Classroom Management- Creative and fun ways to tackle issues in the classroom

One the first day of my class, I encourage students to help me set up norms/rules  and the consequences of norm breaking for the class, it is a fun process where students work in groups and we prepare a list of these norms on a chart paper and paste it on the wall. It serves as a constant reminder of the rules.

In a situation wherein one or more of my students-

Misbehave/ are distracted/ don't do their homework/ break rules/ disturb the class/ interrupt unnecessarily/ come late for the class;

I come up with impromptu fun punishments to tackle some of the misbehaviors in class for example-

•  If my student comes late for the class I first ask him the reason for doing so, and if it is genuine and acceptable I allow him/her in the class, if it is not justified then I either make him sing a song or explain a concept previously taught in class or give him/her time to prepare a key concept and teach it to the entire class.

•  If I find someone distracted of lost in his/her thoughts, I usually make a light hearted statement to make that student as well as the other students laugh and then get them on track to focus.

• In the English language class, if any my students speak a language other than the target language English, I fine them one chocolate per word. I keep these chocolates in a box and at the end of the week, the most hardworking students gets this box of chocolates.

I always try to be unbiased and ensure that all the students get equal treatment and attention. I try my best to keep the learning environment fun and positive. The day I teach a very difficult or boring concept, I ask any one of my students to come forward and sing a song, share a joke/ funny incident or do mimicry; this helps to cheer them up. I always try to share interesting facts, anecdotes, and jokes while teaching to keep my students happy as well as focused. I try to give them innovative tasks and activities to utilize their learning without getting predictable.  

I regularly motivate my students, encourage and applaud efforts by giving small rewards like chocolates/pens/pencils/smiley badges/muffins etc. or privileges and responsibilities. I try to become their mentor and facilitator rather than just a teacher. I draw a thin line of distance and respect by being friendly but not their friend. I thus establish a healthy and positive relationship with my students. Hence my students look forward to my class, and in most cases are well behaved.