They say it takes about 5 years to find your own classroom management style as a teacher. I think it took me about 8 years. I’m a bit of a slow bloomer. Even after 5 years, your classroom management style will probably change as you as you teach. I thought my classroom management style would get stricter over the years, however as I have become less strict recently as I’m understanding more about the reasons behind difficult behaviour. I have also become a quieter teacher – which for those who know me, is very surprising! So, if you are still looking for your own classroom management style, or if you find your style is changing, here are somethings to consider.

1. Read about classroom management. Although classroom management is a very individual thing, there are some tried and true methods e.g. love your students.
2. Watch other teachers. I remember going into another kindergarten teacher’s room and her students were playing quietly at centres. It was the first time I had ever seen that. It seemed miraculous! Now, my kindergarten students play quietly at centres. Other teachers are perhaps the best place to find classroom management ideas.
3. Give yourself time and space to change. In the process of changing my classroom management style, my classes were not as well behaved as they had been in the past. I knew I was heading in a good direction and I just had to give myself time to figure it out. Now, I am more settled in a new style and my classes are better for everyone – the students and me.

All teachers have difficult days and feel that our classroom management skills were not up to the task that day e.g. the day on of my students put a marble in his ear and couldn’t get it out – and I thought I had taken all the marbles away when I caught him putting them up his nose. Remember, it is a process and when you are loving your students, doing your best, then you are doing ok. Just keep repeating it, “I am doing ok.”