Classroom Arrangement Strategies

• Classroom management expert Fred Jones states that teacher mobility is the primary objective for any classroom arrangement strategy. An effective classroom seating arrangement will provide free discipline while directing the student's attention to the teacher. Students won't recognize that the seating arrangement is actually a classroom management tool the teacher is using for that purpose. Classroom seating arrangements should minimize distractions and allow each student to clearly see the chalkboard or interactive whiteboard. The arrangement should be flexible enough to accommodate various classroom activities or learning centers and not obstruct the doorway in case of an emergency.
  
  

Classroom Disruption Prevention

• Teachers are effective classroom managers, excellent multitaskers and professionals who know the value of preventing a disruption. Disruptions waste valuable time within a classroom, as it may take a long time moving the classroom back on track after the disruption. Keeping students focused is one of the best classroom management practices for any classroom age level. Keeping students on task, providing stimulating seat work, maintaining a brisk classroom pace and overlapping classroom events will keep the classroom moving forward and will help to prevent disruption. Remove disrupting items, including sports equipment or art materials, during classroom instruction. During reading block or testing, tape a note on the outside of the door stating "Testing. Do Not Disturb." It will be respected and understood. Some school districts actually mandate that classes cannot be disturbed during reading block.
  
  

Making Classroom Connections

• Teachers can most effectively teach their students when they know their students. Take the time to connect with the classroom students. If a teacher makes a connection, the student will open up to her and become more teachable. Create monthly birthday celebrations or weekly talk times when you can get to know students and they can know you. Ask students to fill out questionnaires or write in journals. Write back to them. You will find a wealth of information about their home life, their past and what they hope for their future.
  
  

Classroom Rules of Conduct

• Establish rules of conduct within the classroom. Communicate to the students that you expect high behavioral standards. Give clear instructions on how to follow the rules and reiterate the rules consistently. Promote a sense of self-discipline within the classroom and reward positive behavior. Post the classroom rules on the wall, as well as disciplinary consequences of breaking the classroom rules.