1. Establish Clear Rules and Expectations

• Set the Foundation: From the outset, establish clear, simple rules that everyone understands. Make sure these rules are consistently applied and visible in the classroom.

• Communicate Expectations: Regularly communicate what is expected in terms of behaviour, and ensure students understand the consequences of not adhering to these expectations.

2. Be Consistent

• Follow Through: Consistency in applying rules and consequences is crucial. Inconsistent application can lead to confusion and diminish the teacher’s authority.

• Uniform Response: Treat all students equally when enforcing rules. This builds trust and respect among students.

3. Build Positive Relationships

• Engage with Empathy: Build rapport with students by showing genuine interest in their well-being and learning. Students are more likely to respond positively when they feel respected and understood.

• Mutual Respect: While being firm, also be fair and respectful. Positive relationships are built on trust, and this trust can encourage better behaviour.

4. Proactively Prevent Misbehaviour

• Plan Ahead: Anticipate potential behaviour issues and plan your lessons to keep students engaged and on-task. Structured lessons with clear transitions can prevent downtime that often leads to misbehaviour.

• Create a Safe Environment: Make sure the classroom environment is conducive to learning. This includes physical safety as well as a psychologically safe space where students feel comfortable participating.

5. Use the School’s Behaviour Policy

• Align with Policy: Always align your approach with the school’s behaviour policy. This gives you a solid framework to work within and ensures that you have the backing of the school’s administration.

• Refer to Policy When Necessary: Use the policy as a reference point when dealing with behaviour issues to depersonalise the situation and reinforce the established standards.

6. Teach Behaviour as Part of the Curriculum

• Behaviour Lessons: Explicitly teach students how to behave in different situations. This can include how to participate in discussions, how to respond to instructions, and how to interact with peers.

• Model Desired Behaviour: Demonstrate the behaviour you expect from your students. Students learn a lot from observing how their teacher handles situations.

7. Deploy De-escalation Techniques

• Stay Calm: When faced with misbehaviour, remain calm and composed. This helps prevent the situation from escalating.

• Private Conversations: Address issues privately where possible to avoid embarrassing students in front of their peers, which can lead to further issues.

8. Implement Effective Sanctions and Rewards

• Balanced Approach: Use a combination of sanctions for poor behaviour and rewards for good behaviour. Make sure these are applied fairly and consistently.

• Immediate and Relevant: Ensure that consequences and rewards are immediate and directly related to the behaviour being addressed.

9. Encourage Self-Regulation and Responsibility

• Teach Self-Control: Help students develop the ability to regulate their own behaviour. This involves teaching them the importance of self-discipline and the consequences of their actions.

• Responsibility for Actions: Encourage students to take responsibility for their behaviour. This can involve reflective activities where they consider the impact of their actions on others.

10. Reflect and Adapt

• Continuous Improvement: Regularly reflect on what is working and what isn’t in your behaviour management strategies. Be willing to adapt your approach based on your reflections and feedback from colleagues.

• Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to seek advice from more experienced teachers or use school resources to improve your behaviour management strategies.

These strategies, when implemented consistently, can significantly improve classroom behaviour and create a more conducive learning environment for all students.