Classroom Mangagement

What is the correct way to manage a classroom? I think the best way to manage a classroom is by using positive reinforcements. From the beginning of the year or simply the start of the class, you have to tell the students exactly what you expect from them. This past Monday, Mrs. Tucker had to substitute for a third grade class. Immediately when she stepped into the class she introduced herself and has a pep talk with the whole class. When I walked into the room she introduced me and told me a little bit about the class. She said, “Ms. Dutton we are going to have a good day today with this class. I can tell that all of these students are very smart and are eager to learn.” The whole time she is talking she has an upbeat attitude and the students catch on to that. I think if the teacher is positive from the beginning the students are more likely to be positive and behave. This also helps the students respect you a whole lot more. I know when I was in school; I always liked the teacher that respected me more than the teachers that pulled rank.
I did get to witness Mrs. Tucker Monday sort out problems some of the students had with each other. Two students got started fussing at each other when they were lining up for recess while she was subbing. She did not handle it in front of the rest of the students, she told them to wait and talk to her when they got outside. The class walked down the hallway and out the back doors to the playground. When they got outside the girl ran off. Mrs. Tucker called her back and talked to her and the little boy. The problem was that the little girl called the boy ugly when she was getting in line. Mrs. Tucker asked the boy (because he was the one that complained first) what happened. He said that while he was in line she was breaking in behind him and he heard her call him ugly under her breath. Well then Mrs. Tucker listened to the little girl’s side of the story. The verdict was that the little girl did call him ugly and she had five minutes taken off her recess. The part I like about how Mrs. Tucker disciplines is the way she explains why they are being disciplined. One little boy pushed his finger nail into a little girls hand. He admitted to it and said he did it on purpose because she was pulling on his jacket. Mrs. Tucker sent him to sit out. Before he walked off she told him why he was having to sit out and told him to think of a better way he could have handled the situation. I think this is the key to keep the students in check. I think they respond better to her when they are getting in trouble because she takes the time to explain to them why what they did was wrong. I think in turn they respect her more.