5 Behavior Management Strategies Every Teacher Should Know
As teachers, we all know that managing classroom behavior is one of the most significant challenges we face. Whether you’re a seasoned educator or new to the field, student behavior can make or break the classroom dynamic. It’s something we constantly discuss in school hallways and online groups, yet finding effective solutions can feel elusive.
If you’ve been struggling to find strategies that work, you’re not alone! I’m sharing five tried-and-true behavior management tips that can make a world of difference in your daily teaching, regardless of whether you work in a general education or special education setting.
1. Go Over Routines & Expectations Again (and Again!)
One of the most important elements of classroom management is consistency. From the moment students enter your room, they need to understand what’s expected of them. This doesn’t just apply to big-ticket items like classroom rules—it includes the smallest routines, such as how to line up, sharpen pencils, or transition between activities. When I first started teaching, I’d explain a routine once and be surprised when my students struggled to follow or remember it. Those first few years were a complete mess!
Why is this important?
Routines reduce confusion and anxiety. They give students a clear understanding of how the classroom functions and what is expected of them at any given moment. Spend the first few weeks of school going over these routines repeatedly, until they become second nature to your students. The time you invest early on will pay dividends later in the year, as routines will help keep your classroom running smoothly.
If you think your students "already know" the routine, trust me—review it again. Repetition helps all learners, especially those who need extra support. And if something isn’t working, don’t be afraid to revise your routine and reteach it. Flexibility and consistency are not mutually exclusive; in fact, they go hand in hand! If you don't already have my big list of routines and procedures I teach my class each year, you can download it for free, here.
2. Follow Through on What You Say
This strategy is simple but crucial: follow through on your words. If you tell a student that you’ll be calling home or emailing their parents about a behavior issue, make sure you do it. Empty threats may give you short-term compliance, but they erode trust and respect in the long run. I’ll admit, as a new teacher, I was intimidated by both parents and students. I went out of my way to avoid any potential conflict, which only made me appear weak in front of my students.
How does this help?
When students see that you follow through on your promises—whether positive or corrective—they understand that you mean what you say. This builds credibility and helps maintain your authority in the classroom. Additionally, it creates a predictable environment for students, which is essential for fostering a sense of security.
Don’t forget: follow-through works for positive reinforcement too! If you tell a student they’ll earn a reward or positive call home for great behavior, be sure to follow through on that promise. It’s these little moments that show students you notice and appreciate their efforts.
3. Praise the Positive, and Then Praise Some More!
One of the most powerful tools in your behavior management toolkit is positive reinforcement. It’s often easier to focus on what students are doing wrong, but focusing on what they’re doing right can have an even greater impact. Recognizing positive behavior not only encourages it to continue but also helps foster a positive classroom culture.
Practical ways to implement this:
Verbally acknowledge when students are on task or making good choices.
Incorporate classroom rewards like earning points, privileges, or small tokens of appreciation.
Send quick, positive notes home to parents.
When my students see me reach for the positive notes on my desk, I watch everyone sit up a little straighter. I feel like Oprah—"You get a positive note! You get a positive note!” Giving out these notes is sometimes my favorite part of the day, and parents absolutely love them. They help parents feel connected to the classroom, and who doesn’t love hearing something great about their child?
Remember, even if you’re praising the smallest effort, it can go so much further than punishment ever will.
If you’re looking for an easy way to get started with this, check out my set of positive behavior notes designed to make your life easier. You can find them here.
4. Less Talk, More Visuals
Too much verbal instruction can overwhelm students—especially those with special needs, ADHD, or language processing challenges. That’s where visuals come in handy. Using visual prompts to support your directions can make a huge difference in helping students stay focused and on task.
Why use visuals?
Visuals provide students with non-verbal reminders of expectations without disrupting the flow of your lesson. For example, instead of stopping instruction to remind a student to stay seated, you can place a visual prompt on their desk. This quick cue allows the student to self-correct without needing a verbal redirection. When my students see me approaching their desks with my pointer finger ready, they quickly adjust their behavior because they know I’m either about to praise their good work or remind them to quiet down.
I’ve found that desk behavior visual prompts work wonders in the classroom. They provide gentle, non-verbal feedback to students, helping them stay on track without interrupting the entire class. If you’re curious about these tools, you can explore them here.
5. Use Daily Communication Forms and Behavior Think Sheets as Needed
For students who need more targeted behavior support, daily communication forms or behavior think sheets can be game changers. These tools allow students to reflect on their behavior while also keeping parents informed about what’s happening in the classroom.
Why this works:
When students take time to reflect on their behavior, they’re given the opportunity to think critically about their actions and make improvements. Additionally, regular communication with parents keeps everyone on the same page. It helps reinforce consistent behavior expectations at home and school, providing a support system that benefits the student.
For those of you interested in structured behavior documentation, I’ve created a set of daily communication forms and behavior think sheets. These tools make it easy to track behavior and communicate with parents regularly. You can check them out here.
Final Thoughts
Effective behavior management is the backbone of a productive classroom. By being consistent, following through, praising positive behavior, using visuals, and maintaining open communication, you can create an environment where students feel supported and empowered to do their best.
Behavior management isn't about controlling students; it's about guiding them. When we equip our students with the tools and structure they need to succeed, we’re giving them the foundation to thrive, not just in our classrooms but in their future endeavors.
P.S. If you’re struggling with behavior management and need more support, feel free to email me! And if you’d like to explore my full Behavior Toolkit, you can find it here.
