It’s not to teach your classroom management plan.
With an out-of-control class, bringing up rules right away will fall on deaf ears. No, the first step after losing control or taking over an unruly class is to remove excitability.
You see, in poorly behaved classrooms excitability is always present.
The students can’t sit still. They can’t stay quiet. They can’t listen or even look in the same direction.
The culture is broken and can only heal when restlessness, tension, and agitation are removed. Only then can you introduce your classroom management plan and get a handle on misbehavior.
But how? How do you settle a stirred beehive?
There is a way. It takes discipline and confidence, but it works no matter the class. In fact, it’s been used over and over again here at SCM. It might be one of our most tested strategies.
So what is it?
It’s to become so calm yourself that your peaceful energy spreads to every student in the class. I know it sounds new-agey, but it’s effective.
Optimally, you want to be in a complete state of calm, both body and mind, before your students arrive. Your breaths full, your body loose, your moves graceful and efficient.
You may want to take time to sit in silence, meditate, or do some light stretching. Once in front of your students, continue to breathe—fully, in and out, focusing on the exhale.
Often it’s best just to stand and let your energy seep like a fog rolling over the bustle of a big city. Smile, make eye contact, say hello if you wish.
By your presence alone you’re pulling your students into your corner, on your side, and within your sphere of influence. Your calm likability will give you just enough space to be heard and listened to.
When you do speak you may have to gently ask students to sit and quiet down. You may have to repeat yourself. At this initial stage, it’s okay. Move up and down the aisles, making connections and asking for compliance.
Do not threaten or make demands. Do not get frustrated or show fear.
Keep your voice soft but confident. Pause often. As the tension and excitability starts to lift, then stroll to the front. Stand in one place and breathe. Breathe some more.
Your students may think you’re weird but they’ll be drawn to you. You’ll see more eyes and smiles and deeper breaths. A relaxed vibe will settle over the room.
If they’re still restless, ask them to stand and follow you in some easy stretching.
This will get them heading in the right direction, listening, following instruction, doing what you’re asking them to do—all of which will transfer once they sit down. Stretch from side to side. Twist back and forth.
Do a standing yoga pose or two. Continue until all but a small few are following along.
Now you should have them, a short window of time and space where they’re ready to begin listening and learning. If it takes longer, fine. But sweep excitability out first.
Build connection. Establish likability. Bring in fresh oxygen, a new vibe, and a common, more peaceful wavelength. Breathe in and out. Smile.
Now teach your classroom management plan like your life depended on it.
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Thank you, thank you! Can’t wait to get back in my classroom and do this
In the category 4 storm that is this first year back after COVID, you have been
a lifeline. I can’t thank you enough for the wisdom you have shared with these blogs because they have helped me teach my 4th graders how to “do school” again after too little structure and too much uncertainty. Thank you, thank you, thank you! I look forward to meeting the chaos that greets me after spring break with Zen and equanimity. 🧘♀️🙏
I agree! I try to send as many battle-weary colleagues here as possible. This year has been hard but wonderful, thank you so much, Michael. I’ve bern watching your fb videos too, they are great!
I am a first year teacher after COVID shut down. I am delighted in teaching art in K-5 building. I am having a hard time managing my classes. Thank you for all your information and articles. My Professional Goal Plan this year is classroom management. Smart classroom management web site and group have been a good sent to me.
Michael has a specific book on classroom management for art, music and PE teachers and that changed my art teaching life! Highly recommend it.
This is so true. I have a very difficult class and so does my teammate who is out on medical leave. I am in charge of two classes of unduly kids with a sub. I was coming home shaking and crying every.single.day…….it was beginning to affect my health. They.will.not.listen……they.will.not.stay.in their.seats……they.will.not.stop.taking………finally, I noticed that when I calmed down, I saw some difference. I am their stability right now, and I have to accept that. I have begun playing calming music while they work, and we are now able to have the video showing while they work. It may be an ocean, it may be flowers or birds, just something in nature. I believe this has helped. We ended up having to set a couple of rules about staying in seats and that like, but I see small differences. There are still two unruly classes, but they have improved since the beginning of the year. These posts help to reaffirm that I am doing the right thing as well as the best I can. Thank you!
Sending you calming energy, prayers and wishes for a positive end of year experience. You may need to shut Administration out of your mind … let it go in one ear and out the other. Don’t worry, whatever they say will change in a couple of weeks anyway. Breathe, count, visualize your happy space.
So true – this too shall pass!
I agree. This is their transition year. If we stay calm, pleasant and focused on learning, they will eventually join us again. I regularly use movement/yoga/mindfulness strategies in the classroom. The kids balk at first but soon enough they begin to really enjoy it and see the benefits of it. These kids were starved of social interaction for such a long time that this year socializing is their priority. Acknowledge it, allow a bit of time for it and then get down to business. They’ll soon follow your lead if you’re consistent.
You’re on the right track – small things with LOVE everyday. My work in the classroom is a compassion practice now. I try do what is best for my students and myself. Accept that we are in a state of recovery and change in education, and students are leading the way. Stay the course – you can do it!
We do spelling together. I tell them we are playing with the words, and working on cursive penmanship. It is noisy, then less noisy, then quiet. People offering a word, we consider, write some more. The whole room just relaxes after coming in after a wild PE. It is amazing.
I loved this article. I related to it. It reminded me of when I did respiration relaxation when my students came back from recess. They were acting all like crazy and sweaty then I thought about this relaxation as a routine routine because just have to looking at them made me crazy. They were 9 grade schoolers.
THIS WORKS!!!!As a 28 year veteran teacher who has taught 2, 3, 4, 5 and now 7th. This is the only way I keep my sanity. Thanks for confirming techniques I’ve practiced for YEARS! I read your articles for affirmation of effective teaching practices and to see if this old dog can learn new tricks. I’ve done “brain gym”, varieties of Yoga and reading inspirational books out loud like “who moved my cheese for teens” and “7 habits of highly effective teens along with soothing music. Thanks again.
I cannot tell you how much this approach to classroom management has meant to me. I knew at the end of last year that I needed to make a change, but I didn’t want to leave teaching, but it had just depleted me! I was exhausted emotionally, physically, mentally. I’d been teaching for 30 years, and I still had good years left in me, but not the way I was doing it before. I bought all the books; I read all the email posts. I decided to go in with this new plan. I was so nervous! However, now it is April, and it has been a completely different year. I’m thoroughly enjoying my class. I still have struggles, but I’m not completely depleted like before. All I can say is thank you, thank you, thank you to Michael Linsin for sharing his strategies and wisdom with us!
I am looking forward to trying this tomorrow. I do leave feeling depleted and frustrated every day. I feel like this will work. Now….to get in there early, that is a hardship but I think it will be well worth it. Thank you so much for this information.
Any suggestions on titles of soothing music. I will try anything.
Michael I just want to say you are you one of the few sane voices in education. Thanks for everything
Yes, the most important thing to do is to gain control of the class as soon as possible, no matter what method you use. Always remain calm!