Nicole Rzonzew
PsychoEducational Director
11 tools to stay calm in the classroom
School has been underway for over a month now, and this is exactly when our students' honeymoon period ends and challenging behaviors begin to emerge. To stay calm in the midst of chaos, these 11 tools are for you.
Students are finally getting acquainted with routines, new classrooms, teachers and classmates. We could say that we finally got over the adjustment and adaptation period and we can truly begin to teach…. Right?
Not so much…
Here are some tools to help you keep the calm in the middle of those difficult moments and still keep the connection with your students intact:
1. Stay Calm and Composed:
Take deep breaths to manage your own emotions before reacting. Remember that engaging with the behavior will only escalate the situation with anger or frustration. Breathe for as long as it takes for you to be able to see the child beyond his behavior. Bring calm to the situation so that your student is able to calm himself.
2. Use Positive Language:
Communicate using positive and non-confrontational language. Focus on the behavior, not the student, e.g., “I see you’re having trouble with…” instead of “You’re being disruptive.”
3. Active Listening:
Give the student your full attention to understand their perspective. Show empathy by acknowledging their feelings, e.g., “I understand you might be feeling upset.”
4. Establish Clear Expectations:
Ensure students know the classroom rules and consequences for breaking them. Be consistent in enforcing these rules. Rules and consequences must be given before the behavior is exhibited. We have to set our students up for success. Being clear with them before they act out gives them the chance to make a choice.
5. Offer Choices:
Give students a sense of control by offering choices within limits. For example, “You can either finish this assignment now or after a short break.” “You have a choice, you can stop talking during my lecture so that everyone can hear, or you can continue talking. If you choose to continue talking, You will have to sit somewhere else”.
6. Positive Reinforcement:
Notice appropriate behavior with praise and small incentives. Encourage a positive classroom environment.
7. Use Visual Aids:
Visual schedules, charts, or reminders can help students with behavior challenges understand expectations.
8. Take Breaks:
Brain brakes can help both you and the student calm down. Movement is a good way to start. Use this time to reflect on the situation and plan your approach.
9. Maintain a Connection:
Let the student know you care about their well-being and success. Find opportunities to connect on a personal level outside of discipline.
10. Self-Care:
Ensure you’re taking care of your own physical and emotional well-being. A well-rested and emotionally balanced teacher is better equipped to handle challenging situations.
11. Documentation.
Keep records of incidents, interventions, and outcomes. This can be useful for discussions with parents, administrators, or specialists.
Use these 11 tools to stay calm in the classroom and remember:
Building a positive and trusting relationship with students is an ongoing process. Patience and consistency are key, and it may take time to see improvements in behavior.
Collaborating with colleagues and seeking support when needed can also make a significant difference.
Also, always remember: Your students’ behavior is not about you. Taking misbehavior personally will only escalate difficult situations. Breathe and tell yourself–every behavior is a form of communication, what is this child trying to tell me?