Redistributing praise will give every student the opportunity to do something well. Thank a student for raising their hand to speak. Give praise to the entire class, like “Thanks everyone for turning in your assignment on time!”[1] X Trustworthy Source Child Mind Institute Nonprofit organization providing evidence-based care for children with mental health and learning disorders and their families Go to source
If a student is not understanding something, offer to show them after class. If a student keeps interrupting class discussion, ask them personally if there is something they would like to talk about one-on-one at a later time. If a student is really passionate about one subject, offer them additional reading materials on the topic. [3] X Research source
Break frequency and length is personal preference. Aim to take breaks after long sections on one topic or when your students look like their attention is fading. Don’t take breaks longer than just a few minutes so they don’t interfere with your teaching time. You can also find a relevant, short, and fun video on the internet to play as an intermission. Giving breaks will also offer encouragement and a reward. You can say something like, “Okay class, after we finish the first draft of the essay, we will take a five minute reading break. ” Regular breaks will keep students from burning out and help them be more productive. [4] X Expert Source Jai FlickerAcademic Tutor Expert Interview. 20 May 2020.
Write the students’ names on a Popsicle craft stick. Pick the stick in order to select the student to call on. You can also assign each student a number and write the number down. Pick a stick and select the student who was assigned the same number as what is written on the stick. Use this when assigning student jobs or choosing helpers as well.
Grouping things in threes or fives can make it easier to remember.
Small tasks will build responsibility, and responsibility will lead to better behavior. [5] X Research source
Once they are familiar with this circular seating arrangement, your students will establish their own personal space in your classroom. Knowing their spot can help improve overall behavior because they get comfortable with this viewpoint. [6] X Research source
You can write things like, “watch movie,” “finish practice problems,” or “take test. ”
For math classes, play a game such as Jeopardy, and have students answer math problems correctly for points. The students or team with the most correct answers win. For English classes, try using “popcorn” reading, where one student reads a paragraph, and then calls on another student in the class to read the next paragraph. This keeps students listening and aware. [7] X Research source
Making students feel good about themselves and their behavior is your goal. [8] X Research source
This may go something like this:“John, that wasn’t a very nice response. Why is that a mean thing to say?” [9] X Research source
If necessary, this is a time to carry though with disciplinary actions, like detention or suspension.
