Set Clear Expectations
When you establish a classroom management system, you will want to be clear about what you expect of your students. Don’t assume that a child will automatically know how to behave in a situation. They may simply not know what is and isn’t appropriate. This is where expectations come into play. Have a discussion with your students about how they should behave and give reasons why.
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Have a Set Routine
Create a daily schedule and post it in your classroom for the children to see. Do your best to stick to this schedule every day. Of course, some days will veer from this schedule, and that’s okay. However, you may notice that your student’s behavior may get a little off track when a day does not go as it normally would. Most children respond well when they have a predictable routine to look forward to.
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Consistency is Key
After you have created and gone over the rules with children, you will want to be consistent with your reactions and behaviors. They will need to see that every behavior, be it positive or negative will result in a corresponding reaction. Be firm, predictable, and fair.
Proximity
Place yourself near foreseeable unwanted behavior. Children are less likely to get off track when they are aware of your presence.
Practice, Practice, Practice!
Be sure to have realistic expectations with your students and give them plenty of opportunities to practice all of the new rules. Understand that some of the children in your care, depending on the age group you work with, may never have been in any sort of structured classroom environment before. Just like with academic learning, behavior learning will take time and patience.