Becoming a successful elementary school teacher is a rewarding journey, but it’s not without its challenges. One of the key aspects of teaching that new educators often grapple with is classroom management. How do you create an environment where learning flourishes and behavior is well-regulated? In this blog post, we will delve into five whole classroom management strategies for elementary teachers that will not only help you survive but thrive in your classroom.
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Call and Response Techniques
Call and response techniques are simple yet powerful tools for elementary classroom management. They engage students, promote attentiveness, and create a sense of unity within the class.
One popular technique is “Teacher: Class” where the teacher calls out, and the students respond in unison. For example, the teacher says, “Class, class,” and the students respond with, “Yes, yes.”
If your students get bored with the typical “Class, class: Yes, yes”, you can try using monthly classroom call and response ideas. Switching out your call and response sayings each month keeps students motivated and engaged.
Another effective technique is using call and response for attention-grabbing signals. For instance, when you want your students to refocus, you can say, “If you can hear me, clap once.” Students respond by clapping once, signaling their attention. This is great to see whose attention your have, while also signalling to other students that it is time to focus on you.
My personal favorite is using a wireless doorbell. I use this as an attention getter, in place of typical call and response techniques. You can change the tones to keep students’ attention throughout the year. When I ring the bell, my students stop what they are doing and give me their full attention. This procedure takes time to train at the beginning of the year, but it is well worth the reward that comes when students turn their attention quickly. You can read more about setting up classroom routines and procedures in this blog post.
Class Points as Classroom Management Strategies for Elementary
Class points are a fantastic way to motivate elementary students to exhibit positive behavior and teamwork. You can create a simple points system that rewards the entire class for good behavior, participation, or reaching academic goals.
Assign points for achievements like staying on task, helping classmates, or following classroom rules. You can keep a visible chart in the classroom to track progress. When the class accumulates a certain number of points, offer a reward, such as extra recess or a class game day.
In my classroom, I always kept the class points on our white board. They were not fancy, in the least. My students earned points each day for good behavior, working hard, helping others, etc. They got a bonus 5 points if another adult complimented them in the hall. An additional 10 points were given to the class if the principal gave them a positive comment. When we reached 100 points, we earned a class reward. (You may want to lower the goal depending on the age of your students.)
Class points not only encourage students to work together but also instill a sense of pride and accomplishment when they reach their goals as a team.
Active Participation Strategies
Active participation is a cornerstone of effective elementary classroom management. Engaged students are less likely to exhibit disruptive behavior. Here are some strategies to encourage active participation:
Think-Pair-Share:
Pose a question or problem, have students think about it individually, then pair up to discuss their thoughts, and finally, share their ideas with the class.
Back to Back, Face to Face:
Pose a question or prompt. Students find a partner and go back to back. When you are ready for them to share, have them switch to face to face. When students are done sharing, they return to back to back position.
Interactive Whiteboards:
Utilize technology with interactive whiteboards. Let students come up to the board to solve problems or manipulate images. This hands-on approach keeps them involved.
Collaborative Projects:
Assign group projects that require cooperation and teamwork. When students are actively engaged in a shared goal, they’re less likely to disrupt the class.
Student Choice and Empowerment
Empowering your elementary students by giving them choices within the classroom can have a significant impact on behavior and motivation. When students feel a sense of ownership over their learning environment, they are more likely to cooperate and respect the rules.
Offer choices related to seating arrangements, assignments, or even classroom decorations. Let students take turns as class leaders or helpers, allowing them to be responsible for specific tasks. These small opportunities for choice and responsibility can make a big difference in classroom dynamics.
Building Relationships
Building positive relationships with your students is arguably the most critical classroom management strategy. When students feel valued and respected by their teacher, they are more likely to follow rules and behave appropriately.
Take the time to get to know each student individually. Show genuine interest in their lives, hobbies, and aspirations. Use their names and engage in friendly conversations. Additionally, create a safe space where students feel comfortable sharing their thoughts and concerns.
When conflicts arise, address them with empathy and a focus on resolution rather than punishment. Building trust and rapport with your students lays the foundation for a harmonious and cooperative classroom environment.
Navigating the elementary classroom can be challenging for new teachers, but implementing these whole classroom management strategies for elementary can make a world of difference. Call and response techniques, class points, active participation strategies, student choice and empowerment, and building relationships are not just tools; they are keys to unlocking a thriving, well-managed classroom where both educators and students can flourish together. Remember that the journey of becoming an exceptional elementary teacher is ongoing, and these strategies are valuable companions on that path.
Classroom management does not have to be complicated. Learn how to simplify your classroom management strategies in my FREE checklist! Drop your name and email below, and I’ll send the checklist to your inbox!