Behavior Management Tips: Student Attention and More

Gain the attention of students using a hand clapping technique, avoid confusion with make-up assignments using file folders, and keep pens handy using flowers.

Clap, Don't Chat
When students get too chatty, try the following sure-fire chat stopper: In a quiet voice, say, "If you hear me clap once." (Pause to let those who hear you clap.) Then say, "If you hear me clap twice." (Clap-Clap) "If you hear me clap three times." (Clap-Clap-Clap) Continue until the entire class is quiet and clapping.

Make Up Madness
When distributing work sheets, place copies in folders for absent students. At the end of the day, simply label each folder with the absent students' names, and missed work is ready for the students' return.

Forget-Me-Nots
Use floral tape to attach large silk flowers to the tops of the pens and pencils you keep available for student use. The blossoms turn the writing tools into hard-to-forget flowers; kept in a vase on your desk, they'll also brighten up the room.

Article by Linda Starr
Education World®
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