To manage a pre-kindergarten classroom, use the first day to inform children what's expected of them. Present students with a creative visual aid that details class rules in a simple, straightforward way. Keep rules posted in a prominent location, easily visible to everyone in the room. Each day, go over the rules as a group. Put it into rhyme or sing-song form to make them easy to memorize.
Pre-kindergarten children need structure and routine in order to thrive. Children should know what they're supposed to be doing at all times of the day, and should have individual chores and responsibilities to understand the importance of pitching in, working together and being accountable. If they all know what they're supposed to be doing, it's easier to re-direct children who are off task.
Organization is a big part of classroom management. Place materials for learning and play neatly in clear plastic bins, in specifically designated areas. For example, you should keep paint supplies separate from crayons and building blocks separate from action figures. Kids should know exactly how to find what they need and understand the importance of putting items back where they belong.
Colorful and creative visual aids around the classroom help class time flow efficiently. Post up ABCs, numbers, colors, shapes, types of food, seasons, clocks and other information you want children to review daily. Keeping these ideas visible helps kids remember what they're supposed to be thinking about and keep them on task.
Manage child behavior with positive reinforcement. Praise children with animated tones and facial expressions when they've done something right. Reprimand them with a non-expressive face and calm tone when they do something wrong, and don't demean them or yell. Help kids feel proud of themselves by putting up pictures of them all around the room looking happy, smiling and working together. Include phrases such as, "Shooting Star," "Class Helper" or "Teamwork." In moments of tension, make children feel as if they have choices instead of bossing them around. Rather than saying, "Sit down now!", say, "You can sit in the green chair or the yellow chair, but you have to sit down." Help them understand how their behavior affects everyone. Say, "We can't begin painting until everyone is seated."