August 16, 2019
One of the biggest fears that a lot of teachers have is not being able to have control in the classroom with a group full of students. It’s honestly a very hard thing to do because you have so many different personalities mingling with one another. My School Dance truly believes that the key to effective classroom management is by having meaningful relationships with your students. Now I’m not saying you need to have hour long conversations with every single student because that wouldn’t be possible. Just make sure to make connections with each student and show them that everything they’re doing is worthwhile.
By starting on a positive note, students will feel a sense of belonging and trust. The more comfortable they feel, the more they will be willing to work in the classroom and be productive. Some good ways to interact with students is to schedule one-on-one meetings with them every few weeks to check up on them and see if there’s any issues or concerns, have positive greetings whenever you approach them, and encourage group activities to get them more involved with others.
In order to continue gaining student’s trust, you need to continue building your relationship with them. Frequently check up with them to see how they’re doing, give them feedback whether it’s positive or negative to show you’re trying to help them, and acknowledge them when they do something good to show you noticed it. Students are going to feel like they are able to come to you with anything if you have a connection with them.
If a negative issue arises, it’s pertinent that teachers don’t blow off the issue, but address it with the student. Even though you have good relationships with your students, you need to continue to show them that you are in charge in the classroom. A big one in this area is to work with the student when something goes wrong and ask yourself, “What could I have done to avoid this issue?” Focus on finding solutions for problems, rather than focusing on the problem the entire time. Students will feel like you are there to help them, rather than being there to constantly blame them and not change it in anyway.
Overall, having effective classroom management comes down to building relationships, maintaining those relationships, and working through the random cracks that arise in the relationship. Students want to know that their teachers are there for them and genuinely care for them. By having these relationships, students will have more respect in the classroom, which allows you to stay in control.
If you liked reading this blog post, check out some of our other helpful teacher tips: How To Create A Positive Classroom Community, Top 5 Ways To Get Students Engaged In The Classroom, or 4 Time-Saving Tips For Teachers!
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Contact:
Stephanie Hamilton
833-336-8656
