The time between activities, when students don't have anything particular to do, can often lead to chaos. In order to avoid an unruly classroom, have some filler activities on hand. Create photocopies of coloring sheets, set out simple games and puzzles and keep crayons and paper easily accessible. When children have completed a task, yet there isn't quite enough time to begin another detailed activity, offer students these simple, yet engaging activities to them occupied. This approach to classroom management will help to keep behavior under control and keep the peace in your classroom.
Use a point system to keep your classroom controlled. Create a list of classroom rules and review them with your students. Award individual students, or the whole class, points when you notice they are following the rules. When students or the class are not following rules, don't award points or deduct points if they really fall off track. Upon reaching a predetermined amount of points, offer a prize to individual students or the class. Student prizes may consist of extra recess time or a small token; pencils, stickers, a bookmark, etc. For class prizes, a small party, a movie day or some other fun whole-class activity may be in order.
When your class gets unruly, capture their attention without saying a word; simply shut off the lights. This silent, yet easily noticeable cue will indicate to students that they should stop what they are doing and put their heads on their desks, or give you their undivided attention. Once you have everyone's attention, proceed to discuss inappropriate behavior, or explain to students exactly what it is that they should be doing.
An alternative to the lights-out approach, clapping for attention is another way that you can quickly grab your students' attention to get them back on track. When students are becoming unruly, or simply aren't doing what they have been assigned to do, clap out a rhythm. When your students hear this clap, they should stop what they are doing and clap the rhythm back to you. Repeat the clapping pattern until you have everyone's undivided attention and offer directions or correct students' behavior.