Being an effective classroom manager is about creating an environment in which teachers are free to teach, and students are free to learn (Walsh, 2009). In order to create this kind of environment, teachers need to establish a good classroom management system. Here are four examples of the systems that I've tried with my learners!
1. ClassDojo
Procedure:
1. Set up a class (www.classdojo.com).
2. Edit Students.
Project the avatars.
Students take turns to choose and describe their avatars (It’s purple, it’s got 3 eyes, etc.).
3. Edit Skills.
Customise Positive and Needs Work behaviours.
Involve the learners into the process! They love deciding which behaviours should be worth more than 1 point! Also, try to include even the smallest positive behaviour to ensure that everyone can win points.
Tips:
Once everything is set up, look out for a behaviour to give a point to. Don’t project the points but have the sound on letting your students know you’re rewarding good behaviour/attitude! You’ll see that praising children is more effective than disciplining them.
Children can suggest a friend gets a point (but they should explain to me why).
Reset the points at the end of the day.
ClassDojo can be also useful when it comes to making groups, timing activities, and picking students for tasks.
2. Clip chart
Each student has a clothespin with his or her name on it. Everyone starts the lesson on the green “Ready to learn” level. Move the clips up or down based on the children's behaviour/attitude in class.
Example 1:
Example 2:
Tip: Students should know why their clothespins are moved up or down.
3. Fill the jar
You'll need two jars, one is for the class and the other is yours. When the children are on task or make an effort, a pom-pom from your jar is added to the class jar.
This classroom management system is positive based as children never lose anything from their jar.
Tip: Decide together with the students when they'll be getting a pom-pom and what special treat they'll receive once the jar is filled.
4. Superstar
Procedure:
1. Draw a line on the board.
2. Stick a star in the middle of the line.
3. Move the star to the right when the children show a positive attitude in class.
4. If the star reaches the end of the line, the children get a "prize".
Tips:
Before incorporating this system, talk to the children and decide on a list of positive and negative behaviours.
Decide on the "prize" together with the children.
Always tell the children why you're moving the star to the left or right.
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