Teaching with Valor A Veteran's Perspective Podcast: "Classroom Management at the Elementary, Middle, and High School"

Welcome back to Teaching with Valor!

 I’m your host, Don Fessenden, and today we’re diving into the wonderful world of classroom management techniques for elementary school. We’ll be exploring the five easiest techniques to keep your classroom running smoothly, as well as how to design your classroom for effective management. 

And of course, we’ll try to have a little fun along the way—because let’s face it, managing a room full of energetic youngsters can be quite the adventure!

I apologize for the length of this episode, but the content dictated the longer episode length.  I hope you enjoy it, and thanks for checking out Teaching with Valor Podcast! 

Stay tuned for more episodes, and remember, every student is unique, and every classroom can be a place where all students succeed. Keep teaching with valor!

Transcript

Don: 0:07

Welcome back to Teaching with Valor! I’m your host, Don Fessenden, and today we’re diving into the wonderful world of classroom management techniques for elementary school. We’ll be exploring the five easiest techniques to keep your classroom running smoothly, as well as how to design your classroom for effective management. And of course, we’ll try to have a little fun along the way—because let’s face it, managing a room full of energetic youngsters can be quite the adventure! Let’s start with our five easiest classroom management techniques: The Magic Clap: Ever felt like you needed a magic wand to get your students’ attention? Well, the Magic Clap might be the next best thing. Simply clap a pattern, like three short claps followed by one long one, and teach your students to respond with the same pattern. This technique is quick, effective, and even a bit musical. Plus, you’ll feel like a maestro every time you do it. The Whisper Technique: This one’s a classic, and it’s all about the power of the whisper. When you need your students to settle down, start speaking in a very soft voice. You’d be amazed at how quickly they quiet down to hear what you’re saying. It’s like magic, but quieter. Who knew that whispering could be such a loud tool? Positive Reinforcement: Reward systems can work wonders. Create a simple chart with stars or stickers for good behavior. When students see their progress, it motivates them to keep up the good work. You can even have small prizes for reaching certain milestones. Just make sure the prizes aren’t all candy—unless you want them bouncing off the walls! The Countdown: Counting down from five(or three, if you’re feeling brave) can help transition your students from one activity to another. The key is to make it fun. You can use different voices, like a robot voice or a superhero voice, to keep it interesting. Just be prepared for them to ask for a dinosaur voice next! The Silent Signal: Establish a silent signal, like raising your hand or flicking the lights, to get your students’ attention. This way, you don’t have to shout over the noise. It’s a simple, non-intrusive way to bring the class back to focus. And if you’re feeling really creative, you can come up with a secret hand signal that only your class knows. Secret agent teachers, unite! Now that we’ve covered some easy techniques, let’s talk about designing your classroom for effective management. The way you set up your classroom can make a big difference in how smoothly things run. Here are some tips: Clear Pathways: Make sure there are clear pathways for students to move around the room. This helps reduce chaos and keeps things organized. Plus, you won’t have to worry about tripping over backpacks or small children during fire drills. Strategic Seating: Arrange desks in a way that allows you to easily see and move around the room. Consider grouping desks for collaborative work or creating a U-shape so everyone can see each other. Just be prepared for the occasional“who kicked my chair?” moment. Zones for Activities: Create specific areas for different activities, like a reading corner, a science station, and an art area. This helps students know where to go for each activity and keeps materials organized. Just be sure to rotate the zones so no one gets too attached to the reading corner beanbag chair. Accessible Supplies: Keep frequently used supplies in easy-to-reach places. This reduces the number of times students need to ask for help and helps foster independence. Just be ready for the occasional“glue stick sword fight” when you’re not looking. Visual Aids: Use posters, charts, and labels to help students navigate the classroom. Visual aids can remind them of rules, routines, and procedures without constant verbal reminders. Plus, they add a bit of flair to your walls. Just make sure to change them up occasionally to keep things fresh and avoid“poster fatigue.” Classroom management doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With these easy techniques and thoughtful classroom design, you can create a positive and productive learning environment for your students. Remember, a well-managed classroom not only makes teaching easier but also makes learning more enjoyable for your students. Now lets look at the five easiest classroom management techniques designed for middle school teachers and also discuss how to design your classroom to foster effective management. And of course, we’ll sprinkle in some humor—because if there’s one thing middle school teaches you, it’s to laugh whenever you can! Middle school is a unique beast. Students are in that delightful phase of life where they’re discovering independence, testing boundaries, and, let’s be honest, sometimes acting like they’ve never set foot in a classroom before. But fear not! Here are five tried-and-true techniques to help you manage your middle school classroom like a pro: The Countdown to Quiet: Similar to elementary techniques, but with a twist. Count down from five, but instead of just expecting silence, engage them by changing up your countdown style. Try using a dramatic voice, or even a superhero pose. It keeps things light and fun, and before they know it, they’re quiet just to see what you’ll do next. The"Do Now" Activity: Start each class with a quick activity that students can do as soon as they walk in. This can be a warm-up question, a short journal entry, or a fun brain teaser. It gives them something to focus on immediately, reducing the initial chaos. Plus, it sets the tone for the class and gets their brains in gear. Use of Humor: Middle schoolers appreciate a good laugh, and humor can be a powerful tool in your classroom management arsenal. A well-timed joke or a funny comment can diffuse tension and build rapport. Just remember, sarcasm can be tricky at this age, so keep it light and positive. Clear Expectations and Consequences: Be crystal clear about your classroom rules and the consequences for breaking them. Middle schoolers need structure, even if they sometimes push against it. Consistency is key here. If you say there’s a consequence for an action, follow through. It helps build trust and respect. Engagement Through Movement: Incorporate movement into your lessons whenever possible. Middle schoolers have a lot of energy, and if you can channel that into productive activities, it helps maintain order. Try activities like“four corners” for discussions or quick physical breaks like“stand and stretch.” Now, let’s talk about designing your classroom for effective management. The layout of your classroom can significantly impact how well you can manage it. Here are some tips: Flexible Seating Arrangements: Arrange desks in clusters or groups to facilitate collaboration, but make sure you have a clear line of sight to all students. Flexibility is crucial; sometimes you’ll need to rearrange for different activities, so make it easy to move things around. Clear Pathways: Just like in elementary, ensure there are clear pathways for easy movement. Middle schoolers are bigger and sometimes clumsier, so avoid bottlenecks and potential tripping hazards. You don’t want a human domino effect during your fire drill. Defined Zones: Create specific zones for different activities, such as a reading nook, a group work area, and a tech station. It helps students know where to go for each part of the lesson and keeps materials organized. Plus, it adds a bit of variety to their day. Accessible Resources: Keep frequently used materials within easy reach. Label bins and shelves clearly so students can find what they need without your help. This fosters independence and reduces interruptions. Just be prepared for the occasional“Where’s the glue?” despite your best labeling efforts. Personal Touches: Add some personal touches to make the classroom feel welcoming. Display student work, motivational posters, or even some of your own quirky decor. It helps build a positive classroom culture and shows students that you care about the environment they’re learning in. For those looking for more resources and references on classroom management, here are a few recommendations:"The First Days of School" by Harry K. Wong and Rosemary T. Wong: This book is a classic and offers practical strategies for classroom management and organization."Classroom Management for Middle and High School Teachers" by Edmund T. Emmer and Carolyn M. Evertson: A great resource tailored specifically for managing older students. Edutopia: This website offers a wealth of articles, videos, and resources on classroom management and other teaching strategies. The Teaching Channel: An excellent resource for video examples of classroom management techniques in action. Classroom management in middle school doesn’t have to be a constant battle. With these techniques and thoughtful classroom design, you can create a structured yet flexible environment where students can thrive. Remember, consistency, clear expectations, and a dash of humor go a long way. Finally, we'll look into the wonderful world of high school classroom management. We’ll cover the five easiest classroom management techniques and also discuss how to design your classroom to support these techniques. As always, we’ll keep things lively with some humor—because if we can’t laugh at the chaos, what can we do? High school students are a unique bunch. They’re on the cusp of adulthood, dealing with a myriad of pressures, and sometimes they know everything... or at least they think they do. Managing a high school classroom effectively requires a blend of respect, structure, and a touch of humor. Let’s dive into our five easiest classroom management techniques for high school: The Power of Routine: Establishing a routine is crucial. Start each class with a consistent opening activity—whether it’s a quick review, a journal prompt, or a discussion question. This sets the tone and gives students a clear structure. High schoolers might pretend they’re too cool for routines, but deep down, they appreciate the predictability. Positive Reinforcement: Recognize and reward positive behavior. It can be as simple as verbal praise, a note of appreciation, or even a small reward system. High school students, despite their tough exteriors, respond well to recognition. When I taught my favorite rewards were Jolly Ranchers, Smarties, and Dum Dums! And often, I would end my classes by passing out a piece of candy to every student. Just make sure the praise is genuine—teenagers have an uncanny ability to sniff out insincerity. Proximity and Presence: Use your physical presence to manage the classroom. Walk around, engage with students, and be present. This not only keeps students on task but also allows you to catch potential issues before they escalate. Plus, you’ll get your steps in for the day—win-win! Clear Expectations and Consequences: Be upfront about your classroom rules and the consequences for breaking them. High school students appreciate knowing where the boundaries are, even if they occasionally test them. Consistency is key—if you say there’s a consequence, follow through. This builds respect and trust. Engagement Through Choice: Whenever possible, give students choices in their learning. Whether it’s choosing topics for a project or selecting between different types of assignments, giving them a say can increase engagement and buy-in. Plus, it reduces the likelihood of hearing,“Why do we have to do this?” for the millionth time. Now, let’s talk about designing your classroom for effective management. The physical layout can significantly impact how well you can manage and engage your students. Here are some tips: Flexible Seating Arrangements: Arrange desks or tables in a way that facilitates discussion and collaboration. Consider clusters, a U-shape, or a circle for group activities. Be ready to switch things up as needed. Flexibility is key—just like in middle school, only now with bigger bodies and even bigger backpacks. Clear Pathways: Ensure there are clear pathways for easy movement around the classroom. This helps prevent the dreaded desk mazes and makes it easier for you to move around and interact with students. Plus, it’s a safety measure—no one wants to trip over a stray backpack. Defined Zones: Create specific areas for different activities, such as a group work zone, a quiet study area, and a tech station. This helps students transition smoothly between activities and keeps the classroom organized. It’s like having mini-classrooms within your classroom. Accessible Resources: Keep frequently used materials within easy reach. Label shelves and bins clearly so students can find what they need without interrupting you. This fosters independence and keeps the classroom running smoothly. And remember, the label“Miscellaneous” should be used sparingly—it’s a black hole. Personal Touches: Add personal touches to make the classroom feel welcoming and reflective of your personality. Display student work, inspirational quotes, or even some quirky decor. It helps build a positive classroom culture and shows students that you care about the environment they’re learning in. For those looking for more resources and references on classroom management, here are a few recommendations:"The First Days of School" by Harry K. Wong and Rosemary T. Wong: This book is a classic and offers practical strategies for classroom management and organization."Classroom Management for Middle and High School Teachers" by Edmund T. Emmer and Carolyn M. Evertson: A great resource tailored specifically for managing older students. Edutopia: This website offers a wealth of articles, videos, and resources on classroom management and other teaching strategies. The Teaching Channel: An excellent resource for video examples of classroom management techniques in action."Teach Like a Champion 2.0" by Doug Lemov: This book is packed with practical techniques and strategies for effective teaching and classroom management. Classroom management in high school doesn’t have to be a Herculean task. With these techniques and thoughtful classroom design, you can create an environment where students are engaged, respectful, and ready to learn. Remember, consistency, clear expectations, and a touch of humor go a long way. It's time for our special bonus segment of Teaching with Valor! And today we’re tackling a question that’s on the minds of many parents:"How can I support my child’s learning at home?" We’ll break it down into three parts—elementary, middle, and high school—so you’ll have the right tools no matter your child’s age. And of course, we’ll keep things light and fun, because education should be enjoyable for everyone involved. Let's get started! In Elementary School: Planting the Seeds of Learning Alright, let’s start with our littlest learners in elementary school. At this stage, it’s all about laying a strong foundation and making learning fun. Here are some tips: Create a Learning Space: Designate a quiet, well-lit area for homework and study time. It doesn’t have to be fancy—just a small desk or a corner of the dining table will do. Decorate it with fun supplies and maybe a few of your child’s art projects to make it inviting. Think of it as their mini office, but without the TPS reports! And if you haven't seen the movie"Office Space," it's a cult favorite that I highly recommend! Read Together: Reading with your child is one of the best ways to support their learning. Pick books that interest them and make it a daily habit. Use funny voices for different characters—it’s a guaranteed hit. And remember, graphic novels and comic books count too! Educational Games: Integrate learning into playtime with educational games. Board games like Scrabble Junior, online games like ABCmouse, or even classic card games can help with math and reading skills. Who knew Monopoly could be an economics lesson in disguise? Homework Help: Be involved in your child’s homework without doing it for them. Ask guiding questions and encourage them to think critically. If they’re stuck, take a break and tackle the problem together later. And if all else fails, YouTube tutorials are a lifesaver! Routine and Consistency: Establish a consistent homework routine. Set a specific time each day for homework and stick to it. Consistency helps children know what to expect and reduces homework battles. And yes, this means you too have to be consistent—no sneaking in an extra episode of their favorite show. Some Resources: ABCmouse: An online educational program for kids ages 2-8. PBS Kids: Offers a variety of educational games and videos. Scholastic: Great resources for reading and learning activities. Middle School: Navigating the Tween Years Middle school is where things get a bit more complex. Hormones are raging, and the homework load is heavier. Here’s how you can help: Stay Organized: Help your child use a planner to keep track of assignments, tests, and projects. Color-coding by subject can make it more engaging. And let’s be honest, we adults could probably use a color-coded planner too. Encourage Independence: Middle schoolers need to start taking more responsibility for their learning. Encourage them to tackle homework on their own but be available for questions. It’s like teaching them to ride a bike—you’ll need to let go of the handlebars eventually. Discuss School Daily: Make it a habit to talk about school every day. Ask open-ended questions about what they learned, what was challenging, and what they enjoyed. And when they inevitably give you the one-word answer, try not to take it personally. Utilize Online Resources: There are fantastic online resources like Khan Academy that can help with tough subjects. Encourage your child to use these tools when they’re stuck. It’s like having a tutor available 24/7, minus the awkward small talk. Stay in Touch with Teachers: Keep an open line of communication with your child’s teachers. Attend parent-teacher conferences and don’t hesitate to reach out if you have concerns. Teachers appreciate involved parents—just don’t be the helicopter kind. Additional Resources: Khan Academy: Free online courses and tutorials on various subjects. Quizlet: Great for creating study sets and flashcards. Common Sense Media: Reviews and recommendations for educational apps and websites. High School: Preparing for the Real World High school students are preparing for adulthood, and the stakes feel higher. Here’s how you can support them without stepping on their independence: Encourage Time Management: High schoolers juggle multiple responsibilities. Teach them time management skills by helping them prioritize tasks and set realistic goals. And remind them that procrastination is not a viable strategy—although we’ve all been there. Be a Study Partner: Offer to quiz them before tests or review their essays. Even if you don’t understand the material, your interest shows you care. And hey, you might just learn something new about quantum physics! Promote Extracurriculars: Encourage your child to participate in extracurricular activities. Whether it’s sports, drama, or the Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Course, if your high school is lucky enough to have one in your district. These activities build valuable skills and can even boost college applications. Plus, it keeps them off their phones for at least an hour a day. Discuss Future Plans: Talk about college and career goals. Help them research options and understand the steps needed to achieve their dreams. Just remember to keep the conversation supportive—no one likes a drill sergeant when planning their future. Emotional Support: High school can be stressful. Be there to listen and offer emotional support. Sometimes, all they need is a shoulder to cry on or someone to rant to about the unfairness of algebra. And don’t forget to share your own high school horror stories—they’ll appreciate the solidarity. Some more Resources: College Board: Information on S-A-T, college applications, and scholarships. Coursera: Free and paid courses on a variety of subjects. Edmodo: A platform for students and teachers to connect and share resources. No matter the age, supporting your child’s learning at home is all about balance, engagement, and showing that you care. It’s a journey filled with ups and downs, but with the right tools and a sense of humor, you can make it a rewarding experience for both you and your child. Thank you for joining us on this special bonus segment of Teaching with Valor. We hope you found today’s discussion both informative and enjoyable. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast and visit our website for additional resources and information. Stay tuned for our next episode, where we’ll continue to explore vital issues in education. Until then, stay safe, stay informed, and let’s continue to teach with valor.