A classroom behavior management plan is a proactive strategy a teacher implements to cultivate an optimal learning environment for students. Without proper classroom management, effective learning is nearly impossible, regardless of the quality of lesson plans. A strong plan outlines expectations, rules, and consequences for students who choose not to follow them, as well as rewards for those who do.
It should also include specific expectations for small group instruction, independent work, and station activities. Furthermore, you will want to communicate your expectations for students in other areas of the school, such as the hallway, cafeteria, and playground, as well as when they are with another teacher.
Be careful when discussing other teachers’ classrooms; you don’t want students to feel like they only need to follow your expectations. Instead, emphasize that you expect them to be respectful of every teacher and their rules, and that you will hold them accountable for their actions in those classes as well.
The Importance of an Effective Behavior Management Plan
An effective behavior management plan is a strategy that should be in use at all times. It is arguably the most important thing you will do at the beginning of the school year. You should dedicate at least two weeks to reviewing expectations, procedures, rewards, and consequences with your students every day. This may seem like a lot of time, but if you don’t do it, you will likely regret it later.
The key to a successful behavior management plan is consistency. If students see that you don’t follow through with what you’ve established, the classroom environment will quickly become chaotic and difficult to regain control of.
Many teachers confuse being lenient with their classroom management with being kind and loving toward their students. These are not the same! You can be both kind and loving while still holding students accountable for their behavior. When you spend time building relationships with your students at the beginning of the year, they will know you care about them and still expect them to behave appropriately.
The key is to discuss, model, and teach the correct behaviors. We must teach students expectations because they don’t always receive that guidance at home. We cannot fairly discipline a student for misbehaving if we haven’t first taught them how we want them to behave. Have honest conversations with your students and continuously model how to treat others.
How to Write an Effective Behavior Management Plan
An effective behavior management plan begins with a thoughtful approach to rules, rewards, and relationships. It’s also important to get student buy-in by including them in the process. A great way to start this discussion is with a read-aloud to get them thinking, such as Do Unto Otters by Laurie Keller.
Step 1: Establish Rules
You should have some rules in mind that you can guide your students toward as you discuss the book. Record their thoughts on chart paper and use them to establish your classroom rules. This way, students feel that they are part of the process and are more likely to follow the rules.
Once the rules are established, have students sign a behavior contract. When a student is having a difficult day, you can use the contract to have a one-on-one conference to discuss their behavior.
Step 2: Define Rewards and Consequences
The next step in your plan should be your rewards and consequences. This can also be a class discussion to ensure students feel that what you decide together is fair. Make sure the rewards and consequences are visible so students know what will happen when they follow the rules and when they don’t.
When establishing consequences, ensure the punishment is fair and reasonable and fits the “crime.” For example, if a student chooses not to do an assignment during reading stations, a fair and reasonable consequence is a working lunch.
Step 3: Build Positive Relationships
Your behavior management plan should also include how you will establish positive relationships with students. It may sound silly to write this down, but intentionally thinking about and committing to a plan makes it more likely to happen.
A teacher’s influence can be the best or worst thing in a child’s school experience. If you have to talk to a parent, counselor, or administrator about a child’s behavior, refrain from doing it in front of the student to avoid embarrassment.
Step 4: Set Clear Expectations for All Settings
Your plan should also include your expectations for students when working with a small group, independently, or in a collaborative learning setting. While most of your general rules should still apply, you will also want to ensure you are not interrupted during small group instruction.
Establish a few student helpers who can answer questions, and discuss when it is okay for a student to interrupt you. You can make this memorable with a fun phrase like, “If Spiderman knocks on the door, you can interrupt my small group teaching,” or the more classic, “Don’t interrupt unless you are bleeding, barfing, or blue.”
Your plan should also include strategies for teaching students to solve conflict, mindfulness techniques, and the use of a calm-down kit. These are great tools that will help you create a positive, healthy classroom environment.
Behavior Management Plan Examples
Here is a simple example of a behavior management plan that you can adapt for your classroom.
- Classroom Rules:
- Be respectful to yourself, your classmates, and your teachers.
- Listen when others are talking.
- Raise your hand to speak or get out of your seat.
- Do your best and always try new things.
- Rewards:
- Verbal praise and positive notes home.
- Classroom “Dojo” points for individual and whole-class rewards.
- Extra recess time.
- “No Homework” passes.
- Consequences:
- Verbal redirection or reminder of the rules.
- Loss of a few minutes of recess.
- A short “working lunch” to complete unfinished work.
- A behavior reflection sheet to be completed and signed by a parent.
Final Thoughts on Classroom Management
An effective behavior management plan is not just about rules and consequences; it’s about building a positive, consistent learning community. Put your plan in writing and share it with parents at “Meet the Teacher” night.
Let them know that students will help create the classroom rules and that you will send a copy of the final rules home. This ensures parents are aware of your approach and what they can expect for their child. Remember, building relationships, teaching your expectations, and consistency are the three keys to a smooth and successful year.
