Here are my 5 favorite Classroom Management Ideas
Having good classroom management is a must if you want to be able to effectively teach your students. It doesn’t matter how good you are at presenting the info, teaching the skill or even how applicable the content is to your students – if you have poor classroom management you won’t be able to teach effectively because of the distractions from organizational or behavioral problems.
Throughout my years of teaching I am always looking for ways to improve. I have developed some routines and procedures that have really helped to streamline most of my management troubles and give me more time to do what I love – teach my students! All of my routines and procedures regarding management are focused on automating the non-instructional tasks in my lessons and putting more responsibility on the students in my classes.
These Classroom Management Hacks Accomplish Two Things
First – They give me more time to teach since I am spending less time on management and organization.
Second – They help my students learn to take responsibility for themselves
Teaching students self responsibility is a huge focus of mine throughout the year and one of the most important things I think we can ingrain in our students as they progress through the school system.
“I can give you the keys to success… but you have to open the door yourself”
I discuss the quote above to my students all the time. I really hope that one day they will realize that the best teacher in the world can’t help them if they won’t take responsibility and use the information and content that schools are trying to deliver to help make their lives better.
Here are my top 5 favorite classroom management Hacks:
1.) The Conflict Corner
This strategy is my favorite time saver when I have students who want to tell me about what somebody else did wrong (tattle tales). Especially at the elementary level, this can be a big time waster, not to mention exhausting for the teacher. This poster is up in the corner of my gym and students must go follow the steps in an attempt to resolve the conflict on their own before coming to talk to me about it. For more info and a video of how I teach it to my kids you can check out my previous blog about it HERE.
2.) Daily Student Self Assessment
Using the logic from the book Teaching Personal and Social Responsibility Through Physical Activity this self assessment strategy is an easy way to build assessment into your program and make sure students are aware of their performance in your class. Assessment can be a little overwhelming at times, especially if you teach Elementary and have over 600 students to keep track of. I’ve found this to be the easiest way to make sure get daily feedback from students and to communicate to them that their performance in my class matters.
Each day on the way out of the gym students will hit one of 4 Grading Signs that I have glued on my wall. Their choice indicates to me how they performed in Physical Education class for that day. At the beginning of the year we go over the system and then during each class I give them “Bonus Challenges” to try and reach the WOW level for that day. You can get more details and see a video of my students grading themselves HERE.
There are lots of Phys Ed Teachers using self assessment everyday with their students you can find tons of ideas by just consulting with “Dr. Google”
- One that I really like is Kevin Tiller’s 4 point rhyming rubric poster check it out if you haven’t seen it.
3.) The Good Sportsmanship Code
Usually my kids are pretty awesome about using Good Sportsmanship – it’s one of the things that I regularly stress, emphasize and try to build into my classroom culture.
But… every now and then kids will get really into a game, especially if I have the perfect mix of competitive kids and mind-blowing, out of this world, incredibly fun games. So I created this poster to help out whenever my class begins to forget one of my favorite sayings…
“It’s Just A Game”
Anytime there is a hint of poor sportsmanship, I stop the class, we pause the gameplay and the entire class sits in front of the Good Sportsmanship Poster and recites it like the pledge of allegiance. This is a great way to reset our internal compass and remember that winning the game wasn’t the most important objective in Physical Education. For more info and a video example you can check out my previous post HERE.
4.) Time out, Inappropriate Shoes or Injury Form
If you’re classes are anything like mine the beginning of class sometimes begins with a few students coming up to you with excuses about being unable to participate or wearing inappropriate clothing. This can sometimes be a time killer at the beginning of class. That’s why I came up with this form to automate the process and also create some parent communication.
Anytime a student forgets tennis shoes, isn’t feeling well, gets injured or goes to time out – they know to go to the wall, get a hanging clipboard and fill out the orange form. They will then take it home and get it signed by their parents before the next PE class. It works great and gives me more time to teach, since I spend less time dealing with some of the more common issues in PE. You can see a video explanation HERE if you’re interested.
5.) Self Timed Penalty Box
This is a great strategy for those situations when students break a rule during gameplay or even for a time out or refocus. Instead of asking students to wait on you to tell them to return to the gameplay or lesson – have students use a stopwatch or iPad Timer to time themselves for 60 seconds, or go super low-tech and have them count to 60-Mississippi’s and then return to class.
Anytime students break a rule during gameplay in my class (ie. stepping over a line when throwing a ball) they put themselves in the “Penalty Box” by sitting on the bench and timing themselves for 60 seconds – after 60 seconds they return to the game. Many times my students will put themselves in the penalty box without my direction.
This strategy allows you to keep teaching, providing feedback or monitoring the gameplay. Once again, this places the responsibility on the student to monitor themselves… Do we see a pattern?
As I mentioned, I always try to take advantage of any kind of system that I can implement that will encourage students to take responsibility for their own learning – I think this is super important.
I hope you can use some of those Management Hacks. If you’re interested in hearing about more of my PhysEd Hacks then make sure to check out my presentation on PhysEd Hacks that I gave at the #ESPEchat Online Phys Ed Summit. You can watch it HERE
Hope you guys all have an amazing week, let me know if I can help you in any way!
Nicole Watts says
I want to become a member but my school will only pay for a 1-time membership. Please send us your W-9 information so my principal can order my membership. I LOVE your work and an eager to get access to it all. Our secretary said she reached out to you but has not heard back. I’m at Pleasant Hill Elementary Stream Academy. Please Please send me more information on how we can purchase a 1-year, one time membership. Thank you so much!
(843) 558-9417
Marcus says
Hey Nicole!
We will email you the W9 information!
Victoria says
IT’S AMAZING! THANK YOU FOR ALL THE RESOURCES AND HELP YOUR SITE PROVIDES. IT IS VERY USEFUL
Marcus says
Awesome Victoria!
Glad you’re enjoying the resources!
rachel says
Thank you for all you do for us PE teachers, both many years into the profession and for folks getting started.
Much appreciated- Rachel
Marcus says
You’re welcome Rachel!
Glad you’re enjoying the resources!
Lori Kunz says
Hey, Ben, I have used the “orange papers” for awhile, and they are the best method I’ve seen for reminding the students to wear the right clothes and shoes. Always had a question…..what do you do with them when they come back from being signed?
Marcus says
Great question Lori,
We usually keep the papers until the end of the grading period or school year. That way, if someone has a question about when students didn’t wear appropriate clothing we have the papers to show we contacted the parents.
All for communication and record keeping.
Madison Wingerter says
Hi there! I am a brand new teacher, just graduated in May of this year. I have been given and accepted an elementary pe job for the fall. Although I am super excited to start, I’m wondering where to even start. It’s a little intimidating to think about having to plan out a whole years worth of activities and units having never done it before. What would be your best advice for a brand new teacher like myself going into a pe position?
Marcus says
Hey Madison,
Thanks for reaching out!
First of all, congratulations on graduating and welcome to the PE profession! We are excited you’ve joined the ranks of PE Teachers!
Check out the notes below from Ben! Especially the podcast and show notes page:
Best Resource:
I recorded an entire Podcast Episode on “Tips for First Year Teachers”, you can check it out here: https://youtu.be/U9E5SddkPPM
I would also just keep asking questions on Twitter and checking out resources like blogs, youtube, books, conferences and other professionals.
Some more great resources to get you started below:
My site has a membership program with a lot of resources beyond the blog, check it out and if you think it’s worth it ask your school if they’d be willing to pay for it – it could be a good resource, you can find more info here thepespecialist.com/info
If your not already receiving our free resource emails sign up here: https://www.thepespecialist.com/subscribe
Other great sites for PE Resources
Joey Feith’s website: http://www.thephysicaleducator.com/
PE Central: http://www.pecentral.org/
PE Universe: http://www.peuniverse.com/
OPEN PhysEd: http://openphysed.org/
Youtube – just search for videos on the topic you’re interested in (https://www.youtube.com/)
PhysEd Games: https://physedgames.com/
Any books by J.D. Hughes – there are links in my amazon recommendations
Hope that’s a good start!
Enjoy it, have fun. I would recommend focusing on management routines and systems to get started and just go into it knowing that change takes time.
Your first year will be harder than your 2nd because kids will get to know you more and more the longer you’re there and understand your expectations.
Galya says
Hi dear pespecialist!
I hope everything goes well at your side!
I teach elementary from KG-Gr 5
I strangle with some of my kids motivation and efforts during the lessons and decided to implement a PE league with 4 class rules.
1. Listen to the teacher and follow directions
2. Raise your hand if you want to speak
3. Do your best ( effort)
4. Demonstrate respect and kindness
If a student demonstrated all 4 points during the class he or she gets a star. At the end of the term the winner/s in every class gets a medal
A medal – is a medical word, it really changed a lot. But our head of elementary doesn’t like this idea cos he doesn’t want to have unhappy kids (those who don’t get a medal) , I disagree… cos they try harder if they want a medal , they probably can get a ribbon “ keep trying!” Not to be upset too much …
What do u think about it?
Marcus Nellems says
Hey Galya,
Thanks for reaching out!
I agree with the rules you have. Students can benefit from striving to reach those goals! As far as your reward system goes, I can see both sides, especially with elementary students.
What has worked for us are the management tips in the blog post. Getting students to value the physical education experience is the most consistent way to have positive behavior in class.
Some system work better than others, but getting students to value the experience in class has worked for us.
Hopefully you can find a system that works in your situation!
Darcie Bowers says
Hi, I am not able to download the free classroom management tools. Do I have to be a member to access them?
Marcus Nellems says
Hey Darcie,
Sorry about the issue!
Usually, this issue is related to a school filter, pop-up blocker, or browser caching issue – so we’d recommend trying from another computer, switching browsers, clearing your cache and making sure all pop up blockers have been turned off.
As a another option you can also find some of our products on our Teachers Pay Teachers Page Here: https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Store/The-Pe-Specialist
Kim Studer says
You saved me as a PE/Health teacher Ben! I love all of your classroom management strategies and use them in our gym! They have helped me become a more effective teacher. Thank you!
Marcus Nellems says
Hey Kim,
Thanks for the awesome works of encouragement! Glad you’re enjoying the resources.
Mrs Khan says
Its really mind blowing ideas ,the first i like the most bcoz it often happens in the class.
Ben Landers says
Glad you found it helpful!
Jennifer Klose says
I have been a classroom teacher for 17 years and a PE teacher for the past 5 years. I was moved into PE when a new principal did a fruit basket turn over with our staff, and I went from 5th grade ELA to PE. At first, I wasn’t even sure if I was certified to teach it, but found out my old school degree allowed for it! After my first year, I absolutely fell in love with Elem PE and discovered the importance of it in my state of TX, since we are the second ranked state for childhood obesity! Like, you I’m constantly looking to learn new ideas especially in the area of management with large numbers at once! I greatly appreciate you sharing your top 5! I have downloaded all of them and will put them to use in my gym. THANK YOU 🙂
Ben Landers says
Glad it’s helpful!
Cheryl says
I use 5 push-ups get you back in the game! I’m careful NOT to call the push-ups the penalty, but spin it as the push-ups are the key to getting back in. Sometimes I use 20 jump ropes or sit-ups. Great practice for these exercises and a more active time out.
Ben Landers says
Good stuff!
Mon says
Nice ideas for Classroom Management. I hope you can give me updates, as they become available. Thank you. – Mon Cruz
Ben Landers says
You can sign up for updates on our free newsletter here: https://www.thepespecialist.com/subscribe/
Luann Doyle says
thanks
Mister Dee says
Hi.
The Daily Student Self Assessment free poster download is somewhat broken. When I clicked the link it is just spinning and takes forever. Can you please take a look at it?
Thanks.
Kristi says
Your website is extremely beneficial and helpful. I shared your website with our entire elementary PE group!
Thank you!
Kristi Baker
Eagle Mountain-Saginaw ISD
Ben Landers says
Thanks Kristi! Sharing is caring 🙂
Ryan says
Hey Ben! It was great meeting you at the PE Institute. I love your posters but I’m having trouble downloading them. Any way you could send me an email with them attached? I love your site, resources, and passion for our profession!
Ben Landers says
We had an issue with the download system, but it should be working now. Give it another shot.
Carol Saboites says
Hey, Thanks for all of the tips! Two questions. How do you deal with “drama” between students? Tattle tales and telling me during class that “So and so doesn’t like me! He doesn’t want to be friends with me!” And also your way of handling students going to the bathroom and using the water fountain? Structured breaks for both of these? Last year was my first year in primary school. 30th year overall of teaching in the public school system. Thanks for all of your help!
Ben Landers says
Hey Carol – check out https://www.thepespecialist.com/hacks/ for an overview of all my rules/systems/procedures.
For the tattle tales, that’s why I have the Conflict Corner 🙂
I also usually ask the kid that’s complaining “did you talk to them about how you feel yet?” and usually they haven’t, so I have them do that first and intervene if needed.
Carol says
Thanks so much, Ben! Going to use your ideas and strategies in my classes. Greatly appreciated! One more question. How do handle bathroom and water breaks? Some of my kids want to get water and bathroom more than I know that they need to go during class. I don’t want to get into trouble with those with medical issues. Thanks!!
Ben Landers says
If the music is on they can get water or use the bathroom – if the music is off they can’t.
Also – no waiting in line (we have 1 shared bathroom and one water fountain)
Some of my kids do have a doc note and they are allowed to go at any time
Susan Mursau says
Great communication and quick feedback forms and ideas.
Liz says
Loving your site!! I have used so many of your ideas and the kids love them. With my younger kids- 5-8year olds we have some that have some MAJOR anger management issues, resorting to violence and running off. It becomes a safety issue and makes teaching very difficult!
Ben Landers says
Glad it’s been helpful! Management is a struggle for sure, that’s why I ended up developing all these strategies to help with it – it was taking away from my instruction
Sarah says
These are great ideas! I’m co-teaching P.E. right now with another teacher since we don’t have a P.E. teacher. We’re teaching 25 K-4th graders all at the same time (we have a small school), and have struggled with managing the kids excitement, noise level, you name it. Thanks!
Ben Landers says
Awesome – glad you found it helpful. That’s quite an age range you have there!
Anna Bradshaw says
How do you deal with disrespect? I have two classes of 5th grader that a couple of kids in each class are very disrespectful. Thank you.
Ben Landers says
5th Grade is a struggle, especially towards the end of the year. I use the same strikes/consequence system with everyone 1 – warning, 2 – sit out until I come discuss your behavior with you, 3 – out for the rest of class and I send a note home.
I have a few kids in 5th grade that honestly don’t care about school or PE class and it’s hard to motivate them, but I’m just truthful with them and try to empathize with where they are in life – sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t.
Joe Henry says
Thanks for posting these. I plan on using them, but what do you do if a student does not return a time out form (or refuses to)? As for the sneakers we keep several bins around our gym with various sizes that were donated by parents and teachers. The kids can borrow sneakers if they forget. Being a poor rural area sometimes we just give the kids sneakers because they don’t have any.
Thanks again and cheers.
The PE Specialist says
That’s great, I hope they are a good tool for you. If a student doesn’t return a time out form I will call or email the parent just to let them know about the issue and ask them for advice on how to best help their student.
Claudia Brown says
Great work! Thanks for sharing!