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Consistency, consistency, consistency! This article outlines some great tips on how to create a classroom environment that is under control, but also equally engaged. There is an emphasis on the need for consistency in terms of addressing behaviour, right from the start of the school year. "If other students see that you are serious about enforcing your rules, they will be less likely to test your limits. And test they will." Consistency in this case does not only refer to when you address negative behaviour, but also HOW. Students should feel that you're targeting the behaviour and not them. The article also provides some insight into how classroom set-up can affect behaviour (and how changing things around can better it), how using a variety of teaching strategies can help in managing your class, and how it is okay to ask for help in dealing with students with recurring problematic behaviours.

This article talks about some of the ways to hold students accountable for their own learning, as well as their behaviour in the classroom. I also found it helpful as it explains some of the factors that may lead to behavioural problems amongst students(i.e. overworking kids, too many outside of school responsibilities, etc...). Definitely an article worth checking out.

This article provides suggestions on classroom management techniques for children with ODD. It starts out with a description of the behaviour and best practice techniques. It also provides a variety of links to suggestion behaviour management techniques that are proven effective in the classroom. The article also provides links for having a proactive classroom and behaviour contracts.

You cannot ignore bad behaviour or it will just get worse. Here are some basic rules to dealing with bad behaviour: 1-bad behavior, not bad person 2-act but do not react 3-analyze, then respond 4-be consistent and fair The article continues to discuss other issues like inattention, side conversations, heckling, threatening and fighting. In the extreme case of students fighting one another, you should never put yourself between the fighters unless you are certain you can end it with little harm to anyone. The article is from changingminds.org and contains many other great articles.

This site has a list of 41 links that are topics relating to classroom management. It is put together by The Teacher Development Network. The site is organized similar to our Diigo group but more concise. There are small descriptions of most of the links. Some examples of topics are: Classroom management plans; Bullying in school and what to do about it; Conflict Resolution; Managing classroom behaviour; Discipline techniques that backfire; Classroom leadership and Engaged learning. This would be a great site to check out for a wide range of classroom management ideas, as well as behaviour and discipline plans.

This is an article written by Harriet Wall, a teacher, trainer, and consultant of behaviour management and restorative justice. The article, entitled "Restorative justice: behaviour and relationship management in schools" goes through what restorative justice is and how and why it can be effective in the classroom. The author offers some suggestions of how teachers can employ restorative justice and how they might already be doing so without knowing it.

Based on a literature review of publications on classroom management, 20 effective strategies were identified. These strategies were evaluated based on evidence based practices. A few strategies that seemed particularly helpful were 1. Maximize structure and predictability 2. Use a variety of ways to acknowledge appropriate behaviour 3. Use a variety of ways to acknowledge inappropriate behaviour

Here is a book website about a different way to deal with challenging children. It explains that there are 2 main reasons for children have challenging behaviour. These reasons are that the child has lagging skills in some area(s) and the have unsolved problems. The site has a link to a list of common lagging skills. If the website piques your interest, I recommend the book "Lost at School" by Dr. Ross Greene.

This site describes different behaviour types. As well it talks about classroom management strategies for different types of behaviours and common mistakes made in the classroom.

Faced with a difficult situation? Difficult student? This is an archive of how to deal with common difficult situations (i.e., cheating, low participation, "homework stragglers", teasing, vandalism, behaviour during assemblies, etc.) as well as handling difficult students (i.e., the aggressive student, the arguer, the backtalker, the class clown, the complainer, the talker, the perfectionist, the shy student, etc.). Just click on what you're interested in or what you need tips on. There is also a section entitled "The ABC's of Bullying Prevention", where topics such as cyber bullying, understanding the bully, bully-proofing your class, and helping victims of bullying are discussed. Each section has an explanation of the issues at hand as well as a "what you can do" list of things for you to try in each situation.

In part 3 of this free online resource the need for empowerment for students is featured. Offering authentic praise and encouragment is a proven way to encourage students to work hard and repeat appropriate behaviours. Tips on offering authentic and appropriate praise are offered in this section.

This is a game that any teacher can use to improve the behaviour of his/her students. It's a point system and the students compete against the students.

This is a good resource for new teachers to consult for typical behavior situations teachers face on a daily basis. It provides a small scenario with a few tips on how to best deal with the issues at hand. Each point offers a different method, given that all students have differing reactions to different classroom management techniques. All these ideas are authentic situations posted by teachers on how to manage some of the most common behavioral challenges in the classroom.

Great strategies for specific classroom management problems. Going into an associate teacher's classroom you do not get the chance to develop classroom culture. This site shows many tips for dealing with different behavioral problems in the classroom you may encounter as a student teacher in your final practicum. The one for a student constantly calling out came in really handy for me already! An important idea we have learned in class is represented here too : "Be sure the child understands that it is not he/she who is unacceptable, but rather the behavior."

Although this is a little bit old, it still applies. Harry and Rosemary Wong talk about the differences between classroom management and classroom discipline. They discuss the fact that many new teachers have difficulty distinguishing between the two, leaving them with the complications of trying to resolve behaviour problems and little time to structure a classroom management plan. The article talks about different procedures and routines, as well as misconceptions that new teachers may have.

This article reminds teachers to communicate with parents on their child's behaviour from day one and lists the benefits to communicating with parents. The article also lists tips on what and how to say what you have to say to parents.

Although this video seems to be geared towards intermediate/senior teachers, it provides useful strategies that can be implemented at any grade level. I especially found strategies about teaching behaviour to improve academic success and consulting with colleagues about classroom management related issues very useful.

This is a link to a restorative justice lesson plan. The lesson plan focuses on teaching students how to develop restorative consequences as a group. In order to do this, students participate in a classroom meeting/restorative justice circle. Students learn about coming to a consensus, how to come up with consequences for offenders, and why offenders commit crimes As a result of this lesson, students will learn how restorative justice can help offenders to stop their negative behaviours and how this can be incorporated into a classroom setting.

Toronto krumping team Northbuck take their program "Kumping out Crime" into GTA area schools to give kids a creative outlet for their aggression. The program enrolls students in three-hour sessions after school that include tutoring, a free meal and krumping lessons. Northbuck also teach students about "leadership, co-operation, non-violent conflict resolution, and the difference between a positive lifestyle and drugs and alcohol." Principals who have invested in the program have noticed a marked improvement in their school's social environment including less prevalent behavioural issues and amalgamation of various racial and cultural groups.

Why stay inside? Taking your students outside can actually improve classroom management and reduce behavioural problems by getting students interested and moving! This article lists reasons to take your class outside, tips for teaching a lesson outside and supplies you may want to take along with you! Happy exploring!

Beware of the honeymoon period! This article is a reminder about the importance of being proactive in the classroom. Instead of coming up with a bunch on incentive/reward programs, create a classroom packed with interesting instruction that will curb time to distraction. Keep them interested and they will not need to amuse themselves!