Classroom Management Strategies

This is not an instruction booklet. This is a guide which may be useful to KRB teachers who
are finding a particular class to be an issue, or perhaps classroom management altogether.
Classroom management has and will always be a challenge and it remains a skill to be
taught and learned rather than a talent “you just have”.

According to the American Psychological Association, “Classroom management systems are

effective because they increase student success by creating an orderly learning environment
that enhances students' academic skills and competencies, as well as their social and
emotional development.”

Here are some examples of high school classroom management strategies that will help you
with behavior management, and will also help students to feel respected, nurtured, and safe
to express themselves.

Again, try one or a few out. Not all teachers have the same challenges. Try what you think
might work for you.
Set Reliable Routines

Here is one area in which a KRB high school student doesn’t differ that vastly from a
kindergartner. Young children and teenagers alike benefit from routines and consistency.
Routines give our days a sense of order, helping us to feel safe and to know what to expect.

Examples of regular routines for a high school classroom might include:

● Set expectations: Clearly communicate expectations for behavior and participation

with your students. This includes outlining what is expected of students during class,
such as arriving on time, being prepared for class, and actively participating in
discussions.

● Use a consistent schedule: Develop a consistent schedule for the class that outlines
what will be covered each day, and post this schedule where students can easily see
it. For example, you could dedicate the first 10 minutes of each class to review and
the last 10 minutes to wrap up the lesson.

● Establish routines for beginning and ending class: Develop a routine for how class
will begin and end each day. For example, you could start each class with a quick
review of the previous day's material or a warm-up activity.
Establish Clear Rules

Know what your own “deal breaker” rules are and communicate them clearly—these are
rules that you consider non-negotiable. Examples might include an expectation that students
will keep devices in their lockers throughout the day, will be punctual and in their seats when
the first bell rings, and will refrain from interrupting another classmate when they are
speaking. But your rules may differ depending on your own philosophy and classroom
environment.

● Involve students in the process: Involve students in the process of establishing

classroom rules by asking for their input and feedback. This can help ensure that the
rules are meaningful and relevant to the students.

● Keep rules simple and clear: Keep the classroom rules simple and clear. Use
straightforward language that is easy to understand and avoid using overly
complicated wording.

● Post the rules in a visible location: Post the classroom rules in a visible location in the
classroom, such as on a bulletin board or whiteboard. This will help ensure that
students are aware of the rules and can refer to them when needed.

● Use positive language: Use positive language when establishing classroom rules.
Instead of focusing on what students cannot do, focus on what they can do. For
example, instead of saying "no talking during class," you could say "respectful
listening during class."

● Consistently enforce the rules: Consistently enforce the classroom rules to ensure
that students understand the consequences of not following them. Be consistent in
your enforcement of the rules to ensure that all students are held accountable.

● Explain the reasoning behind the rules: Explain the reasoning behind the classroom
rules to help students understand why they are important. This can help to promote
buy-in from the students and encourage them to follow the rules.
Build Relationships

Building a considerate, caring KRB environment is as good for the teacher as it is for the
students. Let’s work to restore civility in the places we control—our own classrooms.”

● Show interest in their lives outside of school: Ask your students about their
extracurricular activities, hobbies, and family life. Show genuine interest in their lives
outside of school.

● Be approachable and available: Let your students know that you are always available
to listen and help them. Make time for one-on-one meetings and provide
opportunities for students to ask questions and seek help.

● Attend school events: Attend school events such as sports games, performances,
and club meetings to show support for your students outside of the classroom.

● Use positive reinforcement: Recognize and praise your students' accomplishments

and efforts. Provide positive feedback and celebrate their successes.

Remember, building relationships with students takes time and effort, but it is well worth it for
creating a positive and successful learning environment.
Be Consistent

Sometimes it’s difficult to maintain firm boundaries, especially for new teachers who may
really want students to like them. It's important for teachers to remember they are in charge.
It's hard to backtrack from a position and say “no” when students have already sensed that a
teacher is on the fence and could be swayed. So if students come to you begging for a free
period when you know it’s crucial that they study for an upcoming test, be firm.

● Use positive reinforcement: Recognize and reward good behavior, such as

participating in class discussions, completing assignments on time, and showing
respect to others. Use positive reinforcement consistently to encourage students to
continue exhibiting positive behaviors.

● Address misbehavior promptly: When a student misbehaves, address the behavior

promptly and consistently. Do not ignore minor infractions or allow them to escalate
into more serious issues.

● Use nonverbal cues: Use nonverbal cues, such as eye contact, facial expressions,
and body language, to reinforce positive behavior or redirect negative behavior. For
example, you might make eye contact with a student who is talking out of turn to
signal that it's time to be quiet.

● Be fair and impartial: Treat all students fairly and impartially. Do not show favoritism
or allow personal biases to influence your actions.

● Follow through on consequences: If a student violates a rule or exhibits negative

behavior, follow through on the consequences that were established. Consistency is
key to reinforcing the importance of rules and consequences.

● Communicate with parents/guardians: Communicate consistently with parents or

guardians about their child's behavior in the classroom. Be transparent about the
rules and consequences, and provide regular updates on their child's progress.
Create Engaging and Authentic Lessons

Get students to do what you want them to do, rather than prevent them from doing what you
do not want them to do. This starts with incorporating lessons that meet students where they
are. For example, bring in real-world, hands-on projects that demonstrate that students can
make an impact on society.

If students are enthused about your teaching and lessons, they’re less likely to become
disengaged, bored, and frustrated. Students in those latter three categories are more likely
to act out and cause problems, which can interfere with their own learning as well as their
classmates’ learning. If you find that a unit or lesson is particularly boring, ask teacher in
your department if they have any engaging ideas of how they have taught it in the past. Use
your resources, everyone is willing to share!

Finally, reward students who are staying on task and diligently applying themselves. Say
“thank you” to students who are pushing themselves to try harder or who reach out to help a
peer.