5 Effective Strategies for Classroom Management

If I could only choose 5 strategies for classroom management what would they be?

That is a hard question because when you are teaching a classroom there are a gazillion (is that a real number) things happening at once and often it feel like all we can do is put out fires.  

But if you take a step back and really think about the most effective strategies in a classroom, what do you come up with?

Also what works for one grade may not work for another and what works for one class may not work for another.  

But if I strip away all of the fluffy stuff, and just look at some basic strategies here is what I come up with. 

Seating Chart - For my class this is my most effective strategy in fact my next video will be dedicated to this topic alone.  

Next is a good warm-up (bellwork).  The first 5 minutes of class set the tone for the class and this is a tool I use every day to start my class of right. 

Attention Grabber - There are all sorts of ways to get the attention of your class but whichever one you choose make sure you practice it so it becomes routine and effective in your class. 

Class Reward - No this does not have to be something fancy or expensive like a party but if you are able to incorporate some sort of class reward into your classroom management system it will give you the extra layer of classroom control that you are looking for. 

Finally is a Timer.  This helps make your transitions smooth and creates and urgency for the activities in your class. 

These are not the only tools you need but with these core 5 you are 85% the way there.  To see how I apply these strategies in my classroom click on the image above to watch my latest video.