Setting Up Your Classroom

• 1). Organize your classroom to be effective in providing structure and routine before your students arrive. There should be a space for their backpacks, lunches and homework (cubbies and pockets over the backs of chairs for younger students, for example). For middle school or high school students, have a specific place for homework to be returned at the beginning of class. This creates a routine, and each student will know what is expected as soon as he enters your classroom.
  
  
• 2). Label everything clearly. Cubbies should have students' names on them to prevent fighting, which will disrupt the class. Materials and sections of the classroom, such as "reading nook" or "arts and crafts," should also be labeled. This will allow students to become more familiar with where things go. Then when you say it is time to clean up, they will be able to do so effectively.
  
  
• 3). Set a schedule. This sounds easy, but it is very important. When students arrive in your classroom they should know that they have until a certain time before their desks should be cleared and the teaching starts. Plan for the in-between times as well. Lining up to go to another classroom or outside needs to be structured. "No talking" and "hands to yourself" should be set rules early on. Have a signal to alert your students to line up or move on to the next activity, such as ringing a bell or switching the lights off. If your students finish a task early, have established what they can and cannot do while others finish their work.
  
  
• 4). Start the day how you end it. Do not become relaxed at the end of the day. Remember the steps from above and apply them to the end-of-the-day routine. Create a routine for making sure each student has all of the homework he will need. Students must understand that the rules apply until they have left your classroom.
  
  
• 5). Use consequences and praise. For example, create envelopes with your students' names on them and post on a bulletin board. Students earn or lose tickets depending on their behavior. If a student interrupts your routine, whether talking in line or not putting his belongings in their proper place, he loses a ticket. If you can, immediately remove the ticket or have the student remove the ticket and bring it to you. Depending on your classroom, you can create your own way to establish an understanding of consequences and rewards.
  
  
• 6). Plan for emergencies and special occasions. Students need structure and routine not only for everyday tasks, but also for emergencies and special occasions. Rehearse procedures with your students so they can become familiar with what to do in case of an emergency. A special occasion might include a student's birthday party. Let students and parents know what time they can bring food or presents to class in order to lessen the amount of disturbance.