Lesson plans are one of your most powerful classroom management tools. They control what your students learn and the timeframe in which they learn it. Consistently executing your lesson plans as written is challenging, and perhaps impossible, but they can still help you to keep the class on track. For example, when covering the history of an ancient civilization, plan the days you want to spend covering the civilization's geographical location, agricultural habits, social structure and contributions to modern society. Tying the lesson into the current bearing it has on the lives of students helps to keep the children interested. Provide the children with hands-on assignments to further engage them with the material, such as by drawing a map of the geographical location or creating some of the crude devices the ancient culture used to make life easier. However, be careful. The hands-on approach keeps children entertained, but it can slow classroom progress if they have trouble keeping up with the assignment.
Sight is perhaps one of the most important senses when it comes to classroom observation, but you should not ignore your other senses. For example, sight does not do you much good when your back is to the class, so rely on your hearing and sense of smell to help monitor your students. Hearing allows you to detect whispers and other disturbances, while your sense of smell allows you to detect classroom contraband, such as strong perfumes or food.
Making your expectations clear from the beginning will help you to control your classroom. Tell your students that you expect them to meet deadlines, give you proper respect and remain silent while you are speaking and during independent study times. Outline the rules and then explain the consequences for infractions. Once you set these boundaries, the students will understand exactly what you expect, preventing disturbances caused by students' misunderstanding appropriate classroom conduct. Speak with the principal to discuss proper recourse for misbehavior instead of making empty threats. When the children reward you with good behavior, pay them back with a reward, such as early dismissal from class or a night without homework.
Visual obstructions and improperly placed desks can diminish your ability to monitor and manage your classroom. Every student should have a clear view of the front of the room. You should be able to stand at your chalkboard or desk and view every student clearly. This helps you to keep track of your students' actions while also enabling students to follow your lessons. Keeping a tidy classroom also cuts down on distractions for the students, making it easier for them to focus on you.