Classroom Management for the New Teacher
Classroom management is managing the physical learning environment and managing
student behavior. As a new teacher, this may worry you. You are not alone
because classroom management is an ongoing concern for both new and veteran
teachers. Know that you don't have to know everything about classroom management
when you are first starting out. You will continue to learn and read about it as
you continue your teaching career.
Classroom management does not have to be overwhelming. It is just knowing how
you want your classroom to run. It is important to think about how you are going
to manage your classroom long before the first day of school. Begin by
considering, classroom climate, class structure and discipline.
The first thing to consider is classroom environment. Consider these questions:
• What type of classroom do you want to walk into every day?
• Do you want to have a lot of discussion type lessons or more book oriented
lessons?
• Do you need for your classroom to be immaculate or is it okay if it is a
little messy sometimes?
It is important to be clear on what kind of classroom you want. That way you can
clearly communicate that to your students.
The type of physical environment in the classroom depends on each teacher's
preference. However, as a new teacher you should probably start off with a lot
of structure and few activities. This helps start off the school year in a very
orderly manner. You can always relax a little later in the school year as you
get to know your students and become more confident in your teaching.
Next think about class structure. Most of the time, a school will give you
access to materials related to the subject you are teaching a few weeks before
the first day of school. Go over those materials and get an idea of what you
would like to cover during the course of the school year. The school district
and curriculum will require you to go over certain materials during the course
of the year but a lot of curriculum decisions will be up to you.
Think about what you are expecting from your students and how lessons will be
conducted:
• What are your expectations as far as student work?
• Will there be a test every week?
• Will you accept late work?
• How will students turn in their work? Will they pass it forward or to the side
or will you have a box or bin by the door where students can drop off their work
as they come in?
There is really no one way to do things when it comes to student work. Choose
what works best for you.
Student discipline is a very important thing to think about before starting the
school year. You will have many different types of discipline challenges. They
will range from simple challenges, like a student who talks too much in class to
a more difficult challenge like a student who is defiant or disrespectful. When
you think about your discipline plan remember that if you establish an
environment of consistency and respect you will get rid of many discipline
problems right away and have a way of solving others. Some things to do are:
• Find an effective way to quiet an unruly class. Depending on the grade and
class you may want to dim the lights, play soft music, or start off the day with
a journal entry, brainteaser, or question that relates to what you are going to
do that day.
• Avoid threatening students in order to get control of your class. It may cause
a quiet student to withdraw and a rebellious student to want to challenge you.
If you do threaten a student with detention or something similar, don't back
down. Follow through.
• Reprimand students in private. Scolding a student in front of the class
creates additional discipline problems because they feel embarrassed
• Be proactive and head off potential behavior problems before they get out of
hand.
There are numerous books available about classroom management and you will find
many helpful resources on the internet.
About The Author
Sonya Wilson
Sonya L. Wilson is a former teacher and free lance writer who has taught
English, Language Arts and Creative Writing for over eight years. She has taught
various grade levels in the states of New Jersey and Pennsylvania and currently
resides in Pennsylvania.
Classroom Management for the New Teacher
Classroom management is managing the physical learning environment and managing
student behavior. As a new teacher, this may worry you. You are not alone
because classroom management is an ongoing concern for both new and veteran
teachers. Know that you don't have to know everything about classroom management
when you are first starting out. You will continue to learn and read about it as
you continue your teaching career.
Classroom management does not have to be overwhelming. It is just knowing how
you want your classroom to run. It is important to think about how you are going
to manage your classroom long before the first day of school. Begin by
considering, classroom climate, class structure and discipline.
The first thing to consider is classroom environment. Consider these questions:
• What type of classroom do you want to walk into every day?
• Do you want to have a lot of discussion type lessons or more book oriented
lessons?
• Do you need for your classroom to be immaculate or is it okay if it is a
little messy sometimes?
It is important to be clear on what kind of classroom you want. That way you can
clearly communicate that to your students.
The type of physical environment in the classroom depends on each teacher's
preference. However, as a new teacher you should probably start off with a lot
of structure and few activities. This helps start off the school year in a very
orderly manner. You can always relax a little later in the school year as you
get to know your students and become more confident in your teaching.
Next think about class structure. Most of the time, a school will give you
access to materials related to the subject you are teaching a few weeks before
the first day of school. Go over those materials and get an idea of what you
would like to cover during the course of the school year. The school district
and curriculum will require you to go over certain materials during the course
of the year but a lot of curriculum decisions will be up to you.
Think about what you are expecting from your students and how lessons will be
conducted:
• What are your expectations as far as student work?
• Will there be a test every week?
• Will you accept late work?
• How will students turn in their work? Will they pass it forward or to the side
or will you have a box or bin by the door where students can drop off their work
as they come in?
There is really no one way to do things when it comes to student work. Choose
what works best for you.
Student discipline is a very important thing to think about before starting the
school year. You will have many different types of discipline challenges. They
will range from simple challenges, like a student who talks too much in class to
a more difficult challenge like a student who is defiant or disrespectful. When
you think about your discipline plan remember that if you establish an
environment of consistency and respect you will get rid of many discipline
problems right away and have a way of solving others. Some things to do are:
• Find an effective way to quiet an unruly class. Depending on the grade and
class you may want to dim the lights, play soft music, or start off the day with
a journal entry, brainteaser, or question that relates to what you are going to
do that day.
• Avoid threatening students in order to get control of your class. It may cause
a quiet student to withdraw and a rebellious student to want to challenge you.
If you do threaten a student with detention or something similar, don't back
down. Follow through.
• Reprimand students in private. Scolding a student in front of the class
creates additional discipline problems because they feel embarrassed
• Be proactive and head off potential behavior problems before they get out of
hand.
There are numerous books available about classroom management and you will find
many helpful resources on the internet.
About The Author
Sonya Wilson
Sonya L. Wilson is a former teacher and free lance writer who has taught
English, Language Arts and Creative Writing for over eight years. She has taught
various grade levels in the states of New Jersey and Pennsylvania and currently
resides in Pennsylvania.