Classroom Management Tips
Progressive elementary schools, particularly those embracing the Primary Years Programme (PYP), focus on student-centered learning, inquiry-based approaches, and holistic education. In this environment, classroom management can be both a challenge and an opportunity. This article explores five effective classroom management strategies designed to help teachers in progressive (and even in not so progressive) settings maintain a positive and conducive learning environment.
1. Build a Community of Learners
One of the core principles of progressive education is fostering a strong sense of community within the classroom. Start the year by establishing a classroom culture based on respect, collaboration, and shared goals. Here are a few ideas to get started:
Morning Meetings: Begin each day with a brief meeting where students share news, discuss the day's agenda, and set intentions. This builds a sense of belonging and promotes open communication.
Collaborative Projects: Engage students in group projects that encourage teamwork and cooperative learning. This helps create a supportive classroom environment where students feel valued.
2. Implement Restorative Practices
Traditional disciplinary approaches may not align with progressive values. Instead, consider using restorative practices to address conflicts and behavioral issues. This approach encourages dialogue, reflection, and reconciliation rather than punishment. Here's how you can apply restorative practices:
Restorative Circles: When conflicts arise, gather the involved parties in a circle to discuss what happened, how it made them feel, and how they can make amends. This fosters empathy and accountability.
Classroom Agreements: Develop a set of agreements with your students that outline expected behavior and the consequences of breaking those agreements. This empowers students to take responsibility for their actions.
3. Use Flexible Seating
Progressive classrooms often emphasize flexibility and choice. Implementing flexible seating options can increase student engagement and reduce disruptive behavior. Consider these tips for successful flexible seating:
Offer a Variety of Choices: Include different seating options like bean bags, standing desks, wobble stools, and traditional chairs. Allow students to choose their preferred spot for specific activities.
Establish Guidelines: While offering flexibility, make sure to set clear guidelines about when and how students can switch seats. This maintains order while encouraging autonomy.
4. Integrate Mindfulness Practices
Mindfulness has become a popular tool in progressive classrooms for promoting focus, reducing stress, and improving behavior. Here are a few simple ways to integrate mindfulness into your daily routine:
Mindful Moments: Start and end the day with a brief mindfulness exercise, such as deep breathing or guided visualization. This helps students center themselves and transition smoothly.
Mindfulness Corners: Create a designated space in your classroom where students can go to take a break, calm down, or engage in a mindfulness activity. Provide resources like calming jars, stress balls, or coloring pages.
5. Encourage Student Voice and Choice
Giving students a voice in classroom decisions can lead to greater engagement and responsibility. Here's how you can empower student voice in a progressive classroom:
Classroom Jobs: Assign classroom jobs to students, allowing them to take ownership of different aspects of classroom management. This fosters a sense of responsibility and community. (Do you dislike the idea of classroom jobs like I have at times in my career…I designed an innovative way to do them in a fresh and modern way so that it has more meaning for the kids and takes up less time for me! I am in the midst of putting this practice together in a format to share with teachers, so check back soon to learn more! I will hyperlink it here when I complete it!)
Student-Led Conferences: Instead of traditional parent-teacher conferences, consider allowing students to lead their own conferences. This empowers students to reflect on their learning and set personal goals. More ideas on this to come too! Student led conferences are one of my FAVOURITE times of the year!
In Conclusion…
Classroom management in progressive schools requires a different approach, one that embraces community, flexibility, and student voice. By implementing these five strategies, you can create a positive learning environment that aligns with PYP values and fosters student growth. If you'd like more classroom management tips and resources, be sure to explore our other blog posts and check out our Teachers Pay Teachers store for helpful tools and materials.
