Effective classroom management demands awareness, patience, impeccable timing, firm boundaries, and intuition. Guiding a diverse group of easily distracted young learners through a meaningful educational journey is far from simple.
How do seasoned educators achieve this?
We conducted an informal survey across Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to gain insights into their preferred classroom management techniques. Predictably, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for success in classroom management. However, from our analysis of over 700 responses, distinct patterns emerged. Here are some of the most frequently mentioned and innovative approaches.
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR STUDENTS
Just as airline safety videos advise: Secure your own oxygen mask first.
According to experienced educators, your students learn best when you are in good health. Therefore, prioritize adequate sleep, nutritious meals, and self-care practices. Reflecting on her first year of teaching, Jessica Sachs shared, “I used to work 15-hour days and was constantly stressed. My husband finally told me, ‘Your most important job at school is making decisions.
If you’re too tired to do that effectively, it doesn’t matter how well-prepared you were the night before.'” Taking a few deep breaths can help you recognize and manage frustration before reacting. Mindy Jones, a middle school teacher from Brownsville, Tennessee, adds, “Exercising patience in moments of frustration prevents countless moments of regret.”
Research consistently supports the idea that self-care reduces stress, which can drain energy and impair decision-making abilities. While self-care itself isn’t a specific classroom management tactic, its benefits include enhanced cognitive function, increased empathy, and greater resilience—qualities that enable you to handle challenging classroom situations more effectively.
FOCUS ON BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS
A recurring theme emerged: Establishing strong student-teacher relationships is crucial for a positive classroom environment and lays the foundation for academic achievement. The phrase “build relationships” was mentioned 27 times in discussions on Facebook and Instagram, with variations appearing 78 times.
“Rapport is critical,” affirmed middle school teacher Kim Manzer, emphasizing her practice of engaging with students individually or as a group. Small gestures like greeting students outside the classroom before lessons begin yield significant rewards. “They value it when I take the time to listen and show genuine interest,” she shared. Amanda Tait from Prince George, British Columbia, adds her personal touch: “I always greet them at the door with a ‘high-five, chicken-five,’ where we touch elbows like wings.”
Indeed, the sentiment resonates with many educators.
Several highlighted the importance of maintaining a balance between warmth and firm boundaries in fostering relationships—and effective classroom management. “Consistency with flexibility, unconditional love paired with accountability, and encouraging student voice while maintaining leadership,” summarized Rae Rudzinski.
SET RULES, BOUNDARIES, AND EXPECTATIONS (AND DO IT EARLY)
Students thrive in structured environments where they feel safe and focused, not amidst chaos. Middle school reading coach Heather Henderson emphasizes, “You’re not here to be their friend. You can be kind, caring, and supportive, but ultimately, you’re their teacher.”
Set clear expectations from the beginning of the school year, ensuring consistency from everyone, including yourself. “Predictability matters,” advises Lori Sheffield. “Follow through with both rewards and consequences. Be clear, proactive, and consistent in your approach.”
Educators widely agree that modeling appropriate behavior sets the classroom tone. “You set the tone,” says Diana Fliginger from Minot, North Dakota. “Your attitude shapes the classroom environment. If you aim for calm and productivity, project that to your students.”
Many also stress the importance of choosing your battles wisely, particularly in public settings. “Instead, address issues privately later,” suggests Denise Tremblay Drapeau. “This approach maintains respect and shifts the classroom dynamic positively.”
TAKE A STRENGTH-BASED APPROACH
A standout quote emerged in discussions on effective classroom management: “Turn your most challenging student into your favorite,” suggested Karen Yenofsky, sparking widespread teacher admiration. “Building a connection with them… smooths everything out.”
This approach requires effort. Viewing students through a strength-based lens means digging beneath surface behaviors, even when inconvenient. “Identify the root cause,” advises Judi Michalik from Bangor, Maine. “Every student wants to succeed. Misbehavior often signals an unmet need, much like a crying baby. If it’s attention-seeking behavior, understand their underlying motivations.”
Deepening connections requires ongoing effort, with context awareness and careful language use. “Celebrate struggling students’ achievements without surprise,” advises Jenni Park, an Asheville, North Carolina teacher. “Instead of saying, ‘Wow! That’s amazing,’ express, ‘I’m proud of you; I always knew you could do it.'”
Additionally, cultural differences influence expectations of student success, necessitating reflection on unconscious biases. “Avoid viewing any student as deficient,” emphasizes elementary educator Elijah Moore, resonating with over 230 positive responses. “Cultural differences do not imply cultural deficiencies.”
INVOLVE PARENTS AND GUARDIANS
“Remember, every student is someone’s child,” emphasizes Molly Francis, echoing sentiments shared by many educators. “Parents, guardians, and caregivers appreciate positive feedback about their children. Building a strong connection with families can positively impact the classroom.”
Popular apps like Remind and ClassDojo were frequently praised for facilitating communication between teachers and guardians, potentially replacing traditional phone calls. Middle school teacher Kristin Ward humorously notes, “Let’s face it, if some parents had my personal cell number, they’d be calling all the time!”
Teachers commonly share positive and negative behavior reports with parents, emphasizing the importance of highlighting successes. They utilize email and text services to inform families about upcoming events, deadlines, and student progress.
“Recognize and acknowledge positive behaviors by contacting parents,” advises Barbara Rawson. Kim Manzer emphasizes the reciprocal benefits of parental involvement: “Parents must stay informed so they can provide support and reinforcement at home.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How can self-care impact classroom management?
Self-care, including adequate rest and maintaining personal well-being, enhances cognitive function and empathy. This enables teachers to make better decisions and manage classroom dynamics effectively.
Why is building relationships important in classroom management?
Strong relationships foster trust, respect, and a sense of belonging among students, which supports their academic and behavioral growth and creates a positive classroom climate conducive to learning.
What is a strength-based approach in classroom management?
A strength-based approach focuses on identifying and nurturing students’ strengths rather than dwelling on weaknesses. It promotes resilience and motivation, leading to improved student engagement and achievement.
How can involving parents and guardians improve classroom management?
Engaging parents and guardians builds a supportive partnership between home and school. It helps teachers understand students’ backgrounds and behaviors, facilitating tailored support and consistent expectations across environments.
Conclusion
Mastering outstanding classroom management involves prioritizing self-care, fostering strong relationships, setting clear expectations, embracing a strength-based approach, and actively involving parents and guardians. These principles create a conducive learning environment and promote student success by addressing their holistic needs. By implementing these strategies, educators can cultivate a classroom atmosphere that nurtures growth, respect, and academic achievement for all students.
