As the last trimester of school begins, students will have more behavior issues. The causes could be many, but sometimes we get complacent about "following through" with our behavior plan. A few teachers have asked me for some advice in getting classes where they were earlier in the year. I did some research on the topic to see if there were some other ideas that I might have missed along the way. Sure enough, I did find some things that jogged my memory or actually were new ideas. I thought I would share them with you.
1. Routines--it is always good to have a routine and stick to it. Make sure you post the information for the day in a place were it is easy to student access. If there is going to be a major change for the day, make sure to announce it to the students at the beginning of the day because some students do not handle change very well.
2. Voice Level--Did you ever notice that the louder you speak, the louder the students become? Well, the reverse can be true. If the students are getting louder, speak in a soft or whisper voice. They will have to stop talking in order to hear what you are saying. Try it if you haven't already!
3. A Quiet Space--Do you have a space in your room where students who are having a difficult time can go to take some deep breaths and gain control of themselves? Maybe you have some tactile fabric that they can sit and rub between their fingers. I have heard of some teachers who tape a piece of sandpaper under a student's desk so they can rub their hands or fingers back and forth while they are getting themselves together. The quiet space can also have a chart with some guidelines for the students to follow in order to help them reflect on their behavior. Here are some suggestions for your chart. Let's call it "The Cool-Down Spot." The steps might be as follows:
- Set a timer for whatever length of time you think the student might need.
- Students reflect on what they did and what they could do better the next time.
- Students may draw a picture or write about what he/she will do the next time.
- When student feels in control, the student may return to classroom activities.
There is no set time as some students make take a longer or shorter time to get it together.
4. Write and Erase--I think this is a great idea I found from the Savvy Student blog. If you are trying without success to get the student's attention, use the chalkboard or whiteboard to write your directions. Write the directions one word at a time. Erase each word after you write it. Students will have to pay attention to see what it is they are being directed to do. It might look like this. "Please" erase. "Get" erase. "Out" erase. "Your" erase. "Journal" erase.
5. Brain Breaks--When kids become inattentive or start squirming around, it is time to take a brief break! YouTube has some great, short raps or movement activities. Just Google to find what works for your class!
6. Countdown--Say something like, "When I get to zero, I want everyone's eyes on me and everyone to be completely quiet." Always make sure that when you get to the designated number that you move onto the next activity and let the ones who are not ready catch up in order to do the activity that you want to do. Another idea found on "The Cornerstone" is to hold up your fingers and when the students see you do that, they begin to count down. "Five, Four, Three, Two, One, Silence."
7. Sound Signal--there are lots of things that you can use. I have seen rainsticks, xylophones, rattles, wind chimes, etc. You just need something that makes a pleasant, calming sound that will direct the students to give their attention to you.
8.Silent Sprinkles--I originally saw this idea in a kindergarten teachers classroom. She filled a spray bottle with glitter and water and called it "Brain Water." The idea was that when she sprayed her small group area, that the students would have extra brain power! You could do the same thing and sprinkle your classroom with silence!
9. Secret Student--the teacher secretly chooses one student to be the "Secret Student" for the day. No one knows who it is--not even the student. As the day goes by, the teacher references the secret student by saying, My "secret student" is sitting quietly just as I asked or whatever the behavior is that she is trying to elicit from the class. At the end of the day, the secret student is revealed and is given a "Secret Student" award to take home if they have earned the award. If the student who is chosen has not been able to do as the teacher has asked, then no one gets an award and the student's name is not mentioned.
10. Clip Charts--everyone starts the day with "Ready to Learn" and moves up the chart with good behavior and down the chart with behavior that needs to improve. Students may move up or down the chart during the day depending on the choices they make. Students can earn a sticker for the day if they have moved to one of the areas above "Ready to Learn." Students seem to like this, and I have seen it be very successful with students. One chart I saw had "Outstanding," "Awesome job," and "Good Work" as areas to be found above the starting place. Areas for improvement were labeled "Slow Down, "Think About It," and "Parent Contact." Some teachers also have a drawing from all the students who were above "Ready to Learn" for the week, and they can choose a prize from the prize chest.
I hope you have found a new idea or two for managing your classroom. If these ideas don't suit your needs or you'd like to try something else, go to Pinterest and search for "Behavior Management." You will find many, many ideas there! Wishing you and your students many calm and productive days!
