You, as a teacher, lay the groundwork for good classroom management long before you step foot into the classroom. Good discipline in the classroom has as much to do with the attitude and behavior of the teacher as with that of the children. Your part helps prevent problems from even happening and largely stems from preparing.
Preparing the lesson
Preparing for transitions
Preparing for breaks in routine
Also, becoming more aware of what is happening in the students’ homes prepares you by giving you insight into potential behavior problems.
And, praying regularly for your students, as well as your teaching, invites the Spirit of God to go before you and prepare the way. Without the work of the Holy Spirit, even the most prepared and well executed lesson will do little to yield spiritual results.
Tips that Provide Basic Out-of-Class Strategies
The five tips which follow, expounded on in the Handbook on the Basics of Classroom Discipline, are instrumental in helping you prevent problems. They enable you to be prepared for what could happen.
- Adequately prepare for your lesson.
- Plan well for those transitional times between activities.
- Plan for the effects of changing weather patterns, holidays, or other breaks in routine.
- Acquaint yourself with each student’s home situation.
- Pray regularly for each student.