One way for teachers to establish classroom management is by introducing students, from the first day, to classroom guidance. Classroom guidance is a set of standards and expectations that are developed by the teacher and designed to maintain order and respect among students. An example of a guidance expectation is the concept of retaliation. If a student bullies another student, the victim does not have the right to bully back or retaliate against the bully. Classroom guidance is best taught through activities that engage students and get them to think about appropriateness and best choices. These lessons are valuable for students to learn classroom etiquette, such as how to not disrupt others while they are learning.
Rules are different than guidance, because they are hardcore facts instead of teaching students how to interpret and react to particular situations. Every teacher should establish a set of classroom rules so that her schoolroom does not become a mecca for chaos. Classroom rules should be easy for students to understand and straight to the point, such as, "No interrupting others," and, "Always ask permission to use the facilities." Rules also add a sense of accountability to students; if a student is "unruly," the teacher has a direct reference of the rule that was broken.
Try to manage your classroom through a strengths-based approach. When students break a rule or make a poor behavioral decision, help them see how things can be improved the next time around rather than using a punish-approach. Elementary students may be more receptive to correcting negative behaviors when they feel supported, rather than embarrassed or shamed.
Do not be afraid to seek parental involvement when necessary. Classroom management does not have to be solely between the teacher and the students. An extension to the parents may be required to help correct continuous behavioral issues in the classroom. Parental involvement lets students be aware that school is not an isolated activity separate from home life. As such, parents and teachers can work together to manage rowdy children.