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Overview
Overview
Classroom Management refers to the systems, routines, and relationships that create a safe, respectful, and productive learning environment. Effective classroom management ensures students know what to expect, what’s expected of them, and how to succeed within the classroom community.
🎯 Why It Matters
🎯 Why It Matters
Creates predictability and safety so learning can happen
Maximizes instructional time by reducing disruptions
Builds positive relationships and a sense of belonging
Supports equity by ensuring consistent expectations for all students
Lays the groundwork for engagement, collaboration, and independence
Classroom management isn’t about control — it’s about creating conditions where learning can thrive.
🧠 Strategy Checklist
🧠 Strategy Checklist
🔹 BEFORE THE LESSON
☐ Teach and model behavioral expectations clearly and consistently
☐ Establish and practice routines for common transitions and tasks
☐ Design physical space to support movement, supervision, and access
☐ Post classroom norms or agreements developed with students
☐ Plan for positive reinforcement and clear, respectful redirection
🔹 DURING THE LESSON
☐ Use consistent, predictable routines for entering, exiting, and transitioning
☐ Acknowledge positive behaviors intentionally and frequently
☐ Use proximity, tone, and non-verbal cues to prevent disruption
☐ Address misbehavior calmly and privately when possible
☐ Keep learning moving — avoid power struggles or “time-out teaching”
🔹 AFTER THE LESSON
☐ Reflect on what went well and what routines may need reteaching
☐ Connect individually with students who need support
☐ Track behavior patterns to identify root causes or adjustments
☐ Communicate with families or support teams when necessary
☐ Revisit expectations with the class if patterns emerge
👀 Look-Fors
👀 Look-Fors
Clear classroom norms and routines are posted and consistently followed
Students know what’s expected and can explain procedures
Transitions are smooth and minimize downtime
Behavior redirection is calm, respectful, and minimally disruptive
The classroom feels safe, inclusive, and structured
📈Continuum of Practice
📈Continuum of Practice
FOUNDATIONAL
Teacher:
Teacher reacts to behavior without clear expectations or routines.
EMERGING
Teacher:
Teacher establishes some routines and expectations but may be inconsistent in reinforcement.
PROFICIENT
Teacher:
Teacher uses consistent routines, proactive behavior strategies, and respectful redirection.
TRANSFORMING
Teacher:
Teacher fosters a student-led environment where behavior norms are co-created and reinforced by the community.
Student:
Students are unclear on what’s expected and may feel inconsistent consequences.
Student:
Students follow procedures sometimes but still rely heavily on teacher correction.
Student:
Students feel safe, know expectations, and take ownership of behavior.
Student:
Students regulate behavior independently, support peers, and engage in self-monitoring.
🗃️ Structures
🗃️ Structures
ROUTINES & PROCEDURES
Structure daily operations so students know exactly what to expect and how to succeed.
Entry/Exit Routine: Greet at the door, posted bell ringer or warm-up, clear expectations for packing up
Transition Signals: Use nonverbal cues (chime, hand signal, countdown) to move between tasks
Materials Management: Clear routines for distributing, using, and returning materials
Bathroom/Water Procedures: One-at-a-time system, pass with sign-out, non-disruptive to instruction
Tech Use: Clear guidelines for when, how, and why tech is used
BEHAVIOR EXPECTATIONS
Create a culture of consistency, clarity, and fairness.
Posted Norms/Agreements: Developed with students and visible in the classroom
Behavior Matrix: Schoolwide expectations applied to specific classroom settings (e.g., group work, independent work)
Restorative Practices: Use circles or conferencing to repair harm and build community
Positive Reinforcement: Praise aligned with behaviors you want to reinforce; use tools like Class Dojo, points, tickets, etc.
SEATING & ENVIRONMENT
Design your space to support focus, collaboration, and supervision.
Flexible Grouping Areas: Spaces for partners, small groups, and independent work
Teacher Visibility: Set up seating to maintain strong lines of sight across the room
Cool Down or Reflection Spot: Not a punishment space — a tool for self-regulation
Posted Visuals: Timers, expectations, anchor charts, schedules — reduce student anxiety by keeping things clear
RELATIONSHIP STRUCTURES
Connection is key — no amount of structure will work without trust.
Daily Connection Rituals: Greeting at the door, 60-second check-ins, high-five or hand signals
Weekly Feedback Loops: Students reflect on behavior and learning goals
Class Community Builders: Use class meetings, shout-outs, or quick team challenges
2x10 Relationship Strategy: 2 minutes of personal connection per day for 10 days with a student who needs extra support
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