Classroom Management: First Encounters

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Classroom Management First Encounters

• By Stacie Meyers

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Taking Charge From Day One

• Effective classroom managers take deliberate
  actions during the first days of school to create
  a productive classroom learning environment.
• They assume leadership of their classes
  immediately, make clear their expectations for
  students, and plan activities that will ensure
  high levels of teacher-student interaction.

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Creating a Stable Environment

• Studies of teachers first encounters with
  students showed that teachers often tried to make
  a big and sometimes macho impact in their very
  first lesson, with deviant behavior usually being
  dealt with immediately and publicly.
• If you want students to feel comfortable in the
  classroom and share their ideas, do not create a
  false environment. Be true from the very first
  day.
• Wragg, E. C. (2001). Class Management in the
  Secondary School. London Routledge Falmer.

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First Day of School Tips

• Decorate the Room  Don't over decorate, but
  brightly colored posters with positive sayings
  encourage students and make them feel
  comfortable. 
• Dress for Success  It is imperative that you
  dress professionally the first day of school. 
  You will gain respect, credibility, acceptance
  and authority that you might otherwise have
  trouble getting.
• Plan for Maximum Contact with Students
• Consider using whole class instruction in order
  to have maximum contact with all students. Move
  around the room to establish your presence, and
  stay with the class unless it is absolutely
  necessary to leave the room. In short, be
  visible, available, and in charge.

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First Day of School Tips

• Stand Outside the Classroom Door  Welcome
  students as they enter, maybe giving each a
  handshake.  Remember to smile!  
• Introduce Yourself to Students and Learn Their
  Names Calling students by name helps to build
  positive relationships and allows you to deal
  promptly with misbehavior.
• Introduce students to one another
• Create an enjoyable way for students to meet
  each other and feel comfortable participating in
  class activities.
• Expect Excitement The first day of a new school
  year is usually a high level of anticipation and
  excitement for students and teachers.

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First Day of School Tips

• Model  We as teachers must model what we want
  our students to do, and what we expect them to
  become. Be prompt and organized.
• Encourage Positive Habits  "Please" and "Thank
  You" should be a part of the verbiage of an
  effective classroom. 
• Positive Verbal Comments  "Good Morning."  "I
  appreciate your help." "How can I help you." 
• Positive Personal Behaviors  Smiling, listening,
  holding the door, waiting your turn. Just being
  courteous goes a long way.

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First Day of School Tips

• Teach procedures that are needed immediately and
  present your rules for behavior
• Teach your procedures and rules just as you
  would any content area. Procedures related to
  students personal needs (such as how to get the
  teachers attention) should be explained and
  practiced immediately.
• Lead a learning activity that is simple and fun
• Plan an introductory lesson that will create
  interest in your subject. Include an appropriate
  academic activity on the first day that sends a
  signal that your classroom is a
• place for learning and a place where students
  will be productive and successful.

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Creating Classroom Environment

• Good classroom management cannot be established
  in one day. Teachers typically devote the first
  three weeks to presenting, reinforcing, and
  reviewing their rules and procedures until they
  become automatic.
• While less time is needed at the upper grade
  levels, considerable attention is still required
  to teach instructional procedures.
• Investing enough time at the beginning of the
  year to firmly establish your classroom
  environment will result in a classroom that is
  focused on teaching and learning during the
  remainder of the year.