This is perhaps the most crucial and yet toughest aspect of being a teacher and that is maintaining classroom mangement. My personal experience has shown that some straight A teachers are unable to control students and some C teachers are able to have an environment in which students are able to grow and learn.
Without a managed classroom, the learning environment is nil. That is a fact. Now how do teachers manage this? While there is no definite rule, the following is what I have found to work the best.
Many teachers will come up with a long list of rules for the classroom. The truth is that I am basically lazy and anyway life doesn't really work that way. Who really knows all the laws of their respective country? I don't.
Here are my rules:
#1-Think
#2- Use common sense
#3- Think again
Whilst, the above rules may seem silly, they do work. Should I as a teacher have to write down such rules as 'Do not kick your desk'? The answer is simply no, common sense applies.
Additionally, I use a Gold Star system for behavior. Silly, as this sound, the elementary students want their Gold Stars.
Here are some additional websites to help teacher maintain and have good classroom management.
Prejudice - Getting Along - Respect - Lesson Plans - Elementary Classroom Management Strategies Classroom Discipline Techniques and Resources