Classroom Survival Tips

The Delaware State Education Association offers you many ways to become successful in your chosen profession. Over the years, DSEA members have developed helpful workshops, seminars, tips and other assistance to help you succeed in the classroom.

Here are a few words of wisdom from fellow educators about classroom management...

Get lesson plans in order and be organized.

Look at the student to whom you are speaking.
Don't disapprove of what a child is - disapprove of what he or she does.
Let the class relax occasionally, but make sure they know to return to the required behavior when they are asked.
Be fair but firm. Enforce your rules consistently, fairly and impersonally.
Give attention and praise for good behavior.
Don't show favoritism.
Let students know you care and will help before and after school, provided they are trying. Let them know you WANT to help them.
Keep full control.
Discourage tattling.
Make positive statements as often as possible.
Stop unwanted noise as soon as it starts.
At the beginning of the school year, hold firm to classroom rules. It is easier to let up than tighten up.
Give clear, concise behavior rules at the beginning of school. Stick to them.
Reprimand a student in private whenever possible and feasible.
Do not threaten students but do explicitly spell out the consequences of their negative behavior.
Assign punishment impersonally and justly.
Have a regular order of procedure. Be open, approachable and friendly.
Let each student feel your interest. Be genuine. Allow for various abilities as well as interest when making assignments.
Follow through and SMILE OFTEN.