When I visit classrooms, I rarely see a classroom management plan posted.
It’s the first thing I look for.
Because it tells me a lot about the teacher. Namely, the importance they place on protecting students from disruptions in learning.
Here are six other reasons why you should display your classroom management plan.
1. A Message
Rules and consequences posted high on the wall of your classroom send the message to everyone who enters—students, parents, and administrators alike—that learning is sacred.
2. A Reference
A visible representation of your plan allows you to point to it whenever you’re reviewing your behavior expectations. It’s a symbol of trust, fairness, and objectivity.
3. A Reminder
A poster of your plan is a reminder to students that misbehavior is a choice they make, while enforcement is the fulfillment of a promise you made.
4. A Notice
With your plan out in the open for all to see, you’re put on notice. You can’t escape it. It whispers to you throughout every day that you’re obligated to follow it.
5. A Statement
When you post your plan, you’re making a statement that you’re not afraid or embarrassed to hold students accountable for behavior required for success in school.
6. A Declaration
Throwing up a big colorful poster announcing your boundaries tells the world that you require polite, respectful behavior from every student.
Where to Post
I recommend writing or printing out your rules and consequences on easel-size paper or poster board and affixing it high on the front wall of your classroom.
Everyone who sees it should think . . .
“Now that’s bold.”
PS – Check out this week’s YouTube videos:
1. Why Some Teachers Rarely Have Behavior Problems
2. Why Students Test Some Teachers More Than Others
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Unfortunately if Administration doesn’t support you. It just putting a target on your back if you don’t have union protection like in many private schools.
Why the name is classroom management plan instead of classroom management behavior? Classroom management covers more than just behavior. These are just rules and consequences.
I move to different rooms for each class I teach. Any suggestions?
Hey Jeff, I feel your pain. Title 1 moved into middle school this year and I decided to move from elementary to middle school (wanted a new adventure). I also had to move for each class period, the building had no room to dedicate for me and my groups. So for each classroom I printed classroom expectations on 8.5×11 paper and put in a page protector. I printed one up for each classroom and when I walked into that classroom, put it up on the board with magnets. The teachers who shared their rooms with me were nice enough to give a dedicated space on the board so the students got used to looking at that spot in the room to refer to the expectations and/or teaching anchor charts that I also had printed up. Other materials I carried on a teacher bag. I eventually talked admin into letting me use a pod area on one of the floors to set up a “classroom” which was a big help with behavior management and overall teaching. I was lucky enough to have the use of a big white board, monitor (to project anything from my computer ), and student desks.
I am curious to know whether doing that is also effective at the high school level. Especially if you share a classroom with another teacher
I wonder if you would be willing to send me a photo of your own class management plan?
I’ve followed you for several years and really enjoy your ideas.
Thank you,
Dan
Can you give examples of the consequences? This part I struggle with.
Do you recommend walking laps as a consequence in elementary (K)? I have the warning (grace), move to quiet table, sideline seat, and parent contact with think sheet as consequences. If they had a reminder they also had to walk 5 minutes at next recess. Love to hear your thoughts!