Do you feel like you’re constantly chasing your students around the classroom? Are they constantly talking out of turn or getting up out of their seats? If so, it sounds like you could use a behavior management plan!
In this blog post, we will discuss how to create an effective plan that will help keep your classroom under control. We’ll be focusing on your classroom rules and the difference between primary rules and secondary rules. Let’s get started!
In the first week of school, instead of focusing on academics, your focus should be on establishing behavioral and procedural expectations for the class, including both primary and secondary rules.
Creating rules for your classroom can seem daunting, but it is important to have a plan in place. You need to think about what you want your students to do and what you expect of them. It is also important to keep your rules simple and clear.
Primary Rules for an Effective Behavior Management Plan
Primary rules are the cornerstone of your behavior management plan. They are the 3-5 rules you post in the classroom. They are the non-negotiable expectations that you have for your students.
For example, a primary rule in my classroom is “follow directions.” This is a rule that I will never budge on and it is something that I expect all of my students to do.
Your Primary Rules should be few in number, never over five, and written to tell your student what you want them to do (no “don’t” or “no” statements). Make a plan and write it out step-by-step.
When you introduce a rule or expectation, don’t just talk about it. Model it the right way and the wrong way, and ham it up – the kids love that!
Role play it. Then practice, practice, practice every day the first week and frequently thereafter. Leave no gray areas, be specific about what you want them to do!
Secondary Rules for an Effective Behavior Management Plan
Secondary rules include anything else that takes place and how you want it to happen (what it looks like, what it sounds like).
Plan your day, step-by-step, and then teach your students how to do every little thing. Then practice, practice, practice every day. Again, be specific and use lots of examples.
For example, a secondary rule in my classroom is “how we line up.” I model (both the right way and the wrong way) and then we practice this frequently the first week of school.
I do the same for how to line up quietly, how to walk in a straight line, and how to keep their hands to themselves, and so on.
Remember, the key to creating an effective behavior management plan is to be clear, concise, and consistent with your rules.
Plan ahead, model expectations, and practice frequently. Your students will thank you for it!
Now that you have a behavior management plan to follow, check out this blog post for more tips on how to manage your classroom effectively!
Last but not least, I’ve created this FREE Rules for Learning Poster you see above for you to download. It’s editable so you can change it to use for your own purpose(s).
Thanks for reading! I hope this was helpful. 🙂
~Anita
This article originally appeared at Primary Teachspiration
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