Classroom Management

Opinion Editorial

Classroom management is vital in maintaining an effective and efficient

classroom environment, no matter what grade level you are working with. Although
there are numerous components to classroom management, three categories prevail
above the rest. These are rules, consistency, and, most importantly, relationships
(RCR). All three go hand-in-hand, working together as a system to create a smoothrunning classroom. Okay, lets be honest-- its never going to be perfect. But paying
careful attention to your RCR will greatly alleviate the stresses of classroom
management and make for a more positive and enjoyable school year.
Rules are a necessary component of any classroom. For elementary and
middle school students, it is important to keep rules positive (dos, not donts),
demonstrate why each rule is being made, and model them through your own
behavior as a teacher. For high school students, rules should be kept brief and to
the point. These students do not want to be lectured on raising their hands or
staying in their seats. The more direct, the better. Moreover, rules should be kept
consistent throughout the course of the school year. This will not only improve
student behavior because they know what is expected of them, but it will save
time. If each student knows his responsibility, then he will be able to follow the
steps necessary to complete a task. For example, if he is absent, he will know
exactly how to submit late assignments and collect any materials that he missed
while he was out. The teacher can focus on her own work and not have to direct this

student on what to do. Because this rule was established in the beginning of the
year and has remained consistent, there should be no confusion.
While all three categories are crucial, relationships is arguably the most
important. Positive or negative relationships between teachers and students can
affect the entire classroom climate. A teacher can set as many rules as he would like,
but if he does not have a mutual respect with his students, then they will not follow
any of the rules. Think back to elementary, middle, and high school. Now think of
your favorite teacher(s) during that time. Did she clearly communicate her
expectations for you? Did he stick to a routine and keep a steady flow throughout
the year? Did she show understanding and compassion towards your class and talk
to you outside of the classroom? It was probably a combination of the three. But if I
had to guess, the part that you remember most is how your teacher treated each
student and the relationships he or she built with every one of you.
Elementary school students need the love and support from their teachers
that
they receive (or should receive) from their parents. They should feel safe and
comfortable in their classroom. This feeling of comfort goes a long way in
promoting good behavior and overall positive classroom management. Elementary
students tend to have a lot of energy, and sometimes that energy is going to lead to
disruption in the classroom. However, too often teachers label these young children
are labeled as bad and eventually given up on them. Instead of giving up, you need
to build mutually caring relationships with the students. Once this is achieved,
students will be more likely to listen. Children tend to behave and listen more to

teachers that they like, and who like them. In order to achieve this, go out of your
way to show the students that you care. Intentionally weave opportunities for one
on one time with each and every student. Take this time to build personal
connections with your students by asking them questions about things such as
family, pets, after school activities, or any other subjects that the student finds
interesting. Let them know how much you enjoy this time with them. Overall,
elementary teachers are similar to parent figures in the classroom, so proving to a
child that you care will make all the difference. In order to establish such a caring
relationship, remember the big three: love, engagement, and support.
Similarly, middle school students need love and positive attention from their
teachers. Adolescents go through several physical changes. In fact, the National
Education Association says that During early adolescence (ages 11-16), the body
experiences more physical changes than it has since infancy These physical
changes lead to behavioral issues, which need to be tended to with care and
compassion. It is easy to become aggravated with your students, especially at this
grade level. But understanding your students and what they are going through is
the first step to overcoming those hurdles. Get to know them. Talk to each of them
individually. Whether the effect is immediate or not, it will make all the difference
in the long run.
In a survey of one hundred forty-one teacher education students showed that
secondary teachers tend to emphasize order and teaching, whereas elementary
teachers stressed interpersonal strategies. Many secondary teachers are too
consumed with what needs to get done within a given school day to worry about

building relationships with students. High school can be a difficult time for students
with the onset of peer pressure and peer influence that play into the want to
conform. This can be potentially dangerous for students who may not have the
presence of an older role model to talk to and to get advice from. Having someone
that they can go to with questions, to get advice from, or even just to talk to can
make all the difference in their confusing lives. Be the change. Defy the statistics. Get
to know your students on a personal level and be there for them. The more respect
that you have for them, the more respect that they will have for you.
Although there are many facets of classroom management, and although it
varies through each grade level, one key aspect remains the same. Establishing
positive relationships is vital for running an effective classroom. Rules are
necessary and consistency is key, but they mean nothing if your students do not
respect you. So, take the time to get to know your students. Show them that you
care. You will be amazed at the outcome!