll share your post with them.
I think this is such a great advice not just for elementary teachers, it could even help parents to make sure they can bring up kids with these ideas easily. Such an amazing plan to make sure everything is smooth & safe!
Routines in the classroom can be very helpful. I know they have a number of them in place in my son’s current room and the one before that.
This is so true! Teachers always have so much going on in their heads. It’s mind blowing. I should pass this post around to my teacher friends, I’m sure they’d find this book super helpful!
Kayla | kaylablogs.com