It struck me today that an inordinate percentage of visitors to this site are here for tips on Kindergarten behavior plans and so I started wondering what it was about kindergarten that sent teachers searching for information.
The Typical Kindergarten Student
- Kindergarten students are 5 years old, typically.
- While some (or most, depending on the area) kindergarten students have been to preschool, this may be the longest these children have ever been required to focus, ever.
- Kindergarten students love having fun and playing – anything resembling work is tedious and tiresome.
- Kindergarten students typically like school and love to help and please others.
Classroom Guidelines for Maintaining Discipline in a Kindergarten Class
Kids thrive on boundaries. This does NOT mean that kids thrive on a super structured, every minute of the day planned out type of class. But kids do need to know where the lines are. It is difficult for a kid to please a teacher without knowing what behavior is acceptable (and thus pleasing).
That said, boundaries are often forgotten and always tested.
It is important to stick to your boundaries with two very important caveats.
- It’s ok to change your mind. Saying no (or yes) and then changing your mind is ok – but try not to make a habit of saying no first, then changing your mind or else the kids will feel that they can get you to change your mind if they just push hard enough.
- Kids need love too. Never substitute a boundary or “orderliness” for love. Depending on your school district, these kids need a lot of love that they don’t get at home, too.
There is no easy formula for managing any classroom full of students (any age!).
Do you have specific questions about managing a kindergarten class? Please send me an email or question in the comments and I’ll do my best to answer each question!
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