Classroom management is essential to creating an effective classroom, but growing your classroom management skills can feel overwhelming. Sometimes it is assumed that you are either naturally talented in this area or it will always be a struggle. Whether you've got just a few great classroom management strategies or you're a seasoned veteran, each year brings unique challenges that require us to adjust and grow.
However, there are just as many ways to improve as a classroom manager as there are as an instructor. We just tend to be more hesitant to seek them out, or all the other training and professional development we must participate in fills our available time.
Today, I am going to focus on a few ways to continue growing and managing your classroom.
Discuss classroom management strategies with a colleague.
We all know there is that one teacher on campus who rocks at management.
Her kids are perfect in the hallways…
His class can have fun during lessons but still keep it together…
People talk about how she always gets the “good” class. Time to buddy up. That person might just hold the secret to making your class run more smoothly.
All too often we are scared to ask our colleagues what they are doing to make the magic happen because we worry about making ourselves look like we don't know what is happening.
However, if you don't have good classroom management, I can guarantee everyone already knows it.
Why not ask for help?
The only thing that can happen is that you can get better, and your administrators will appreciate your efforts to grow as a professional.
On the flip side, even if you have great management, there are always new things to learn. Taking the time to watch a colleague you respect in action might just give you a few ideas for adjustments in your own classroom.
You never know when you are going to get that one kid who is impervious to all the tricks in your toolbox.
Just be sure to ask before you just show up to watch a lesson. When you explain why you want to see them in action, the vast majority of teachers will be happy to have you come by.
Digital solutions to target specific behavior needs.
Sometimes just a few students can throw off the entire class. If you've been struggling with this in your classroom, there are some great resources online to help you find strategies for getting things running smoothly again.
Intervention Central
One great one is Intervention Central.
This site is great because all the interventions are based on actual research. However, they aren't expensive programs that your district needs to buy. Instead, the site provides step-by-step strategies for addressing specific challenges.
Many also contain printables or other resources you'll need to implement the strategy.
PBIS World
Another great website is PBIS World.
This site is SUPER easy to navigate and offers a great selection of strategies for almost any behavior issue you can think of.
Its easy user-interface makes it super simple to get exactly what you are looking for making it a great first stop when you're feeling overwhelmed by challenging behaviors.
Call in the classroom management experts.
Having one of those years where you just feel like you can't get your rhythm?
Look to see if your district has behavior specialists or instructional coaches that have a background in behavior or classroom management.
Most administrators would be happy to hear you are seeking support to grow in an area. Having the conversation about available resources allows your principal to support you in your professional development journey.
If you'd like to read more about how to address classroom management and behavior in your classroom, check out these additional posts:
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