The workload for teachers has become insurmountable. Staying up to date with curriculum standards that include new program implementation on a yearly basis, recent classroom trends, as well as administrative demands is challenging. Add classroom management to the mix and a new teacher can feel they are inundated with all the demands and unable to get ahead of all the tasks they face. There are several strategies that can be implemented into the classroom at the beginning of the school year to help with classroom management.
Routines and Expectations
Classroom management is one of the most important, yet difficult tasks to conquer and must begin to be established from day one. In order to ensure strong classroom management, routines need to be put in place and expectations must be clearly defined. An example of a classroom routine for an elementary classroom may consist of a daily agenda posted on the board in order for students to see the expectations of the day. Another example, may be to assign a “Do Now” as soon as students enter the room so they have an immediate task to settle them down, preventing students from being off task at the start of the day.
Signaling
Creating a classroom environment that is conducive to learning is important. A strategy that has worked well in helping to create a well managed classroom is “signaling”. This consists of hand signals that students use to express their needs without interrupting the teaching in class or calling out. For example, raising one finger indicates a child needs to use the bathroom, raising two fingers indicates a child would like to get a drink of water, raising three fingers indicates a child needs to sharpen a pencil and raising four fingers indicates a child needs to go to the nurse. As teaching is in progress, the teacher can scan the room and see the needs of students without any interruptions in learning. A colorful chart representing the hand signals should be displayed in the classroom for students to refer to. This is a great technique that is quite helpful in minimizing distractions.
Time Management
Time management is one of the most difficult areas for new teachers to master. Organization as well as advanced planning is essential for effective classroom management. A prior knowledge of the topics being taught is
essential, as well as having all lesson materials prepared and ready to use with students. Do not walk into a classroom full of students unprepared. That is a recipe for chaos and unorganized instruction. As a new teacher, don't be afraid to ask for advice from an experienced teacher. Most teachers welcome the opportunity to share ideas and share their experiences. Knowing how to plan instruction for an allotted time frame and executing lesson plans, while maintaining the engagement of all students is what new teachers should be prepared to do. Organizing the day and prioritizing tasks that are the most important is a good way to ensure that the most pertinent curriculum is covered when the unexpected occurs.
Rules
Lastly, establishing concise classroom rules along with clearly defined rewards and consequences in the beginning of the school year is critical for maintaining classroom management. Students must be held accountable to these rules. Not being consistent with the rules you are trying to establish will diminish your credibility and minimize your ability to implement them effectively. In turn, students will quickly realize that they can manipulate the learning environment. Classroom management is forever changing depending on the dynamics of a classroom. Following some of these basic principles will get a new teacher started on the right track for managing a productive classroom.
Christina Foster
Educator Care

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