Chapter 5: Classroom Management

Behavior management is an essential part of effective instruction.  In my third grade classroom we develop our rules together so the children have input on the rules they have to follow.  The rules in my classroom include: be respectful, follow directions, pay attention, and be ready to learn.  I use positive reinforcements on both an individual and class level.  The class can earn paper clips for good behavior and when the chain hits the floor we have a party.  Individuals can earn tickets for good behavior and can cash in their tickets for candy, prizes, or special privileges in the classroom.  These positive measures greatly reduce the times when I have to use the punishment system.  Every student is first given a verbal warning so they have a chance to correct their behavior.  After the warning, the student will pull a stick meaning that he or she will miss five minutes of recess.  Pulling two sticks would require missing half of recess and the student must write a note a home and get it signed.  Three sticks would result in a trip to the office where the principal will decide disciplinary measures.

The biggest struggle when it comes to management is being consistent.  Many times I find myself giving three or four verbal warnings instead of pulling sticks like my plan requires.  You often want to look the other way when a typically good student breaks the rule.  It is so important to treat all students the same because they notice when you let one child slide and come down hard on others.  I have been guilty of this in the past and I still face these similar situations on a regular basis.

Improving my consistency will improve my management.  Using my positive reinforcements on a more regular basis will help encourage proper behavior in the classroom.  Many times weeks go by and I forget to pass out tickets to my well behaved students or add paper clips to the chain.  I do notice that the weeks where I am consistently using my positive reinforcements, I see better behavior in the classroom.  Remembering that all students need to be treated the same, regardless of past behavior is another area where I strive to become more fair, which will lead to better instruction.