After having left the instructional coaching world two years ago to go back to the classroom, I wanted to make sure that I set up a strong classroom management system. I had helped support and coach classroom teachers for six years and witnessed hundreds of strategies in the classroom. I wanted to take what I had learned, simplify, and implement the best classroom management system that I could. 

If you are tired of constantly managing behaviors, repeating expectations, and are looking for a reset…look no further! 

Trust me, I have been there…keeping up with class dojo points, maintaining sticker charts, and spending hundreds of dollars on incentives. I’ve done it myself and coached many teachers who worked tirelessly to motivate and reward students. 

Keep it simple

Keep your classroom management plan simple. Oftentimes, teachers struggle because their classroom management plans are inconsistent and complicated. It can be exhausting to have to make decisions for every behavioral issue in the classroom, that’s why it’s important to keep it simple. Instead of having to constantly make decisions, become a referee. In order for students to grow, they need a protective and safe learning environment. Make sure that you choose rules that cover a broad range of behaviors. These work well in my classroom: 

• Listen and follow directions. 
• Use hand signals.
• Stay on task. 
• Keep your hands and feet to yourself.
• Respect your classmates, teacher, and school. 

Whatever rules you decide to choose, it’s important that your students truly understand them. 

Be consistent

A classroom management plan is only as strong as the implementation. Not only do students need to understand the rules, they need to be implemented with 100% fidelity. I like to think of the classroom rules as the walls that hold your classroom up. They need to be strong and unwavering. Having rules and consequences already predetermined help take the decision-making out of each situation. It helps you remain unbiased and neutral. Consistency is key to implementing a strong classroom management plan. 

Review the classroom rules with students consistently. Have students model expected and unexpected behaviors routinely. This will help students deepen their understanding of your classroom rules, increase positive behaviors, and decrease the amount of times you will need to address negative behaviors. 

Have consequences

Students will test boundaries, that is something that I can guarantee. They like to test the waters and you will need to be prepared. Just like your rules, it’s important to have consequences planned out ahead of time. This will take a huge burden off of your shoulders, take the guesswork out of how to handle each situation, and allow you to simply teach. 

These consequences worked wonders for me: 

• Redirect: verbal or nonverbal warning (use of a redirect card) 
• Sideline: a break in the classroom (outside of the learning space)
• Break: a break in a designated spot or outside of the classroom (with a think sheet)
• Contact home

If you stick to these strategies, I guarantee you will see a positive impact in your classroom. You can trust me, I’ve seen it in action and have reaped the benefits. When you consistently implement this plan, it will make your life easier. It takes the guesswork out of managing behaviors so that you can free up more of your time to teach.