Classroom Management - Discipline

In today's world classrooms are different than they were when I went to school. I'm not complaining, I'm just stating a common fact. If you're a teacher, you need to sometimes be creative in your discipline plan. I would like to share the things that I do in my classroom, and if any teachers would like to share with me what they do, I'd greatly appreciate it.

When I went to school we all FEARED the "Board" of Education. Which was actually a paddle that you got a good whack on the backside with if you were incorrigible. Back then I behaved, and I really didn't want to see the BOARD. And you know what else? I really don't remember too many discipline problems in my classrooms when I was in grade school. Maybe it was just the school, or my peers, but I do not recall anyone being sent out of the room, arguing with the teacher, challenging authority, or anything else of that nature. Just the possibility of it happening was enough for me to mind my P's and Q's.

So what do I do in my classroom to keep things under control? First of all you've got to understand that my style isn't every teacher's style. I'm different, and what works for me, won't work for all, but maybe if it's modified it could be put to use. I like to have fun in my classroom too. I joke around, but take my job seriously as well. I'm there to prepare my students for the next year of school, and I tell them that.

I tell them, "I'm here for a reason, and the reason is YOU. I expect that when you come into my classroom you come here to learn, you'll be prepared, and you'll try your hardest. If you fall short of any of those three things, there may be consequences."

I begin the year quite strict, but still approachable. I appreciate questions, but still deal with any disruptions, rule-breaking, or other nonsense IMMEDIATELY. The first incident of the year I usually give a warning, and then use it as a class example.

I keep a chart made on a spreadsheet with each student's name on it, and this has boxes that we can keep a tally of minor rule-breaking. I choose a student to keep track of the chart for a marking period, and they give a "mark" to a student if I tell them to.

If I'm explaining how to add like variables in Math class and "John" is talking and disrupting others and my lesson, I'll stop, and say "mark for John." This immediately quiets them down most of the time.

If the whole class is loud, and they shouldn't be, I give them a class warning. If this continues later on, I say "class mark" and every one that is present gets a mark. This works on keeping the atmosphere quiet enough to get work done.

Five marks in one week = a lost recess. Ten marks in a week = a trip to the principal's office. I rarely have to give 10 marks in one week, but I also take marks away if I witness good citizenship, or if the whole class is exceptional. At the beginning of the next week everyone starts out with a clean slate, zero marks.

Sometimes things happen that require immediate action. I just consider that an automatic 10 marks, and send them to the office. A lot of times I also talk to students one on one in the hallway and give them a second chance. I find it's much better to handle conflict with a student one on one, instead of talking to them in front of their peers.

This has worked for me for six years so far. I can't guarantee it'll even work for anyone else, but I wanted to share it with you.

*** School starts for me next Tuesday. I may miss a few days of posting here and there until things get settled. Thanks for visiting!