Top Classroom Management Tips: Survival Guide for New Teachers

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Are you struggling with classroom management as a new teacher? You’re not alone! Dive into our survival guide packed with tips and tools to transform your teaching experience. Discover practical strategies to keep your classroom running smoothly and your students engaged, from dry-erase boards to positive note cards. Let’s get started!

Dry-Erase Boards and Markers: A Game-Changer

Let’s talk about one of my absolute favorite classroom management tools: mini dry-erase boards and markers. These little gems are perfect for interactive lessons and can totally transform your teaching game. Imagine every student with their own board, ready to display their knowledge in real time. It’s a quick and efficient way to see who’s grasping the material and who might need a bit more help.

Here’s a personal example: During a lesson on World War 1, I handed out mini dry-erase boards to each student. I posed different questions on the M.A.I.N. reasons for the start of World War 1 and asked them to write their answers on the boards. Within seconds, everyone held up their responses. This not only made the lesson more engaging but also allowed me to instantly gauge understanding across the class. I could immediately see who got it and who needed more practice, making my classroom management much more effective.

Using mini dry-erase boards for classroom management keeps students active and involved. Plus, it’s a fun way to break up the monotony of traditional lessons. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll wonder how you ever managed without it!

Noise Level Monitors: A Classroom Management Lifesaver

Now hang with me as I share a tool that I had very little faith in, but has been a total game-changer for me in classroom behavior: the noise level monitor. These handy devices are perfect for managing noise levels, especially with younger students who can get a bit rowdy. The beauty of a noise level monitor is its ability to give students a visual cue to regulate their volume and discussions without you having to constantly remind them.

Here’s a real-life example from my fellow teacher. During the height of the Marvel Avengers craze my teacher neighbor bought a Marvel Super Hero LED lamp that lit up in different colors. He used this awesome, and entertaining, tool to keep the students aware of their noise level. As soon as the students saw the Avengers inching towards the “too loud” zone, they immediately adjusted their volume. It was amazing to see how quickly they responded to the visual cue.

Using a noise level monitor for classroom management not only keeps the noise at an appropriate level but also teaches students to be more self-aware and considerate of their surroundings. It’s a silent, yet powerful way to maintain a focused and respectful learning environment.

Cell Phone Holders: Essential for Classroom Management

Ugghh, the dreaded cell phone. Remember when your teacher didn’t allow chewing gum in the classroom? Whew. I’m sure glad Mrs. Akin retired before every student owned a cell phone! We all know how distracting cell phones can be for students – not to mention young teachers who are still trying to figure out a seating chart! That’s where cell phone holders come in, providing a designated spot for phones and reducing the temptation to sneak a peek during class.

At the beginning of the school year, I noticed my students were constantly distracted by their phones. So, I introduced cell phone holders, assigning each student a specific slot. This Loghot version is an inexpensive investment that currently hangs in my classroom. As soon as they walked in, they knew exactly where to place their phones. Almost instantly, the classroom environment became more focused and orderly. No more phones buzzing or screens lighting up during lessons!

Additionally, I found the phone holder became an effective way to take attendance. One bit of advice though, make sure the phone screens are facing towards the classroom as some teachers have complained students tried to surreptitiously film class when the camera was facing out. It is also good practice for the screen to face forward as many students have the flashlight function tied to text messages. It took me a while, but after a day of feeling as if the paparazzi entered my classroom we decided to flip all the phones around.

Using cell phone holders not only minimizes distractions but also creates a structured environment. It sets clear expectations and routines, helping students understand that class time is for learning, not texting. This small change can make a big difference in maintaining classroom discipline and keeping students engaged. Give it a try – your classroom management will thank you!

Positive Note Cards: An Environmental Boost

As a coach, I entered the classroom the same way I did the football field – stern disciplinarian. After a few semesters of struggling with certain students a veteran teacher introduced me to a simple yet powerful classroom management tool: positive note cards. These little gems are fantastic for improving the classroom environment, inspiring students, and building strong relationships. Plus, they’re super inexpensive, offering great value for your classroom.

Sure, as a student, I remembered the smiley faces and stickers from elementary school, but as I became a high school student I just remembered the red pen feedback from Mrs. West. However, after some frustrating weeks, I decided to give it a try. I started using positive note cards to acknowledge students’ efforts and achievements. These weren’t smiley faces and stickers though! During a particularly challenging Imperialism unit, I handed out notes to students who showed improvement or helped their classmates. Spending a few minutes writing down the good I saw in students turned out to be my most effective classroom management tool! The effect was immediate. Students were thrilled to receive these personal, encouraging messages, and their motivation skyrocketed. The classroom atmosphere became more positive and supportive, with students cheering each other on.

Positive note cards are perfect for classroom management because they reinforce good behavior and effort. They help create an encouraging environment where students feel valued and inspired to do their best. These notes also strengthen relationships. Taking a moment to recognize a student’s hard work shows you care about their progress, leading to a more engaged and cooperative classroom.

So, if you’re looking for an affordable and effective way to boost your classroom management, give positive note cards a try. They’re a small investment with a big payoff!

The Wrap-Up: Classroom Management Tools That Make a Difference

And there you have it, folks! We’ve covered some fantastic tools that can revolutionize your classroom management. From mini dry-erase boards and markers that turn every lesson into an interactive experience to noise-level monitors that help students self-regulate their volume, these tools are game-changers. Cell phone holders eliminate distractions and create a structured environment, while positive note cards boost morale and build strong relationships.

Implementing these tools can transform your classroom into a more organized, focused, and positive learning space. So why not give them a try? Trust me, your classroom management will thank you!

For more tips and tricks, follow me on Twitter or check out my blog Transform Your Classroom: Top 5 Essential Tools for an Engaging Learning Environment. Let’s continue this journey together and make teaching the rewarding experience it’s meant to be. Happy teaching!