PHC - Classroom Management
- 1. Classroom Management Public History Center Amanda Bonin
- 2. Set Specific Expectations – Be Consistent Instead of saying “pay attention” say, “eyes on me” If you are going to require students to raise their hand to speak, do not acknowledge those that speak without being called on. Be consistent. Tell them what to expect from the lesson before it begins. Check for understanding throughout
- 3. For Talkative Kids Make all students repeat random words. Example: In pioneer room, when talking about bartering, make all students repeat the word “barter” after you. If a students goes on too long with an answer, find a point to politely interrupt and say something like, “That is a really good point, thank you for sharing, but we need to move on now.”
- 4. Kids Want Attention! If a student is constantly being disruptive, they probably just want attention. Make them your special helper. Give them a task (passing out materials, reading something to the class, answering a question, etc.) If a lot of students are becoming restless, give them a brain break! On average, a person has an attention span that equals one minute for every year. Example: 8 year olds can only pay attention to one thing for about 8 minutes. You max out at age 20! Examples of Brain Breaks: Stand up, sit down. Stretch Dance party
- 5. What If A Student is Purposefully Being Disruptive? Give them a choice. Address that student directly. Tell them EXACTLY what behavior they are doing wrong. Tell them it is unacceptable. If they CHOOSE to continue with that behavior, they will be asked to leave the classroom with a chaperone.
- 6. Pick Your Battles You must remember, these students are on a field trip. They are in a new environment, a super cool one. They are going to get excited. Ignore Small conversations (less than 30 seconds or so) Talking out of turn (unless disruptive) Do Not Ignore Throwing Hitting Crying Bleeding
- 7. Volume Control If you are quiet, the students will be quiet. If you are loud, the students will be loud. Don’t yell at them. If you tip-toe in the halls, so will they. They will almost always copy your behavior. So set a good example!
- 8. Checking for Understanding Thumbs up, thumbs down Little green man
- 9. Cooperative Learning Teachers love this! It is being implementing in schools more and more recently. Encourage students to work together and help each other. Example: Pioneer Room: If students finish early with the scavenger hunt, tell them to offer help to a classmate.
- 10. Get on Their Level… Literally. When conducting a group discussion, sit down with them. They will feel more comfortable and share more answers to your questions. When not to use this: When you have a class that is misbehaving, you want to remain in charge, so avoid this technique.