Successful Classroom Management Strategies

Greetings. As a teacher we have to juggle so many hats throughout the day. I would like to share with you some of my classroom management strategies that worked. These strategies are useful at the elementary level in all classrooms.

Defining spaces in your classroom fosters independence in children and allows them to be successful. You can do this by taking a photo of each space or finding a picture in a magazine. You will then want to laminate the photo or picture. The spaces I am referring to are: reading area, work area, play area, circle area, free time area, and computer area. I have seen some teachers be even more explicit by having a photo on each bin for children to put materials into.

I know as a teacher that much confusion takes place when children line up at the door. In this next teaching strategy, I would like to discuss how you can make this transition run much smoother. In the past, I have used several methods. Some worked and others didn't. You can use a bright colored electrician's tape on the floor. Yes, you better check in with your janitor to make sure the tape you are using is correct. If you have 15 children in your classroom, you'll make 15 "X" shapes on the floor. I've found this method of using tape last much longer and is durable over time. Children now have a clear boundary of where they need to be when lining up at the door.

Ms. C