Two Keys to Starting the School Year off Right

Key One:

Know your expectations.

You need to know what you expect of yourself and your students above all else. You cannot implement a behavior plan, manage discipline problems and keep students focused on learning if you do not know exactly what behavior you expect both from your students and yourself.

It is a good idea to write down your expectations for each part of your day. Consider printing out a schedule and writing in a list of expectations right on the schedule. Only then can you create an effective classroom management plan.

Key Two:

Teach students your expectations.

While knowing your expectations are vital towards creating a behavior management plan, students cannot possibly fulfill your expectations if they do not know them. Take time the first few days of school to explicitly teach, preferably through demonstration, your expectations for students. Be sure to have students practice these expectations and allow chances for them to ask clarifying questions.

Only after these two keys are completed, can you move on to teaching a well-managed classroom.

Related posts:

1. Two Musts for the End of the School Year
2. Back to School Checklist
3. Q. How Many Class Rules Should I Have?
4. Break Free From Expectations
5. Teacher Tips