One potential cause of disruptive behavior is inaccessible curriculum. If the curriculum is too difficult or if students are bored, they may resort to challenging behavior in order to have their needs met. You can promote academic success by being aware of your students' diverse learning styles. Engage students by offering a variety of teaching materials and options for demonstrating their knowledge. Often, when you put strategies in place for children who need them, you will find many other students who benefit. Considering the needs of individuals with emotional or behavior concerns will help you plan effectively for all of your students. Children who are interested and involved in meaningful learning activities have fewer opportunities to act out.
From day one, make sure that students know what they need to do, how to do it, where to do it, and what to do when they are finished. Establish routines at the beginning of the school year for coming into class, signaling attention, collecting papers, handing out books and materials, moving to the carpet area, and transitioning to other areas in the school. Second grade students respond very well to visual prompts, movement or music. You can easily gain their attention by putting your hands on your head or snapping a rhythm and expecting them to follow your lead. Strategies like these can add an element of fun while giving students the time they need to respond.
Convey clear expectations. Three to five simple rules are best for primary students. Vocabulary should be at their level and the rules should be easy to remember. If you take the time to involve students in brainstorming and selection of classroom rules, they will be more likely to stick to them. Use positive language, when possible. "Raise your hand" teaches an appropriate behavior whereas "No interrupting" scolds without correcting. Make sure you give students time to discuss a variety of examples of compliance and non-compliance to make sure they really understand. Discussion and role play of the rules early in the school year can also be an effective prelude to lessons about respect and diversity. Post your rules and review them regularly. Pictures or symbols can increase understanding for students who have unique learning needs or have not yet learned to read fluently.
Students are more likely to repeat behavior when they receive positive reinforcement. A classroom reward system, where students can earn prizes or activities, establishes a sense of community and cooperation. Apply consequences consistently when children do not abide by the rules, but place your emphasis on prevention and affirmations. Move around the room rather than supervising from a desk. Students know you will be actively monitoring activities, and will be less likely to misbehave. Engage in five positive interactions for every negative one. Reflect on your own interactions with students, model the behavior you expect to see, and make it a priority to "catch them being good." With these strategies in place, you are well on your way to effective classroom management.