Classroom Management That Actually Works

This week’s reading on classroom management really affirmed a lot of what I’ve learned over the years, but it also gave me a few new things to think about. One concept that stood out was the idea of establishing a positive learning environment right from the start. Slavin (2020) emphasizes the importance of consistency and clarity when it comes to routines and expectations, and I couldn’t agree more. In my 7th grade ELA classroom, the tone I set during the first week usually sets the tone for the whole year. Middle schoolers crave structure even if they won’t admit it, and when routines are predictable, they’re more likely to engage without acting out.

What really hit home was the section about the different levels of classroom management. From preventing misbehavior to re-directing it without disrupting learning, I’ve definitely seen how small things like proximity, a quiet signal, or a gentle redirection can go a long way in keeping the flow of instruction intact. Slavin’s breakdown of these low-key strategies reminded me how powerful nonverbal communication can be, especially when trying to preserve momentum during lessons.

One question I’ve been thinking about is how to better support students who struggle with transitions or emotional regulation. While I have some strategies in place, I want to reflect more on how I can give those students clearer expectations and maybe some additional support during key times of the day. I also want to explore how digital tools might help students self-monitor behavior in a way that feels empowering instead of punitive.

This reading reminded me that good classroom management isn’t about being strict. It’s about creating a safe space where learning can actually happen. Every year, I tweak my routines and expectations a little based on the group I have. This chapter just reinforced that managing a classroom well is more about being intentional than reactive.

Reference

Slavin, R. E. (2020). Educational psychology: Theory and practice (13th ed.). Pearson Education.