I have had some really great groups of students over the
years, and I have had some groups that needed a little coaching. I have been
fortunate to have experienced many different types of class dynamics. One thing that I came to learn was that
classroom management does not take a one size fits all approach to be
effective. Techniques that work for one student
don’t always work for another; methods used for one class may not be effective
for another class.
Two practices that I have found to be effective year after
year are forming positive relationships with the students, and being
myself. Taking the time during the first
couple days of school to learn students’ names and some interesting things
about them will help build a bond that can last years. Whether it is remembering the student’s
birthday, the name of their dog or their favorite food. The connection is there; it is waiting for us as teachers and leaders
to find it. Be yourself: for classroom
management to be effective it has to be real.
In order for it to be real it must be an extension of one’s self. The
students can and will see through any false behaviors we exhibit.
Please take a few moments and add an effective practice, style, or technique
that has worked for you in the past or you are currently using.
Thanks,
Mike
