I found classroom behaviour management to be one of the most challenging yet rewarding aspects of teaching, especially when I was a student teacher on placement. There are so many extra layers involved when you are a student teacher trying to manage a classroom compared to a qualified teacher.
Firstly you are coming into a classroom that isn’t yours and you are trying to come across as confident and as if you know exactly what you’re doing. The students aren’t used to you yet, you don’t know the students yet, your associate teacher has other expectations to you and the list goes on. I get it, I’ve been there. I am here to help you navigate this awkward challenging territory
Managing a classroom as a student teacher that is full of diverse learners while fostering a positive and respectful environment takes time, patience, and the right strategies. In this post, we’ll share essential tips for classroom behaviour management that will help student teachers build confidence and create a calm, engaging learning environment. These strategies align with social-emotional learning (SEL) principles and support the well-being of both teachers and students.
Start with the Right Mindset for Effective Classroom Behaviour Management
Building rapport with your students from day one sets the stage for effective classroom behaviour management. I even asked my associate teachers for their class list with photos so I could start learning the student’s names before I arrived on placement. Students are more likely to respect and follow rules when they feel valued and understood. Here are some tips to get started:
- Make an effort to get to know them as people: as a student teacher you have the time to get to know the students as a person as there isn’t as much pressure to know them academically yet. Make the most of your first week observing. This is where you can build relationships quickly.
- Practice empathy: Acknowledge that students have unique needs and emotions. Listen actively and show understanding. Ask your associate teacher for any information on the students that require more attention. Pick their brain to understand exactly what strategies they have in place.
- Be consistent and fair: Treat all students with respect and maintain consistency in enforcing rules. Consistency is key if you want students to quickly be able to work out your boundaries
- Focus on SEL: Incorporate social-emotional learning activities, such as morning meetings or mindfulness exercises, to build a sense of community.
Try out this free yoga guide for kids if you want an easy, no prep way to focus on social-emotional learning.
Taking the time to understand your students’ individual needs can make a big difference. For instance, using strategies like greeting each student personally at the door or incorporating culturally responsive practices can help create a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere. Even if you are only their for a few weeks, remember, a positive teacher-student relationship lays the groundwork for a well-managed classroom.
Set Clear Expectations for Classroom Behaviour Management Success
Clear expectations provide structure and help prevent behavioural issues. Collaborate with your mentor teacher to establish classroom rules and procedures:
- Co-create rules: Involve students in setting rules to give them a sense of ownership. Display these rules prominently in the classroom. Ask your associate teacher they if did something similar at the start of the year.
- Use visual reminders: Create posters or charts that outline expected behaviours. These serve as a quick reference for students. Your associate teacher might already have this going on in their classroom. If so, make sure to reference these to the students. Posters such as noise levels, emotions, growth mindset are excellent to discuss with the students on a regular basis.
- Model expectations: Demonstrate the behaviours you want to see, such as raising your hand or using polite language. Point out the students who are doing a really good job, so students know what your expecting of them.
Additionally, using strategies like class contracts or behaviour anchor charts can reinforce these expectations. Consistently revisiting these rules through fun activities or discussions keeps them fresh in students’ minds.
Maintain Routines and Reinforce Positivity in Classroom Management
Yes you won’t have the exact same teaching style as your associate teacher, however the last thing you want to do when you have full control of the classroom is to completely change it up. Instead, note down anything that you would want to change in terms of behaviour management strategies. Predictability is key to effective classroom behaviour management. Establishing routines not only reduces anxiety but also fosters a calm learning environment:
- Start with small routines: For example, greeting students at the door, beginning each lesson with a warm-up activity, or using signals to gain attention.
- Celebrate positive behaviour: Be sure to use whatever behaviour management system your associate teacher has in place. Whether it’s praise, stickers, or a token reward system to reinforce good conduct make sure to use it to your advantage.
- Reflect on the day: End each day with a brief reflection or gratitude activity to reinforce positive interactions.
Consider adding classroom jobs or roles to give students a sense of responsibility and ownership. These small contributions often encourage more consistent and positive behaviour throughout the day.
How to Handle Behaviour Challenges with Effective Strategies
Disruptions and challenges happen, but handling them calmly and effectively is crucial. Here’s how to address behavioural challenges as a student teacher:
- Stay calm: Take a deep breath and avoid reacting emotionally to disruptions. Some behaviours can be quiet explosive and it’s easy to get caught up in it. This is where you conversation with your AT about her specific student behaviour will come in handy.
- Use de-escalation techniques: Speak softly, maintain a non-threatening posture, and give students time to cool down. I have a deck outside my classroom that my students use on a daily basis to calm down and get some fresh air. This works a treat as it’s away from the other students and if the child is able to self regulate, you will be able to keep teaching and check in with them later.
- Reflect and learn: After incidents, reflect on what triggered the behaviour, what you did well and how you can respond differently next time.
For more significant challenges, senior management will never be too far away! Don’t hesitate to contact them if you need it. It is not your job to deal with certain types of behaviour.
Collaborate with Your Mentor Teacher for Classroom Management Success
Your mentor teacher is an invaluable resource during your placement. Use their experience to strengthen your behaviour management skills:
- Observe and learn: Pay attention to how they handle challenging situations and manage the classroom, especially in the first week. Don’t forget to write things down and continue to ask ALL the questions that pop into your head. Asking questions shows that you’re onto and want to know more (I really appreciated this when I become a mentor teacher)
- Ask for feedback: Regularly discuss your approach with your mentor and seek constructive advice. Constructive feedback isn’t a bad thing and should be happening regularly. Ask you mentor to formally observe you if they haven’t already. The more feedback, the better
- Adapt to their systems: As mentioned earlier, it is important to align with the classroom’s established routines and expectations for consistency. Even if you wouldn’t do somethings the same yourself, the students will appreciate it. You can always change anything when you have your own classroom.
Don’t hesitate to ask your mentor teacher for examples of strategies or materials they’ve found successful. Building this collaborative relationship will help you refine your practice and gain confidence in your approach.
Prioritise Teacher Well-Being for Better Behaviour Management
Behaviour management can be emotionally taxing, especially for student teachers. Prioritising your well-being ensures you can show up as your best self for your students. Remember to look out for yourself!
- Practice self-care: Spend time outside of school engaging in activities that recharge you (even if that’s just lying on the couch)
- Set boundaries: Avoid overloading yourself with extra work or unrealistic expectations. Do as much as you can handle and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it.
- Reflect daily: Keep a journal to celebrate successes and identify areas for growth.
Additionally, don’t forget to hang out with people outside of teaching. Yes, it’s so important to share your experiences with someone who’s been there and gets it. But it’s also just as important to be around those who aren’t in it. It’s refreshing. Teaching is a job, it isn’t your whole life.
Why Student-Teacher Behaviour Strategies are so important
Classroom behaviour management is a skill that develops with time and practice. As a student teacher, you’ll face challenges, but with these tips and strategies, you can build confidence and create a positive learning environment. Remember, it’s a journey, and every experience helps you grow as an educator.
Try this free checklist to keep yourself a little more organized this teacher placement
For more resources on classroom management and SEL strategies, check out other posts on Resourceful Learners or visit my Teachers Pay Teachers store for ready-to-use materials.
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